A well-known thrashing mill maker in north-east Scotland was Shearer Brothers, Maybank Works, Railway Station, Turriff, later of Balmellie Street, Turriff. It undertook business from at least 1876 until 1972; on 18 July 1972 the company passed a special resolution to voluntarily wind up the company. The final winding up meeting was held on 29 August 1972.
The company undertook a number of trades and was an agricultural engineer, an agricultural implement maker, a machinery maker, a mechanical engineer, millwright and later a motor engineer. It was active in promoting its manufactures: exhibiting at the Highland Show from 1876 until 1939. It was awarded a medium silver medal for foot power thrashing machine in 1876. It also entered into the trial of machines for cleaning all sorts of grain and other seeds from weeds in 1884. It was also regular advertiser in the North British Agriculturist from 1884 onwards.
The company manufactured a range of threshing mills. In 1876 it manufactured a foot power thrashing machine which it described as a new invention. By 1881 it manufactured its “Advance” thresher for foot and hand power and the “Simplex” rotary fanner. By the following year it was also manufacturing a small hand thresher with adjustable feeder. These continued to be its main manufactures for following years. To these were added the new “Paragon” dressing and screening machine in 1887.
One of the partners of Shearer Brothers was John Shearer, a millwright. He became its sole partner. He died on 11 August 1888 at Maybankk, Turriff, aged 54 years. After his death all claims against him were settled. The business, including its goodwill was sold. It was advertised in a number of newspapers including the Aberdeen Free Press and the Banffshire Journal and General Advertiser. A sale advert, published in the Banffshire Journal and General Advertiser of 30 October 1888 was as follows:
“Shearer Brothers
To millwrights and engineers
For sale, the goodwill of a long-established and successful millwright and engineering business, known as Shearer Brothers, Maybank Works, Turriff, Aberdeenshire. The business will be sold as a going concern, and falls to be disposed of owing to the death of the sole partner, John Shearer. The property consists of the whole working plant, workshops, and machinery, together with a handsome modern cottage (which if not wanted with the business may be otherwise disposed of). There is a first-class home and foreign connection, and it is seldom such a favourable opening into the market. The business is being carried on by Mr Shearer’s widow. All applicants must apply in the first instance to P. H, Macpherson, Timber Merchant, Macduff.
Macduff, 30th October 1888.”
By 1889 the new owners were hard at work developing the business. By 2 April it was advertising for an apprentice millwright for the business. In August it was exhibiting its manufactures at the cattle show at Turriff. The Daily Free Press of 7 August 1889 noted that the business “had a nice collection of useful implements and machines”.
In the Highland News of 9 November 1889 it described itself as “inventors and manufacturers of the most improved thrashing and other barn machines. Their new system of one, two, and three horse-power combined thrashing machines have gained the highest testimony as being the most compact and powerful thrashers now made; and are so complete in themselves that any labourer can fix them for work. They occupy very little space. The new foot and hand threshers for the 1889-90 are so improved that one man (unasisted) can thrash eight bushels per hour. Adjustable to all kinds and qualities. Over 1000 made and sold. Invented and manufactured by Shearer Brothers. All other foot threshers are imitations, copied from our old thrashers, and without the new improvements. Beware of these counterfeits.” By the end of the year it commented on the “great success” of its new hand and foot threshers.
During the Second World War there continued to be farm displenishing sales, and the sale of agricultural implements and machines. A number of these sales were held in Perthshire and central Scotland.
These provide insights into what implements and machines were used on farms, the types of activities undertaken, as well as the extent of mechanisation through the use of motive power. While some farms continued to work with horses, others had moved onto tractors, or were using a combination of both as their main source of power.
The adverts also highlight some of the names of the makers of the implements and machines, especially where they were leading ones, renowned for particular manufactures. In the following adverts they include a Newlands of Linlithgow ridger at Clathymore, a Dickie of East Kilbride hay sweep and a Newlands tractor cultivator and ridger at Muir o’ Lea, Bisset binders at that farm and at Meadows of Achalder, a Wallace of Glasgow turnip cutter at Stralochy. They may have attracted additional attendees and bidders to the sales; they also highlighted something about the status of the farm in respect of the brands used as well as what was available locally from dealers and agents.
The condition of some of the implements and machines are also noted, especially where they were in a good condition, or they were new. Vehicles and carts with rubber tyres are particularly singled out, being an improvement.
While the displenishing sale adverts provide key information as to the major implements and machines being disposed, they say very little the usual barn, stable and dairy utensils. They are described as the “usual” ones.
