Category: Out and about

The end of the year is usually marked by reports that look back on a year and prospects for the next year. In the early 1920s Aberdeen newspapers published reports on the state of the trade in the city and in surrounding areas. These included reference to agricultural engineering activities by key players such as the Bon Accord Engineering Company and C. F. Wilson & Co. As the articles make out the year 1921 was a very difficult one, especially for overseas business and poor economic prospects. 1922 was a bit better, though prices for agricultural implements and machines had fallen significantly.

The articles from the Aberdeen newspapers are quoted at length:

Aberdeen and the north trade reports for 1921

(from Aberdeen and Free Press and Journal, 2 January 1922)

C. F. Wilson and Co., Links Engineering Works, reports that in the early part of the year they had orders from abroad for their oil engines, which would have kept them going for a long period. During the early summer months these foreign orders were suddenly cancelled. The business of this firm, we understand, is largely a foreign one, and at that period they were up against international competition, the conditions being such that they were not able to sell their goods in the countries to which they formerly exported, the foreign exchanges being also very greatly against them. This is still prevailing, and although the firm are receiving a pretty uniform flow of inquiries, business does not result through the adverse circumstances mentioned.

Several countries in the Near East, with which they had a considerable business in pre-war times, have not yet been able to come into the market as purchasers of oil engines. The future, although by no means bright, is beginning to show indications of improvement.

Bon Accord Engineering Company

During the early part of the year business in the Bon Accord Engineering Company’s general and agricultural engineering trade was very brisk, but from then up to the present time business has been gradually declining, and at the present moment is very bad, with poor prospects for the immediate future. Their experience is that there appears to be any number of inquiries, but buyers are holding off waiting for lower prices, as people will not buy on a falling market until they are sure that the bottom prices have been reached, as even with the reduction in costs which have so far taken place, prices of the manufactured goods are still too high.

In their foreign trade, in which they used to do a very large business prior to the war, they were finding the same conditions ruling-namely, that prices, coupled with the adverse rate of exchange in most of the countries, make the cost prohibitive from the buyer’s point of view.

The reports received from these countries are that they would like to buy British-made goods, and are willing to give a preference so far as price is concerned, but that they cannot afford to pay the big prices now being asked. This is all the more disappointing, as in many cases the goods are still being supplied from Germany at much lower prices. It is found that in some cases, with the prices being so high that in some of these countries they are starting to make these goods themselves, which means that once they begin to do so, they will never come to this country for them. With costs of production down considerably there would be plenty of business to be got, but until that time prospective customers will lie off.

Engineering dull (Aberdeen press and journal, 3 January 1923)

Transit costs a handicap in contracts

The engineering trade has had its full share of the general depression, but there is a feeling that the prospects at this time are very much better than was the case a year ago. That is not to say that they are particularly bright, but there is a more optimistic atmosphere. Keen competition is apparent and the trade is hopeful that with reduced prices the confidence of buyers will be restored and long before the end of 1923 there will be an improvement in trade conditions generally. Locally the industry is considerably retarded so far as south contracts are concerned by the cost of transit, which would require to be considerably modified to meet the handicap of distance.

Agricultural engineering

Business in the agricultural engineering trade during 1922 has been wonderfully good and certainly better than it was last year. Further prospects are distinctly more hopeful than they were a year ago. In the trade there is an impression that business is in a much better position locally than generally throughout the country, and that farmers in the North of Scotland are in a much better position than those in England. Prices of all agricultural implements are lower by 30 to 40 per cent than they were twelve months ago, and the opinion is expressed that there is little chance of much further reduction in the coming year.

Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Ltd, engineers, millwrights, and implement makers, report that business has been fairly satisfactory. They have considerably more work in hand than they had at the end of 1921, and the prospect of getting further orders is much brighter.

Quite a contrast between the two years!

One of the well-known Ford dealers in the east of Scotland was A. T. Mungall Ltd. In 1958 it celebrated its silver jubilee as a Ford dealer. The following celebratory article appeared in the Kirriemuir free press on 23 October 1958 which tells of the company’s history and association with Ford:

“Forfar firm’s distinction

Twenty-five years as Ford dealers

A. T. Mungall Ltd, the well-known Forfar firm, are this month celebrating their silver jubilee connection with the Ford Motor Company. They became Ford dealers in 1933.

Messrs Andrew and Robert Mungall acquired the old North Road Garage in February, 1932, having previously been with David Callander Ltd, Roberts Street.

They started off with one employee, and now they have forty-five.

The cheapest Ford car, when they took on the representation, was selling at £100, but that was before purchase tax and the Second World War.

Within a couple of years, Mr James Mungall joined his brothers in the business which had been built up substantially before the war broke out, including a three-fold increase in accommodation.

During the war, when agriculture became all-important, the firm was appointed the Department of Agriculture’s engineers for this area. This involved supervision and maintenance of the Department’s fleet of 30 to 40 tractors and associated implements, which during those difficult years, brought many neglected acres back into cultivation.

Following the war, they built separate premises in Lochside Road for their tractor and implement business.

A sore blow to the firm and to his innumerable friends was the sudden death of Mr Andrew Mungall in 1955.

Washing accommodation and equipment on a production scale was added in 1957-58, and has proved very successful, and a new petrol station is meantime in the course of construction at Queenswell Road and Craig-o-Loch Road. The equipment and parts stock for cars, commercial vehicles and tractors is first-class and leaves nothing to be desired.

Mr Robert Mungall has gone to London this week, and will meet Mr Henry Ford II, the grandson of the famous pioneer and founder, at a cocktail party for Ford dealers.”

The photos were taken at the Deeside Vintage Rally, August 2022.

During the Second World War there continued to be farm displenishing sales. A number of these sales were held in Dumfries and Galloway. These provide insights into the activities being undertaken on the farms as well as the types of implements and machines that were being used.

These adverts note the wide range of implements and machines, and the high use of mechanisation to undertake a wide range of tasks from ploughing through to crop processing. For animal husbandry, they note in particular the use of feeding troughs, food coolers, poultry appliances and sheds (the “poultry houses” and “iron loose boxes”), railway milk cans, and refrigerators.

The names of key makers are noted, also demoting the stature and reputation of some of the implements and machines. There are a number of Scottish makers including Wallace of Glasgow, Pollock of Mauchline, Sellar of Huntly, Hunter of Maybole, Bisset of Blairgowrie, Harkness of Annan, Begg of Dalry, but there are even larger numbers of English and North American makers. The latter include Oliver, Cockshutt, McCormick, Deering, Massey-Harris and Wood.

The use of motive power varies, with the use of hand power, oil engines, horse power, and tractors. Barrasgate had invested in a Massey-Harris row crop tractor which was accompanied by implements to accompany it: a tractor plough, binder and a reaper.