What observations do you have of the implements at the following displenishing sales?
Clathymore, Tibbermore, Perth (The Scotsman, 8 April 1942)
Implements-Fordson tractor (1940) with rubber tyres, set iron wheels with spade lugs for same, tractor plough (Lister Cockshut no. 10), tractor cultivator and ridger (Newlands), tractor trailer (new, and a large and varied selection of all necessary farm implements, in excellent condition, including harness, barn and stable utensils, and 2 hen houses.
Muir o’ Lea, Millearne, Auchterarder, belonging to Mr Scott (Dundee courier, 22 October 1942)
Implements-Massey Harris Challenge Tractor, R tyred, with pulley, self-lift and power take off complete (in fine order), Fordson tractor, 1942, R tyred (red spot), high top gear (new), tractor trailer with r tyres and harvest frame (new), tractor plough, Massey Harris 7ft power driven binder (new), Bisset binder, Newlands tractor cultivator and ridger (new), Dickie hay sweep, lorry for horse or tractor, 5 coup carts (2 new r.t), also a fine display of other farm implements, harness &c. Note: the implements are a very superior lot worthy of attention.
Western Downiesdrum, Blairingone, Dollar (Mr J. Skinner) (Stirling observer, 17 December 1942)
Implements-cart, binder, reaper and mower, rick-lifter, roller, hay tedder, horse rake, turnip sowing barrow, hay waggon, 2 swing ploughs, 2 drill ploughs, drill grubber, 2 sets diamond harrows, drill harrow, 2 sheep haiks, 2 sack weighing machines, turnip pulper, turnip slicer, cake breaker, hay chopper, steel barrels, sleepers, fencing posts, set harness (for one pair), odd harness, and all the usual barn, byre and stable utensils etc, oil engine and bruiser.
Meadows of Achalader, Blairgowrie (Mrs Rattray) (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements-Wallace binder, 2 mowers (Wallace and Bisset), potato digger, metal roller (Sellar), 4 coup and corn carts, horse rake, hay collector, turnip sowing machine, turnip slicer, 5 Dux Oliver and Sellar ploughs, harrows, three-horse grubber, ladders, barrows, 24 sheets corrugated iron, and all the usual barn and stable utensils and dairy utensils, quantity furniture, 4 hives bees.
Stralochy, Murthly (Mr J, Rattray) (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements-Fordson tractor (recently reconditioned), Oliver tractor plough, Oliver grubber, Wallace turnip cutter, 2 110a plough, 10a plough, 2 drill ploughs, potato digger, 3 drill harrows, circle and chain harrows, mowers, broadcast, sheep nets, sheep stakes, &c, cart and plough harness, sectional hut (lined), suitable for house of garage, 3 henhouses (sectional), all stable, barn, and dairy utensils, also 10hp Ford motor car.
Murrayshall, Scone (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements-tractor trailer (new), tractor pulley, tractor hitch, 2 coup carts (rubber tyred), 3 corn carts, 15 cwt milk delivery lorry, binder, reaper, horse rake, swath turner, gay slipe, hay collector, manure distributor, double driller, manure sower, cultivators, harrows, ploughs, incubator, 2 chicken rearers &c and all the usual barn, stable and dairy utensils, also 4 henhouses (3 in first-class order).
Broadslap, Dunning (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements- 2 coup carts, corn cart, Deering binder, horse rake, potato digger, broadcast sower, potato dresser, manure distributor, potato planer, cake breaker, 2 turnip pulpers, turnip slicer, turnip barrow, iron roller, double furrow plough, 2 Dux ploughs, drill plough, furring-up plough, drill harrows, chain harrows, spring tooth harrows, circular harrows, 2 sets iron harrows, swingletrees, cart top, corn chest, hay collector, scarifier, turnip barrow, sheep haik, sheep nets and stakes, sheep troughs, ladders, potato baskets, hen coops, harness for 2 pair horses, all the usual barn, stable and dairy utensils.