North Carse, Kirkbean (Mr J. Robson) (Dumfries and Galloway standard, 13 May 1942)

Implements – 3 farm carts, 2 hay bogies, binder (Albion), reaper (Wallace), reaper (Bamford), swath turner (Bamford), horse fork, horse rake, hay collector, dibbler (Deering), iron roller, spring tooth cultivator, 2-sets iron harrows, saddle back harrows, Parmiter harrows, drill harrows, grubbers, turnip drill, Hunter hoe, turnip cutter, potato digger, potato sporter, plough (Sellar), plough (Oliver 110A), swing plough, double furrow Cockshutt plough, drill plough, cake breaker, hay barrow, fanners, weighing machine and weights, manure distributor (McCormick), 18 sheep troughs, 2 barrows (rubber tyres), 22 sleepers, 45 iron hurdles, corn chest, 3 sets cart and plough harness, 4 cattle feeding troughs, 2 coolers, 2 stack sheets, 18 ft by 15 ft, 1 stack sheet, 30 ft by 14 ft, grindstone.

Usual barn, byre, and stable utensils.

Dairy utensils including Lister separator, 24 10 gallon milk cans.

Poultry appliances, including 6 poultry houses, Gloucester incubator, 150 egg size, fitted with self-turning tray.

Wood and corrugated iron shed, 25ft by 16 ft, wood and corrugated iron shed, 10 ft by 8ft, 4 wood and corrugated iron loose boxes.

Wooden garage.

Greenhouse, 35 ft by 12 ft, garden frame. Bee boxes and bee appliances.

Barrasgate, parish of Cummertrees (Dumfries and Galloway standard, 13 May 1942)

Implements- Massey-Harris tractor (row crop), with iron and rubber wheels and tool bar attachment, 2 tractor trailers, 1 tractor plough, three-furrow (Massey-Harris), 1 tractor hay sweep, 4 farm carts (fully mounted), 1 binder (Massey-Harris), 1 reaper (Massey-Harris) (almost new), 1 reaper (Bamford), hay rake (Blackstone) (almost new), hay rake (Nicholson), potato digger, double furrow plough (Roberts), 2 Harkness ploughs, 1 Oliver 110A plough, 1 drill plough (Ransome), 1 drill plough, 5 sets diamond harrows (3 and 4 leaf), manure sower (Bamfords), corn drill (Massey-Harris), broadcast sower, iron roller (Wallace), horse fork, potato planter (Bisset), spring tooth cultivator, 3-drill harrow (Harkness), 1 drill harrow (Harkness), Hunter hoe, 3 drill grubber, saddle harrows, Ceresan mixer, chaff cutter, cake breaker (hand or power), 1 1/2hp Lister engine, “Amanco” engine, turnip cutter, turnip drill, weighing machine and weights, meat cooler, turnip barrow (runner wheels), hay barrow (rubber wheels), 2 dung barrows (rub wheels), 3 and 4 horse trees, swingletrees, ladders, sheep troughs, fireclay troughs, potato riddle (Cooch), quantity of Massey Harris plough irons, sheep nets, 100 stack props, 300 stobs, oil cabinets, scythes, forks, hoes, rakes, tools, vacuum clipper for milking machine, horse clipper, pig feeder 70 railway sleepers (good), barn, byre, and stable utensils, circular saw, quantity of scrap metal, usual dairy equipment, 24 milk cans (10 gallon, good as new), double-barrelled gun, 2 joiners’ benches, plough and cart harness.

Also, riding, saddle and bridle, pony bridle.

Craigdarroch, Sanquhar (Messrs M. G. & J. Hamilton) (Dumfries and Galloway standard, 13 May 1942)

Implements- cart and harness, box cart and sheep sides, coup cart with R. T. wheels, hay cart, hay cart frame, rick lifter (R. T.), set iron harrows, chain harrows, set grass seed harrows, two horse grubber, iron land roller, Wood’s mower, swath turner, collector, hay and corn bosses and props, cake breaker, 12 sheep corn boxes, 6 sheep nets, stobs, 12 sheep stools, wheelbarrow, 50-gallon paraffin oil tank, 50 empty bags, 3-scythes, odd hand tools, 10-gallon “Champion” churn, etc.

Blackpark, Crocketford (Mr T. Little) (Dumfries and Galloway standard, 13 May 1942)

Implements-2 farm carts (Jack), 1 farm cart, longbodied cart, binder (Wallace), reaper (Wallace), 2 bogies (Pollock), hay rake (Bamford), swath turner (Dickie), hay tedder (Barford), 2 hay sweeps, hay barrow, manure distributor (Bamford), broadcast sowing machine (Turnbull), 2 galvanised cattle troughs, iron roller, granite roller, D. M. plough, potato plough, 2 Sellar ploughs, Begg swing plough, 3 horse grubber, 2 sets iron harrows, saddleback harrows, drill hoe (Wallace), 3 drill grubbers, 2 scuffle harrows, spring tooth harrow, turnip drill, 3 turnip cutters, Parmiter harrows, chain harrows, weighing machine and weights, 40 turnip and sheep troughs, nets and stobs, straw cutter (hand), sheep heck, 4 henhouses, 3 sets of cart and plough harness, usual barn, byre and stable utensils.

Barn fanners (by Corbett), also Butter worker and picking tub, mangle etc.

Also a number of sheep and cattle and implements from neighbours.

Moss-side, Dunscore (Dumfries and Galloway standard, 13 May 1942)

Implements-4 farm carts, binder (Massey-Harris), reaper (Hornsby), swath turner (Martin), 2 hay rakes, 2 hay bogies, hay sweep, potato sorter (Cooch), potato digger, cultivator (Martin), three-horse grubber, drill grubber, drill harrow, 2 sets iron harrows, saddle-back harrows, Harkness plough, Begg bar point plough, swing plough, Oliver 110A plough, double furrow horse Cockshutt plough, broadcast sowing machine, box for broadcast sowing machine, fanners, manure distributor, turnip frill, 2 turnip cutters, sheep net and stakes, sheep troughs, hay barrow, 2 henhouses, barrow (new).

Usual barn, byre, and stable utensils.

Dairy utensils including 14 ten and twelve-gallon railway milk cans, refrigerator, etc etc. 4 sets cart and plough harness. 1 set of ploughing match harness (extra good). Oil stove, Singer sewing machine.

In the mid twentieth century there were a number of turnip lifters or harvesters made in Scotland. These included the “Ideal” turnip lifter made by MacDonald Bros, Roseacre Street, Portsoy. This was made for use with horses or for Ferguson and David Brown tractors.

Another was the Bruce Turnip Lifter invented by James Bruce of Little Keithock, Brechin. It was a successful machine. The following extracts highlight its development:

“Young Brechin farmer’s turnip lifter (Brechin advertiser, 26 June 1956)

A turnip-lifter and dresser invented by a young Brechin framer has won, subject to a practical test, one of the silver medals awarded by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society for new implements.

The young farmer, Mr James M. Bruce, Little Keithock, first thought of a machine that would put an end to the back-breaking job of “pullin’ neeps” in 1951. Next year he built himself a machine and tried it out. Then the firm of Foundry Foundry Ltd, took an interest in his ideas and produced the production model in time for general sale last season. Now the firm have well over 100 orders for the machine, which can “top and tail” about eight acres of turnips a day.

Mr Brown is now working on another machine-it is “secret” meantime-that will help to bring still more automation to the farming industry.”