Drummondhall, Stanley (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements-Ransome cultivator, Bisset reaper and binder, 2 mowers, 2 Bisset reapers and binders, Bisset potato digger, cultivator, grubber (3-4 horse), 2 Oliver 10a ploughs, 2 Oliver 140a ploughs, 3 drill ploughs, 3 brake harrows, grass seed brake harrow, set circular harrows, set Dixon harrows, chain harrows, Pharmite harrows, 3 drill harrows, 5 coup carts (2 rubber-tyred), 4 corn carts (2 rubber-tyred), fast-bodied cart (no wheels), 1 ft x 6 ft 2 barrel roller, 1 ft x 9ft barrel roller, Bisset manure distributor, grass seed broadcaster, grain driller, grass seed machine, 2-drill potato planter (Wallace), hay tedder, 2 hay gatherers, hay sweep, 3 horse rakes, turnip barrow, Cambridge roller, scarifier, turnip pulper, 2 turnip slicers, 3 wheel barrows, corn dresser, 2 weighing machines and weights, 2 hay haiks on wheels, feeding bin on wheels, 2 round galvanised feeding bins, 2 portable henhouses, engineer’s vice, bench, tool press and quantity of tools, oil cabinet 9100-gallon), water cistern (galvanised, as new), 2 brooders and a number of coops, harness, stack bosses and props, all the usual barn and stable utensils, kitchen and dairy utensils and a quantity of household furniture, also 20hp Vauxhall car (1934).
Dalchosnie, Kinloch Rannoch (Dundee courier, 17 November 1942)
Implements-box cart, corn cart, Wallace mower, horse rake, drillplough, Howard plough, set diamond harrows, chain harrows, drill harrows, grubber, cultivator, turnip barrow, set iron trees, feeding bins, barrels, sheep troughs, ladders, barbed wire, sheep netting, stobs, harness, and all the usual byre and stable utensils, 2 sectional henhouses, 6-gallon milk can, 2 gallon milk can (all perfectly new), milk basins.
Dolleriemuir, Crieff (Strathearn herald, 21 November 1942)
Implements-Oliver tractor (rubber-tyred), Oliver tractor ploughmaster plough, 2 and two other corn carts, binder, mower, rick lifter, horse rake, grass seed machine, corn drill, grass harrows (new), potato sprayer, tractor harrows, potato digger, iron roller, hay turner, double driller, cultivator, turnip slicer, steelyard and weights, pulper, turnip barrow, 3 sheep haiks, sheep bin, hay collector, 3 set iron harrows, chain harrows, 4 swing ploughs, 3 drill ploughs, 3 Hunter hoes, horse clippers, 2 R. T. hand barrows, 100 potato boxes, potato screens &c, sheep troughs, 10 fire clay troughs, and all barn and stable utensils, 3 sectional henhouses, hen coops &c, incubator, and a quantity dairy utensils, 2 50 gal paraffin oils drums, 1 40 gal oil drum with engine oil, 2 long ladders, and one short ladders.
In 1922 a number of the local newspapers, especially in Aberdeenshire, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.
The erection of this plant was a significant occasion. It marked the introduction of new technology, a substantial investment into the farm and its activities as well as a change in the management of the processing of the grain crop. Farms generally marked this occasion with a social event in which neighbours and others were invited to partake in food and drink, and a congenial evening of activities. They also got to see the new mill at work. The feeding of the first sheaf into the mill was at some farms seen to be an important event. That task was sometimes given to a special member on the farm; it could be a long-standing farm servant or a past tenant.
The accounts in the newspapers provide varying amounts of information about the new mills. Sometimes they record the names of the maker of the mill and the mode of power for the mill (water, engine or tractor).
The following are short accounts from newspapers that record the introduction of new threshing mills onto farms in north east Scotland:
Threshing mill installed at Rothienorman (Aberdeen press and journal, 20 October 1922)
Me George Barclay, farmer, North Redhill, Rothienorman, has installed a new threshing mill made by himself. The mill, which is 21 ins wide, has patent shakers, barley awner, and finishing fan, and is driven by an Allan oil engine. The plant was tried on Saturday, and gave every satisfaction.
Burnside, Fochabers – Steading rebuilt on up-to-date lines (Aberdeen press and journal, 1 November 1922)
Last year the farm steading at Burnside, Fochabers, in the estate of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and tenanted by Captain Jas Brown, was completely destroyed by fire. Since the whole of the steading has been rebuilt by his Grace, according to the plans suggested by Captain Brown, and the result is that the steading is as good as any in the north of Scotland. Revery part of the steading is lighted with electric light, and all modern improvements have likewise been introduced.
The other day Captain Brown had installed by Mr James Crichton, millwright, Strichen, a new thresher with rotary screen, straw carrier, chaff blower, grain elevators and conveyor, etc. Captain Brown is delighted with the excellent working of the mill, which prepares the grain, oats, wheat, and barley ready for the market. Capt Brown informs us that he will be delighted to show anyone the mill at work.