“Another invention by farmer’s son (Kirriemuir free press, 21 April 1960)

Loading attachment for turnip lifter

Farmer’s son, James Bruce, of Little Keithock, Brechin, who is equally at home in an engineering workshop, has invented another machine to help on the land.

Mr Bruce, whio is 28, spends much of his spare time in his well-equipped workshop in the steading of the 90 acre farm.

One of his earliest productions was a turnip lifter, and he has now invented a loading attachment to make the complete operation mechanical.

His turnip lifter, which tops and tails the needs, was patented and put into production by a Forfar firm. He has also patented his loader.

A conveyor belt lifts the turnips into a bogie, and the lifter with loading attachment speeds up normal harvesting ten times. It can handle four acres a day.

The loading attachment costs about £90, bringing the cost of the complete unit to about £220.

The loader has taken Mr Bruce four years of spare-time work to perfect.”

In the early 1960s there were second hand machines advertised for sale at displenishing sales as well as implement and machinery dealers such as Cumming & Dempster, Banchory, Reekie Engineering, Forfar, and Neil Ross (Tractors) Ltd, Kaurencekirk.

The photo was taken at the Strathnairn Vintage Rally.

Some of the men and women behind the implement and machine makers in Scotland were impressive and innovative figures. One of them was Mr G. A. Duncan, who, for a number of years, was a driving force behind the well-known business of G. W. Murray & Co., Banff. An extensive biography of him was reported in the Peterhead Sentinel of 22 December 1896, a few weeks after it had been published in the Implement and Machinery Review. It is worth quoting at length for the insights into his life and contribution that he made to the business:

“Mr G. A. Duncan, agricultural engineer, Banff

The Implement and Machinery Review of December 2 contains a portrait and appreciative sketch of Mr G. A. Duncan, the sole proprietor of the business which is carried on under the style of G. W. Murray & Co., Banff Foundry. After noticing Mr Duncan’s successful candidature for a seat in the Banff Town Council, the article sketches the career of the enterprising engineer. Having received his school education at Banff and Aberdeen, Mr Duncan entered Aberdeen University, where ill-health alone prevented him from taking his M.A. Degree. Mr Duncan then went to Australia, where he remained for several years. On his return in 1886 the late Mr Murray induced him to undertake the business management of the Banff firm of G. W. Murray & Co., ironfounders, as well as that of the firm of Murray & Blake, iron merchants. Upon the death of Mr Murray, he, at the request of that gentleman’s trustees, continued to occupy the position of manager of his whole business, which he ultimately acquired by purchase. A severe check was brought to Mr Duncan’s prosperity when the entire premises were destroyed by fire in 1892-a loss which insurance did not altogether cover, and amounted to as much as some thousand pounds. Notwithstanding this, however, and the destruction of a large collection of valuable and original patterns, Mr Duncan bore up under the blow, and, setting to work with decision and energy, he in a short time had completed temporary arrangements for carrying on the business, while new works (all remodelled and reconstructed) arose steadily from the ashes of the old. And here, with even better facilities than he previously possessed, Mr Duncan continues, under the style above intimated, to carry on a successful and growing business, whose ramifications are by no means confined to home trade, but reach in many directions beyond the seas/ The firm freely exports large consignments of implements and machinery to the colonies, and especially to Africa, including reaping machines, threshers, turnip sowers, land rollers, iron-shearing machines, and other products. For his business tact and enterprise Mr Duncan is held in high esteem among those who know him.”

The business of G. W. Murray was already in business by 1868. It undertook a range of trades as an agricultural implement maker, iron founder, engineer, mechanical engineer, iron merchant, pump manufacturer and smith.

In 1868 the company sold a wide range of manufactures. These included corn drills, turnip sowing machines, two horse ploughs, drill ploughs, horse rakes, turnip hoeing machines, rick stands, iron troughs, zig zag harrows, grubbers, chain harrows, Norwegian harrows, land rollers, turnip cutters, corn bruisers and potato diggers.The company was an innovative one: in 1895 one trades directory described the company as “G. W. Murray & Co., patentees of potato planters and manufacturers of crown threshers for hand and foot power and also for pony power, Banff.” A patent from 1870 was for “improvements in means of apparatus employed in ploughing or tilling land”. Another from 1871 was for “improvements in apparatus for ploughing or tilling land”. It also entered its implements and machines for the highly prestigious trials of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. They includes the trials of potato planters in 1883, ploughs (1883), grubbers (1883), implements for autumn cultivation of stubble (1885), and implements for spring cultivation (1885).The company undertook significant publicity work, allowing it to reach a Scotland wide as well as an international market for its manufacturers. It exhibited at the Highland Show from 1868 until 1896. It exhibited in all the Society’s eight show districts, giving it a reach throughout al of Scotland. It advertised in the North British Agriculturist from 1868 until 1897.

The company was highly regarded for its manufactures, winning a number of national and international awards. From the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland it received a commendation for fencing in 1868, a silver medal for a collection of ploughs in 1870, a medium silver medal for a collection in 1872. a silver medal for a chain pump in 1873, a medium silver medal for a turnip sower in 1875, a medium silver medal for a turnip sower in 1876, a silver medal for a thrashing machine in 1876, a minor silver medal for collection in 1876, and a first and second prize for a turnip lifter in 1881.

The company was one for the few Scottish companies to have received an award from the Royal Agricultural Society of England – for a double furrow plough in 1870. In 1872 it was awarded a first prize of 10L for a double furrow plough not exceeding 3.5cwt a highly commended for a double mouldboard or ridging plough not exceeding 2.5cwt. In 1874 it was awarded second prize of 5L for drill,. without manure box, for turnips and other roots on the ridge. In 1880 it received a silver medal for a two row potato planter.

What implements and machines were to be found on farms in eastern Scotland in 1932?

While the new implements machines that were available to the Scottish farmer and agriculturist were recorded the Scottish farming press and could be seen at the Highland Show, the older and more generally used ones were recorded in the displenishing sale notices. These provided an inventory of the stock, crop and implements for sale when a tenant was giving up their tenancy, leaving the farm, or other reasons.

These notices provide a record of the implements and machines that were being used on a farm, the types of activities undertaken, and how mechanisation was being embraced.

By 1932 farms in central Scotland were using implements made by both local makers and north American ones, through the well-known maker of Massey-Harris. These included ploughs such as the Dux and the 110a plough, and harvesting machinery such as the McCormick binder and the McCormick mower. Key makes of implements were recorded, as in the sale notices for Ballomill and Woodhead (for example the steelyard of White of Auchtermuchty), Killearis (hay mower of Bisset of Blairgowrie). Dargill, Crieff had a large number of implements and machines from key makers such as Wood of London (also of north America), Sellar of Huntly, Albion of Leigh, Lancashire, Jack of Maybole, and Wallace of Glasgow,

Few of the farms were using tractor power. Corrielea, Bankfoot, had made the transition with a Fordson tractor from 1931 which was accompanied with a double furrow Oliver plough and brake harrows). Its other implements and amchiens would likely have been worked by horse.