New threshing mill at Newton of Barras (Aberdeen press and journal, 4 November 1922)
A representative from the district gathered at Newton of Barras to see the inauguration of a threshing mill there for Mr James Begg, Muirton of Barras. The mill, 2 feet 6 inches wide, with high speed drum, double dressing and humler, chaff blast, equipped with elevators, and driven by a converted Crossley engine, as the third that Messrs Hadden and Sons, Newtonhill, have installed in that part of Kincardineshire. The start could not have been bettered. Everything worked smoothly, and about 9 quarters per hour were threshed. The company were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Begg, and owner and builders congratulated.
Premnay threshing plant (Aberdeen press and journal, 8 November 1922)
Mr Peter Smith, farmer, West Edingarioch, Premnay, has just installed a new threshing mill, two feet wide, and driven by a 6hp Fernbank’s engine. At the trial threshing the other day it gave entire satisfaction. The mill was made by Mr George Booth, Chapel of Garioch, who also supplied the engine. The machinery and operations were inspected bya number of farmers who assembled to see it start work.
Torphins threshing plant (Aberdeen press and journal, 23 November 1922)
Mr Colin Campbell, Newton of Tornaveen, has installed a new threshing mill and oil engine into his barn, and the first thresh took place on Saturday, when many friends and neighbours were present. The mill and equipment was supplied and fitted up by Messrs Robert Garvie and Sons, Aberdeen, and all present were impressed with the working and finish of the mill and engine.
The company was hospitably entertained by M and Mrs Cargill.
New threshing mill – Demonstration at Tipperty, Alvah (Aberdeen press and journal, 24 November 1922)
A large company of neighbours and friends assembled at Tipperty, Alvah, on Wednesday, on the invitation of Mr Duff, farmer, to witness the inauguration of a new and improved threshing mill. The mill is fitted with a 3ft 6in high-speed drum. A Fordson tractor supplies the motive power. The straw, as it leaves the mill, is carried by a mechanical “forker” to a shed some distance away.
Mr Duff, who specialises in black oats, finds it difficult at times to execute his orders. He has, therefore, had his mill set on wheels, so that it can be run out to the cornyard and the grain put through it direct from the stack, thereby saving time and labour.
At the trial on Wednesday the mill was severely tested, but it came through the ordeal well, putting through 10 quarters per hour easily.
Another labour saving device was witnessed at work in an adjoining shed, this being a turnip-cutter driven by a 2 ¼ horse-power oil engine. Its usefulness was favourably commented upon. Mr Duff was amongst the first of the farmers of the district to have his dwelling-house and steading lit with electric light.
After the demonstration the company were hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Duff, and a happy evening was spent.
Auchterless threshing plant (Aberdeen press and journal, 20 December 1922)
Mr Wilson, Midtown, Pitglassie, Auchterless, has had installed a new threshing mill, 33 inches wide, with high-speed frum, barley awner, two fans, screen, and chaff blast. Power is supplied by water by a bucket wheel, with overhead feed, but an extended shaft will allow of a tractor taking the place of the water when scarce.
At the onset on Monday a company of friends and neighbours was present, and expressed satisfaction with the plant and the work done, from ten to twelve quarters of dressed corn being delivered in an hour.
Mr and Mrs Wilson hospitably entertained the company, and with a pleasant social evening was spent.
Insch threshing plant (Aberdeen press and journal, 26 December 1922)
Messrs Duthie and Reid, Aulton, Insch, on Saturday had installed a new threshing mill, 30 inches, with high-speed gear, and fitted with “hummler” and dressing fan, sizer, and straw-fork. It is driven by an 11 hp Shanks engine, and has a threshing capacity of eight quarters per hour. The onset took place in presence of a large gathering of neighbours and other frienmnds, when splendid work was done.
The party were hospitably entertained by Mrs Duthie, and, under the presidency of Mr J. A. Cooper, of Dunnydeer, a pleasant evening was spent.
Lifting turnips has always been regarded as one of the labour-intensive tasks on the farm. Not surprisingly, there have been a number of attempts to try to make harvesting of the crop a lot easier, whether in topping or tailing the turnips or both.
By the mid 1870s when the price of agricultural labour was rapidly increasing and labour was no longer as readily available as in previous decades, there were a number of competitions to try to find and demonstrate a satisfactory turnip harvester. These were undertaken by national societies such as the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and local and regional societies such as those in Banffshire.
Turnip lifting trials were widely reported in the newspaper press, both agricultural and non-agricultural. One trial that received significant coverage was held in Banffshire, under the auspices of the United Banffshire Agricultural Society. It sets out the background to the event as well as the different machines available and their working mechanisms. Interestingly, most of the makers were local to the north east, the exception being Hunter of Maybole, located in another area where there were significant acreages of turnips grown.