Ballomill, Ladybank (Dundee courier, 14 October 1932)

3 coup carts, 2 corn carts (one on wheels), Massey-Harris binder, mower, horse rake, rick lifter, hay collector, manure distributor, potato digger, potato dresser, turnip sower, turnip sower, turnip cutter, roller, cake breaker, 1 110a ploughs, drill plough, furring up plough, Dux plough, 2 diamond, Parmitter, chain, circle and drill harrows, drill grubber, cultivator, drill scarifier, bench and vice, 2 cattle troughs, sheep dipper, sheep troughs, nets, stobs, flakes, 3 ladders, steelyard (White), wheelbarrow, sack barrow, 2 small poultry houses, potato sculls, barn, stable and dairy utensils, 2 sets cart and plough harness, set pony harness, B. L. gun, also quantity surplus household furniture.

Woodhead, Newburgh (Dundee courier, 14 October 1932)

2 coup carts, corn cart, Dux plough, 40 X plough, drill plough, diamond drill, common and brake harrows, cultivator, Hunter hoe, Hoosier sowing machine, McCormick binder, McCormick mower, horse rake, hay collector, wooden roller, turnip sower, sheep turnip cutter, barn fanner, steelyard (White), sack barrow, cake breaker, wheelbarrow, swingletrees, ladders, forks, graips, shovels, drag rake, hoes, barn and stable utensils, stack, cart, and 2 binder covers, cattle bands, 2 rolls 6ft poultry netting, 1 roll 3ft poultry netting, 12 hen coops, 6 rolls rabbit netting, sheep netting, dairy utensils, harness for 1 pair horses, 200 net stakes (new), 6 sheep turnip troughs (new), wheelbarrow (new), handbarrow (new), scrap iron &c.

Kinnearis, near Letham (Dundee courier, 14 October 1932)

3 coup carts (with tops), 3 lying carts (with frames), water cart, cattle float, 3 swing ploughs, 3 110a ploughs, 2 drill ploughs, 3 brakes, iron harrows, drag harrow, chain harrows, circular harrows, long harrows, drill grubber, 2 land grubbers, 2 turnip scrapers, long marker, broadcast sowing machine, 2 turnip sowers, scarifier, manure machine, cultivator, double roller, potato digger, hay mower (Bisset), horse rake, hay gatherer, 2 Bisset binders, Massey-Harris binder, potato hopper and 2 harps, potato barrow, 2 wheelbarrows, turnip cutter, sheep turnip breaker, cake crusher, cart axle, sheep dipper, 2 field troughs, sheep troughs, steelyard and 2 sets of weights, sack barrows, barn fanners, bushel measure, feeding boxes, 6 fireclay troughs and pig troughs, riddles and corn scoops, loading steps, 50 gallon oil cabinet, 6 ladders, stack bosses and props, yokes and swingletrees, potato hampers and sculls, sowing sheet, grain, cake and water troughs, pig box, sacks, esparto rope, cart ropes, sack covers, binder covers, graips, shovels, spades, forks, hoes, rakes, picks and mell, scythes, lantern &c, and usual minor implements and land tools, scrap iron, hen coops and run, 4 portable henhouses (3 on wheels0, 300 5ft stakes and wire, 8 field gates (11 ft), also 4 sets cart and plough harness, spare harness.

Dargill, Crieff (Dundee courier, 14 October 1932)

6 box carts (one with tops), 5 corn carts, wood cart, 2 hay bogies, new Climax corn driller (Wood), grass seed sower (Sellar), manure distributor (Westphalia), 2 binders (Albion, Massey-Harris), reaper and mower (Hornsby), reaper and mower, Blackstone swathe turner, double driller and manure sower (Jack), turnip sower (Jack), double disc for drills (Jack), scarifier, Bamford horse rake, Caldwell hay collector, Phoenix cultivator, Newland’s cultivator, Wallace cultivator, potato digger (Wallace), potato digger (Martin), 2 rollers (9 feet wide, one with pole), shafted roller, 4 Sellar ploughs, 3 110a ploughs, 40x plough, drill plough, 3 furring up ploughs, 3 sets iron harrows, set iron grass seed harrows, spider harrow, 2 drill grubbers, 2 drill harrows, circular harrows, saddle harrows, set Parmitter harrows, 2 corn feeding bins, sheep haik, 14 sheep troughs, 5 cattle troughs, 8 fireclay troughs, turnip pulper (The Glasgow), 3 turnip cutters, 2 wheelbarrows, hand barrow, set fanners, steelyard and weights, horse fork, stack cover, 6 sets swingletrees, tree horse tree, grindstone and vice, joiner’s bench, henhouse on wheels, 2 brooders (Miller’s), potato screens and riddles, potato hopper, 150 potato sprouting boxes, whitewashing sprayer, quantity wire netting, hen coops, 6 ladders, scythes, rakes, forks, 3 sets trace theats, 3 sets clear haimes, cart and plough harness for 4 pairs horses, all barn, byre and stable utensils, quantity scrap iron.

The implements are all in perfect order, the majority being new.

Corrielea, Bankfoot (Dundee courier, 18 October 1932)

Fordson tractor (1931 with double furrow Oliver plough and brake harrows), 3 coup carts, corn cart, corn cart body, 2 sets common harrows, drill plough, horse rake, manure machine, drill scarifier, barrel-shafted roller, McCormick binder, Deering hay mower, disc grain drill, 15 rolls wire netting, 120 sheep net stakes, hay collector, hay mower, swing plough, 10a Oliver plough, 3 fireclay troughs, turnip slicer, sheep pulper, stable barrow, 2 oil drums, 10 gallon oil drum, zinc water tank, 2 lambing boxes, 2 henhouses, 2 sets swingletrees, long ladder, short ladder, barn fanners, saw bench, hay cutter, turnip barrow, zinc corn bin, 2 sets harness, 3 saddles and Britchens, oil stove and oven, built in boiler dipper, sheep haik, the whole barn, stable, and dairy utensils &c.

Boreland Farm, Coupar Angus (Dundee courier, 18 October 1932)

5 coup carts with tops, corn cart body, 2 binders (Massey-Harris), hay mower, Bamlett grass seed machine, manure distributor, grain driller, potato digger, water barrel, horse rake, hay collector, 2 cattle troughs, 4 ladders, 2 single rollers, double roller, 2 sets iron harrows, circular harrows, chain harrows, 3 drill grubbers, drill harrow, Hunter hoe, 2 D. M. ploughs, furring-up plough, 2 110a ploughs, 2 10a ploughs, 3 S.M. ploughs, 6 sets swingletrees, drilling trees, cake breaker, 3 turnip slicers, grubber, steelyard and weights, sack barrows, sack lifter, 50 gall paraffin tank, fanners, scythes, graips, spades, forks, rakes, hoes, guddle and mell, tools, 3 water boilers, corn chest, cattle bands, governess car and harness, 3 sets cart and plough harness, spare harness stall collars, and stable requisites, lanterns.

Easterton of Guildry, Monkie (Dundee courier, 21 October 1932)

Coup cart with tops, Massey Harris binder, McCormack mower, horse rake, metal roller, 2 horse grubber, 2 swing ploughs (1 high cutting), 110a plough, 2 furring up ploughs, 2 scrapers, drag harrow, 2 brakes iron harrows, 2 ladders, yokes and swingletrees, pig’s box, forks, hoes, graips, shovel pick and mell, scythe, sowing sheet, rakes &c, 1 set cart and plough harness, 2 sackbands.

Crombie Mill, Monkie (Dundee courier, 21 October 1932)

3 coup carts and tops, 2 lying carts, water cart, binder, mower, potato digger (Carr), horse rake (Carr), cultivator, turnip sowing machine, Newland plough, 110a plough, drill and furing up ploughs, 4 brakes of iron harrows, circular, chain and drag harrows, land and drill grubbers, scrapers, 2 metal rollers, hay collector, steelyard and weights, posts and fencing wire, wire netting, ladders, pick and mell, cake breaker, hay cutter, barn fanners, graips, forks, stackyard wood and firewood, horse harness, dairy utensils, including churn (end-over-end, Lister).

Muirton of Drumlochy, Blairgowrie (Dundee courier, 15 November 1932)

2 coup carts, 2 corn carts, binder (Bisset), grain driller (Massey-Harris), broadcast sowing machine, horse rake, hay collector, turnip sower, metal roller, land grubber (Sellar), spring tooth harrow, 2 sets iron harrows, Dixon harrows, circular harrows, drill grubber, Hunter hoe, Planet harrow, turnip pulper, turnip slicer, D. M. plough, 2 110a ploughs, 3 swing ploughs, 2 cake crushers, fanners, sheep haik, potato and sack barrows, steelyard, Cereson mixer, 10 sheep troughs, 6 feeding troughs, ladders, scythes, turnip baskets, cart and plough harness, 8 rolls sheep netting, 10 rolls rabbit netting, posts, barn and stable utensils &c.

Mains of Inchture, Inchture (Dundee courier, 15 November 1932)

2 coup carts, 3 corn carts, 2 Massey Harris binders, corn drill, brake harrow, 9-ft metal roller, 10ft metal roller, 5 sets swingle trees, 3 horse yoke, 4 horse yoke, 3 Oliver ploughs, Ransome plough, turnip cutting cart, cultivator, Norwegian harrows, props and bosses, turnip sculls, harness for 3 pairs of horses &c.

Tomnagairn, Strathbraan (Dundee courier, 15 November 1932)

5 horse Petters engine, corn bruiser, 2 corn carts, turnip cutter and shafting, 2 coup carts, hay bogey, manure sower, binder (Wallace), mower (Albion), grass seed machine, turnip sower, horse rake, grubber, spring-line harrow, 9-ft iron roller, hay collector, horse fork with both steel and wooden poles, hay baler, 2 swing ploughs, drill plough with potato sock, set Parmitter harrows, 3 iron harrows, circular harrows, 2 drill grubbers, drill harrow, 2 ladders, 2 barrows, 15 rolls sheep netting and posts, lambing paddock, large larger, a large assortment of small implements and tools, barn and stable utensils, harness for 2 pairs horses, including 2 sets trace harness, sectional house roof (48 x12), 1 large and 4 small hen houses, 10 night arks, Miller’s brooder, 2 incubators (Glenvum), 8 brooder hot chambers, large quantity lamps, feeding utensils, wire netting and wood suitable for building poultry houses, garden seat and odd household utensils.

Swinkie, Stravithie (Dundee courier, 15 November 1932)

Implements

Coup cart, corn cart body, binder (McCormick), mower (Osborne), three horse grubber, Hunter hoe, diamond harrows, grass seed harrows, Dux plough, drill plough, corn bruiser, steelyard and weights, milk pail and basin stand, bothy form, stack props, quantity barbed wire and netting, sheet iron, hen house and shelters, Valor oil cooker with oven (3 burner), harness for 1 pair horses, scrap iron, firewood &c.

The various attempts to mechanise the harvesting of the turnip crop continued into the twentieth century. Not only did there continue to be national trials but also locally arranged ones. Important ones were held in 1919 and 1920. The national agricultural society, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, held one in 1919. It had varying degrees of success. One of the machines at it, made by Smith and Wood, Forfarshire, was later exhibited in local competitions.

Accounts of these demonstrations were held in the national and local newspapers. As with other trials, they provide a good deal of information, including context to the event, the judges, attendees, and lengthy descriptions on the machines and how they worked.

The following are accounts of these trials. The first was published in The Scotsman on 21 November 1919 and the second in the Dundee Courier of 4 March 1920:

“Turnip lifting machines

Highland Society’s trial

The mechanical age of farming has come to realisation during the stress of war days. Time has marched with great strides in the matter of mechanical labour-saving services. If through the exigencies of war it has been in these later years in the nature of a forced march, it has only resulted in the farmer’s adoption of the mechanical idea being more rapid. Within the last four years every farmer throughout the country has been brought prominently before him a demonstration of all sorts and makes of tractor implements. The shortage of labour and its high cost are even more pronounced since the war ended, and the farmer is eager to consider the application of time and labour saving machines to other departments of agriculture than that of cultivation. In no other branch of field work is there greater need for mechanisation aid than in that of turnip lifting, topping, and tailing. It is a slow and laborious job when done by hand labour, and a costly business for the farmer when wages have soared as high as they are at the present time.

The Highland and Agricultural Society, which has been ever ready and willing to promote the interests of the farmers of Scotland, organised a two days’ trial of turnip lifting machines, at the farm of Turnhouse, near Edinburgh, tenanted by Messrs J. & W. Young. The trial was postponed owing to the bad weather, took place yesterday, and attracted a large gathering of practical agriculturists from all parts of the country. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland was represented by Messrs James Wood, F. Thomson, and A. D. Callander, and among others present were Sir Robert Moncrieffs. Mr C. M. Douglas CB, of Auchlochan, ex-chairman of directors of the Society; Mr Phipps O. Turnbull, Smeaton, Dalkeith, convener of the Implement Committee; Mr G. G. Mercer, Southfield, Dalkeith, vice-president of the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture; and Mr John Stirton, secretary of the Secretary.

The judges were Mr J. T. McLaren, The Leuchold, Dalmeny; Mr A. B. Leitch, Inchstelly, Alves, Forres; and Professor Stanfield, the Society’s consulting engineer.

Four machines were entered by Messrs Teasdale Bros (Ltd), Darlington; Smith & wood, Montrose; D. Wilson, East Linton; and George Henderson, Kelso. The last named did not put in an appearance, and Mr Wilson’s machine, though at the station, was not got out in time for the demonstration. It will be shown to-day.

The Teasdale machine was the first at work. It has been in use for some time by progressive farmers in Scotland, who report that it has given every satisfaction. A Ross-shire farmer declares that in 1916 it made good progress. With the lifting of the swedes, and did splendid work, “far above my expectation of any machine”. In the machine there are two dividers, which carry the tops into an upright position until they are gripped by two travelling belts. Whilst in this position the tops are cut off by an adjustable knife which automatically adapts itself to suit the different size of roots. The hand lever at the back is connected to a knife which cuts off the roots of the plants. The test which was given to the machine yesterday was a very severe one. The soil was wet and sticky, and the shaws were short and lying to the side. The machine did better work with the yellows than with the swedes, though many farmers were disappointed at the way in which the turnips were scattered about.

Messrs Smith & Wood’s turnip harvester, which is designed to top, tail, clean, and row turnips, did not show to advantage. At a preliminary trial held in Forfarshire it was reported that the machine had done excellent work, but as in the case of the Teasdale machine, the conditions were not favourable for it. The machine, which was exhibited at the Highland Society’s show in Edinburgh, attracted considerable attention because of its novel features. The shaws are removed by a circular saw, which is carried on a self-adjusting frame. The tails of the turnips are removed by a knife, travelling below the ground, which is also adjustable. Attached to this knife is a guide, which passes the turnips (now topped and tailed) sideways into the elevator wheel. As the wheel revolved the turnips are carried to the top and discharged into a shoot. Unfortunately the machine was not seen in good working order yesterday, and its merits could not be fully demonstrated.”

“Turnip harvester demonstration

Machine invented by Forfarshire men

Performs a triple role

The keen interest which is being taken by agriculturists in the turnip harvester, a Forfarshire invention, invented, patented, and made by Messrs Smith & Wood (Mr Alex Smith, Lethnot, and Major W. M. Wood, Montrose), was evidenced by the large and representative gathering of prominent Forfarshire farmers present at Balmakewan, Marykirk, yesterday afternoon, when a successful demonstration of the capabilities of the machine was given.

The machine, which is of compact and not too heavy appearance, is unique in respect that it tops, tails, and rows turnips simultaneously.

Yesterday afternoon the field on which the trial was made, kindly granted by Mr Wm Low, Balmakewan, was in ideal condition for the purpose, and the demonstration was an all-round success. In less than half-an-hour the harvester completed a piece of work in a thoroughly complete fashion which would have taken a man no less than five and a half hours to accomplish.

The general comments of those present were in entire praise of the machine, and one prominent agriculturist very aptly remarked, “the only manual work to be seen shortly will be the putting of the turnips into the cart”.

The machine is provided with a large wheel, which travels between the drills. In the inner periphery of the wheel there are a number of buckets or receptacles-spaced at regular intervals-for receiving the turnips after they have been topped and tailed.

The wheel and buckets are of open construction so as to facilitate the removal of the soil adhering to the turnips. The topping is effected by a revolving cutter provided with large teeth somewhat similar to a circular saw.

The cutter is mounted on a vertical spindle driven by chain and sprocket gearing off the main wheel axle, and carried on to a framework which is self-adjusting to suit the height of the turnips in the drills.

The tails are removed by means of a horizontal knife travelling below the ground and placed behind the cutter and attached to a frame consisting of a number of bars. This frame is set at an angel of about 30 degrees with the length of the drill and with the face of the wheel.

The action of this frame is to balance the turnips, after being topped and tailed, out of the drill and into the periphery of the wheel. The turnips are conveyed by the buckets to the highest point of the wheel, and there fall to an inclined shoot, which delivers them into an adjacent furrow. The shoot is provided with a. folding section about halfway down its length, and is so arranged that the turnips from four adjacent drills-two up and two down-are deposited in the same furrow.

The last demonstration of the turnip harvester was held in November last year under the auspices of the Highland and Agricultural Society, and it is interesting to note the judges’ report on that occasion was as follows: -“The character of the crop and the condition of the land probably had an adverse influence on the working of the machine, which appears to have several novel and interesting features, and if certain mechanical defects can be remedied there seems to be no reason why it should not do efficient work.”

The Highland Show provided a forum for the Scottish agricultural implement and machine makers to exhibit their latest manufactures as well as the ones for which they were well known, and renowned for. In 1979 the show was held in Perth. It took place at the end of a period of agricultural prosperity, with a significant move towards mechanisation and changes in the way that work was undertaken on the farm. But that year also marked the start of an extensive period of agricultural depression that was to continue into the first decade of the twentieth century.

So what were the implements and machines that were found on farms in that year? A good account of them can be found in the reports of the Highland Show. The Dundee courier provided an extensive account in its pages of 30 July 1879 which included a summary of what could be found on the stands of the main Scottish exhibitors. The following is an account of the stands of the Scottish exhibitors:

“Messrs Kemp & Nicholson, also from Stirling, exhibit a capital collection of agricultural implements and machines, comprising their celebrated Waverley, North British, and Caledonian reapers and mowers, horse rakes, hay collectors, farm carts, cart wheels and axles, two and three-wheeled grubbers, harrows, rollers, &c.

Specialities in turnip lifters on a greatly improved pattern are shown at Stand 89 by Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, Keith, who have been awarded gold medals for these lifters. These gentlemen also show fine specimens of ploughs and grubbers.

Messrs J D Allan & Son, Dunkeld, exhibit at Stand 87 potato diggers, with improved spring lever lifter, and also improved reapers and ploughs and other implements, all of which are of a highly superior description.

A specimen of an American plough is to be found at Stand 135, which belongs to Mr Thomas Scott, Denny. The principal feature of this plough is that it is about a third lighter in draught than ordinary ploughs, while it is fitted with a sock which will serve a season without requiring repair. Mr Scott also exhibits a patent washing machine and an improved wringer, both of which are worthy the attention of heads of families, a wood reaping machine, and a number of other implements.

Messrs J. Bissett & Sons, Blairgowrie, exhibit, at Stalls 156 and 165, agricultural implements of every description and of the best class. Among the principal articles are the turnip lifter and a Scotia mower, fed with two speeds of knife instantaneously, and changeable improved gearing encased and apart from ground wheels.

Mr W. Macfarlane, Ardler, who occupies Stands 160 and 169, shows a great variety of agricultural implements, amongst which are reapers, horse rakes, and drill harrows. He also exhibits a new and improved threshing machine of English style, invented and made by himself, and which is a compact and handy machine for fixed or barn use. The machinery is all enclosed, so that the dust cannot get in, and farmers will find this thresher of a very suitable description. A vertical engine of 6 horse power for driving the machine is also on view, the engine and boiler being on the same base.

Mr R. G. Morton, Errol, exhibits an entirely new direct-acting, high speed threshing and dressing machine at Stand 186. This machine is suitable for either water or steam power. There are only three belts in connection with the machine, and these communicate the power direct from the engine. The machine, to which dust cannot enter, is fitted with Mr Morton’s patent lubricators, which can contain oil to serve for three days. Mr Morton also exhibits grist mills for grinding barley, Indian corn, &c. Wood’s reaper and binder, horticultural engine (fitted with patent lubricators); patent reaper, with Williamson’s back delivery, this reaper being a mower manual and self-deliverer combined, and being fitted with hinged finger-bar and double driving-wheels. The machine was commended at the Royal Northern Agricultural Show at Aberdeen.

At Stand 130 Robert Mitchell & Son, Peterhead, have a number of agricultural machines, amongst which we specially notice a couple of broadcast sowing machines for grain and grass seeds. The peculiarity of these is that the seed box is made in two divisions, and so constructed that each “swirls” round on a centre pivot at each side. The shortness of the half boxes keeps the fore end always at a distance from the horse’s head, and the whole thing is very portable and easily wrought, or stored when not in use. The boxes are of two lengths-18 and 14, the latter being specially suited for small holdings. Altogether, these sowers are likely to make their way with the farming fraternity. A number of rakes, grubbers, rollers, and ploughs at the same stand will repay inspection.

At Stand 139, George Sellar & Son, Huntly, exhibit a number of choice diggers, ploughs, harrows. Barclay & Sellar’s patent digger is now much used by the leading agriculturists in the north. It pulverises the lower part of the furrow slice, and turns over only the upper portion, leaving the roots of the weeds exposed to the winter’s frost, and the ground in a very friable condition. Stubble land cultivated by the digger does not require to be reploughed as it would do after the plough, but only requires to be harrowed in spring, and turnip land is left ready for the reception of the seed. Five of the ploughs at this stand are fitted with mould boards of an improved type, which were thoroughly tested last winter, and have proved very successful. The harrows are not fitted with bolts as usual, but have the tines driven firmly into the slots, thus forming a strong, simple, and durable article. The advantage of this style of harrow is that there is no danger of them shaking loose, and a farm servant can remove the tines when they require repair, and replace them again, without having to take down the whole harrow.

At Stand 147, Messrs Thomson & Co., Kinning Park, Glasgow, have a large number of weighing machines, suitable for use in various pursuits. Among others are machines for hutch weighing and other purposes at collieries, for iron merchants, founders, landing stages, stores &c. A very interesting machine is one of the patent lever construction, awarded the first prize at Compeigne ten years ago, capable of weighing an ounce to 100 tons. This variety are only themselves about half the weight of the hydrostatic weighing machine, and the eight weights of compound lever, an article made to scale five tons, have only a weight of 36lbs. Those with tube cutters and expanders and emery grinding machines ought to commend them for adoption by those concerned, as all are of proved utility in their own way.

At Stand 158 (John Doe’s), Adamson & Co. of Dundee and Errol exhibit a very fine selection of agricultural drain tiles from 1 ½ inches to 14 inches in diameter, and also roofing tile, pressed brick, cut, and hardware. These are all being extensively used by agriculturists, and are entitled to practical patronage from farmers and others in want of such material, alike from their clean make and finished, yet substantial workmanship.”

How many

Adverts for displenishing sales are a useful source of evidence to see what implements and machines were used on particular farms at a specific point in time. They may include implements and machines that had been used for decades as well as newer ones and the latest technologies. They can show the preference of particular farmers for certain makers and makes of machinery as well. They can also be used to show how widespread some implements and machines were, especially if they were more specialised.

By the early 1950s mechanisation was a key word on Scottish farms. The horse era was giving way to the tractor era and on some farms both kinds of power were used, sometimes for specific tasks. With labour shortages both of full-time and seasonal and casual workers, there was a push to start to find more mechanised ways to deal with the handling, harvesting and processing of crops.

The following selection of adverts newspapers in Fife, Angus and Perthshire show the implements and machines on a small number of farms in 1952. They show widespread mechanisation with up-to-date implements and machines to undertake a wide variety of tasks from ploughing, sowing, cultivation, management, harvesting and processing of crops.

Implements and machines from key makers were noted. They included names such as Bisset of Blairgowrie, Sellar of Huntly, Hunter of Maybole and Mollison of Alyth. English and north-American names were also represented for some of the implements and machines. They included well-known names associated with particular products such as Massey Harris for corn drills and binders.

The farms were using a range of motive power. Bridgend, Drumly, Wolflaw and Templands were using tractors. Smithston, Netherton Croft and Drumglass appeared to be working with horses, no tractor being listed.

Smithston, Lundie (Dundee courier, 17 April 1952)

2 furring-up ploughs, Howard plough, brake harrows, circular harrows, grubber, barrow, turnip slicer, ladder, quantity wire netting, 3 sheep nets, plain and barb wire, sowing sheet, yokes and swingletrees, 2 scythes, saws, graips, shovels, pick and mell, vice and sundry tools, 2 old carts, scrap iron, odd harness, milk basins, spare household furniture, Valor perfection stove (2-burner) with oven, china, ornaments, lanterns &c.

Netherton Croft, Sauchen, Cluny (Dundee courier, 17 April 1952)

4 poultry houses, various sizes, 6 chicken coops, 1 small sized box cart, on rubbers, with harvest frame, turnip sower, sets of iron, chain and spring-toothed harrows, shim B. M. P. plough, drill plough, furring up plough, Sellar one-horse plough, potato plough, stone roller, sack lifter, weighing machine and weights, hand hay cutter, bushel, 3 corn chests, feed barrels, turnip hasher, ladders, plain, barbed and wire netting, quantity of hand and fencing tools, small horse rake, rick cover, 12 x 12 new, sacks, scythes forks, hand rakes, measuring chain, cart and plough harness, cart ropes, yokes and swingletrees, quantity of second-hand and new posts. Also some household furniture and dairy utensils, include meal girnel, milk basins, pails, churn, cheese press, and a quantity of crockery.

Drumglass, Lawers, Aberfeldy (Dundee courier, 22 May 1952)

3 F.B. carts (2 R.T.), coup cart, R.T. ricklifter, hay rake, swathe turner and side delivery rake (new, Blackstone), Deering binder, Bamlett mower, corn driller, potato digger, turnip barrow, roller, hay collector, 1 Oliver, 2 reversible drill and furring-up ploughs, 2 sets spring toothed, 2 drill, saddle, chain and 2 sets iron harrows, potato sorter, steelyard and weights, turnip pulper, slicer, cake breaker, fanners, chaff cutter, hand bruiser, galvanised feed bin (1 ton), 2 bins (1 cwt), 2 R.T. wheel barrows, 2 ladders, sheep nets, 250 larch stakes, 100 props, potato baskets, fuel drum (40 gals), sack cover, cart and plough harness for 3 horses, set ploughing match harness, 4 henhouses (1 wheels, 1 skids), ark, outdoor and indoor brooders (100-egg), dairy utensils and spare furniture.

Bridgend, Lintrathen (Dundee courier, 8 August 1952)

Tractor and implements- Fordson tractor on rubbers, tractor bogie, Fordson tractor plough, 2 tractor ploughs (Ransomes and no. 10 Cockshutt), coup cart, Massey Harris binder, 2 Albion hay mowers, 2 grain drillers, 2 grass seed machines, horse rake, manure distributor, hay collectors, lying cart body, 2 set harrows drill harrows, turnip sower, steelyard and weights, Bisset potato digger, spring tooth harrow, chain harrow, circular harrows, horse roller, raspberry grubber and harrow, D.P. plough, Oliver plough, yokes, pig troughs, cart and plough harness, riding saddle and bridle, harness press, stack bosses, graips, forks, and all the usual minor implements and hand tools, 5 henhouses and dairy utensils including 2 small milk churns, one almost new, surplus household furniture.

Drumly, Stravithie (Dundee courier, 10 November 1952)

Implements – Fordson tractor with toolbar; McCormack binder, Welco hammer mill, tractor trailer, disc harrows, Hosier grain drill, 2 coup carts, hay bogie, hay sweep, potato digger, Jack turnip sower, shafted roller, stone roller, horse rake, spring tooth, saddle, diamond and drill harrows, swingletrees, Hunter hoe, 110A plough, D.F. plough, steelyard and weights, potato scoop, potato screens, turnip cutter, sheep nets and stakes, 250-gal oil tank, Lister separator, 2 henhouses, quantity wire potato baskets, hand tools, harness for 1 pair horses.

Wolflaw, Oathlaw, Forfar (Dundee courier, 17 November 1952)

Tractor plant – 1950 standard Ferguson tractor with Ferguson system, including hydraulic tipping trailer, Ferguson cultivator, Ferguson ridger, Sellar single-furrow plough and 110a single furrow plough both adapted for Ferguson, Ford-Ferguson tractor, tractor roller.

General equipment- Box cart and corn cart, both on rubbers, corn cart on irons, Oliver 110a plough, grain driller, Massey-Harris manure distributor, Bisset manure distributor, grass seed machine, turnip sower, scarifier, brake of 5 harrows with tractor yoke, chain harrows, Bisset hay mower, horse rake, hay sweep, Massey-Harris no. 6 binder (newly overhauled), Mollison potato digger, potato hopper, 6 dozen potato baskets (wire), steelyard and weights, turnip cutter, box barrow on rubber (new), new pneumatic barrow wheel, feed barrow, corn bin, iron water trough, 12 pig troughs, 6 dozen stack props, firewood, horse harness and all the usual minor implements and loose tools, also travelling saw bench, saw pulley, cattle weighing machine (50 cwt), 2 paraffin tanks (200 gallon and 50 gallon).

Sheds and poultry houses

Feed house with wood walls and floor (7ft x 6ft), 2 pig huts, sectional poultry house (17ft x 9 ½ ft), 2 poultry houses (12ft x 6ft), each for 100 hens, brooders, chicken troughs &c.

Templands, Falkland (Dundee courier, 17 November 1952)

Implements – 1950 Ferguson T.V.O. tractor (narrow gauge), standard Fordson tractor, Cockshutt no. 6 D.F. plough, Ferguson cultivator, Ferguson raspberry ploughs, Ferguson jack, Ferguson deep digging plough, Wallace potato digger, Massey-Harris binder, tractor trailer, grain drill, 2 berry trailers, diamond and chain harrows, 30 one cwt berry pulping tubs, 1 cwt raspberry twine, 250 new berry posts, 19 cwt Drymec derris dust, no. 2, Craven derris dust blower, 2 Salter spring balances and buckets, steelyard and weights, sack barrow, sowing sheets, covers, stack bosses, quality props, brooder, 7 henhouses, sectional hut, quantity of new gauge 13 raspberry wire, large quantity used posts and wire, quantity sleepers, large quantity new handtools, 250 pails &c. Also 2 Miller henhouses, 7 ½ ft x 9ft, henhouse, 8ft x 12 ft.

In the 1890s the Scottish agricultural implement and machine makers, especially those in the areas where large acreages of neeps were grown, looked at how they could try to remove the drudgery from this work. Some were well-known makers of implements; others were local blacksmiths. They had the challenge of making an implement that could loosen the neeps from the drills in which they grew, tail them, and also top them. And neeps didn’t grow evenly in the drill. Nor did they grow to the same size.

On 13 November 1895 the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland held a trial of turnip lifters at the Crichton Royal Institution, Dumfries. Seven machines were entered for this important trial. All were entered by Scottish makers: William Duncan, smith, Deskford, Cullen, John Fairweather, Chapelton, Brechin, Moir & Dargie, Foundry, Brechin, Thomas Hunter & Sons, Implement Works, Maybole, John MacDonald, smith, Aberlour, Macdonald Brothers, Portsoy, and John Wallace & Sons, Graham Square, Glasgow. Most were known locally within their area: William Duncan and John MacDonald were local smiths.

The trial was undertaken under unfavourable conditions, the weather being poor. The attendance of farmers and other interested parties was thin. But it was a good trial. All the machines “worked satisfactorily”, with the topping ‘in nearly every case was well done …. the tailing was also fairly well done, but none of the machines made as clean work as hand-tailing”. The turnips were “left standing in rows as they were grown”.

The first prize of £10 went to the turnip lifter made by Macdonald Brothers of Portsoy. It could also be used for scarifying turnips. The second prize of £5 was awarded to a machine from John MacDonald. It was called the “Ferret turnip lifter”: it was drawn by one horse, and moved on slides without wheels.

There were other trials of this and other turnip lifters. These were widely recorded in the local and national newspaper press. The north-east Scotland press included a number of articles about Mr Macdonald’s turnip lifter. The following provide further information on the lifter and its work:

“A new turnip lifter (Northern Scot and Moray and Nairn express, 14 December 1889)

Mr John Macdonald, blacksmith, Aberlour, has just completed an invention of his own for turnip lifting, which he has patented. The new machine was put to practical test in presence of a number of farmers, farm managers, and others on the farm of Fosterseat on Saturday. The trial took place on a field of swedes to the entire satisfaction of all present, who unanimously pronounced it to be quite as well done by the hand, the topping being superior to that done by the hand in many cases. Mr Macdonald is to be congratulated on bringing to such proficiency a machine so much needed by the farmer. The machine is the essence of simplicity, and when once properly adjusted (ample provision being made for that purpose) to suit the crop to be lifted, it is very easily guided. The topping arrangement is the secret of the success of the machine. It has a motion peculiarly its own, and independent of the movement of the other parts of the machines. It is so well balanced and sensitive that the turnip guides it to proper place to take off its head. The rooting knife is easily adjusted to take the roots close to the turnip or otherwise.”

“North British Agriculturist, 5 February 1890

The “Ferret” turnip lifter-A trial of the turnip lifter invented and patented by Mr John McDonald, blacksmith, Aberlour, took place on Thursday, on a field of swedes on the farm of Tofthills, Clatt, tenanted by Mr Bisset. Part of the turnips were furred up, and others were not. The turnips were furred up got a scuffle down before the lifter was tried on them. The work done by the lifter in both cases was very satisfactory, and called forth the approval of a number of farmers and others who were present. All were agreed that this machine were likely to prove a valuable addition to the implements of the farm. The lifter, it may be mentioned, has already been tried on several Speyside farms, and has always given the greatest satisfaction.”

The “Ferret” turnip lifter became well known. The renowned Glasgow implement makers and agents P. & R. Fleming of Graham Square acted as agents for the “Ferret” in the south of Scotland into the turn of the twentieth century, also extensively advertising it in the Scottish agricultural press. For a local smith like MacDonald this was a great achievement and a great boon to his business.

The photos were taken at the Highland Folk Museum and the Grampian Farming Museum.