The following account, published in the Aberdeen press and journal on 6 December 1877 provides much detail on the trial and the machines:
“A competition in a branch of agricultural machinery which is at present attracting much attention took place on Tuesday on the farm of Rettie, near Banff. Turnip lifting has always been – mainly in consequence, perhaps, of the inclement season at which it has to be performed – a laborious and painful task. Strange to say, the work is almost invariably done by females, who it might be expected would be unable to withstand the cold and its accompaniments, and who at least suffer exceedingly in the performance of the duty. Since the passing of the Education Act lads cannot be obtained, and the wages of men are too high to admit of their being put to such work. Undoubtedly, therefore, the question of providing a machine which should perform the work of topping and tailing the roots in such a manner that it might fairly be considered a substitute for hand lifting is one of considerable interest to turnip growers. Inventors have always found it a work of comparative ease to produce an implement which would, on an average, top every alternate turnip. And which, when it did not slice the roots in halves, might be relied on to tail them. But machines of this description are practically useless. In nearly all machines the mechanism for tailing the turnips is constructed on the same principle, and consists of a horizontal “coulter”, which travels along under the surface of the drill, and, having a sharp edge in front, deprives the turnips of their roots. To apply a principle by which the work of topping can be performed seems, however, to have exercised the ingenuity of implement makers pretty widely. Of the machines entered on Tuesday for competition no two could be said to be alike in this respect. In one. Case, the “shaws’ were cut by knives in a manner almost similar to that of corn reapers; in another, a shaft was suspended over the drill, in the end of which three knives were fixed horizontally, and resolved with the shaft; another machine had a saw attached on each side, and ranging backwards and outwards so as to lop off each of the tops of one drill. In another case, the top of the turnip was forced between two knives, and in the last case a single knife, placed horizontally, executed the work. It will thus be seen that opinions differ widely as to the manner in which the operation should be performed, and from this it may well be supposed the composition attracted a good deal of interest.
The match was held under the auspices of the United Banffshire Agricultural Society, and three prizes were offered of £3, £2 and £1 each. Horses were provided for the purpose of draught, and on the farm of Rettie two fields-one of yellows and the other of Swedes-had been set at the disposal of the society. The following five makers entered and competed in the order in which they are given:-Thos Hunter, Maybole (double); Francis Murieston, blacksmith, Itlaw, Alvah (single); James McDonald, Black Jug, Portsoy (single); P. & T. Thomson, Corrinzion, Perth (Single); and D. Munro & Son, Forres (double).
The implements were started to work amongst the yellows, which, though very good comparatively speaking, were yet very thin and uneven. Here Munro’s machine was unfortunately incapacitated for work by the breaking of the lever, by which the tailing coulters were set into the ground. This occurred at the commencement of the trial of the implement, and as the fracture could not be repaired in time to take part in this portion of the competition, the machine was disqualified. The trial in this field having been completed, a move was made to the Swedes, were the four competing machines were started simultaneously. Several drills were operated upon, and a minute and careful inspection was made by the judges-Messrs James Runcieman, Castleton; Paterson, Auldton; and Ogilvie. Tillynaught. Their decision was given by Mr Runcieman, who said-we have no hesitation at all in saying that the first prize has been gained by Mr Francis Murieson, the second by Mr James McDonald, and the third by the Messrs Thomson. The last machine, that of Messrs Munro, did not compete in the yellows, and was consequently not in the field. We also wish to say that we were greatly pleased with the work of numbers one and two, which was all that we need expect from such machines, and the judges were a little surprised at the commencement of the work when they saw the performances of the others. I do not know that I should say more. We had to consider as to whether we were bound to award prizes at all, because a good many of the turnips were so badly cut as to be useless for storing, and this is fatal to the success of the machine. We were rather of opinion that unless we were actually bound to award the prizes we ought to withhold them altogether. The machines, however, may be good. They have come some of them far distances, and may work better under more favourable circumstances. We, however, have just to take them as we get them.
Mr Morrison, Loanhead-I think the decision of the judges is generally approved by the onlookers (Applause).
Mr Murieson’s machines is certainly a model of simplicity. It is, to begin with, of very light draught, can easily be managed by one horse, and takes one drill at a time. The topping apparatus seems to be almost complete in its arrangement. Between the front wheels two “skips” of wire (similar to the guides usually fixed on the extremity of the guards of corn reapers to part the corn for the knives) are suspended. They are placed close beside each other, the space between them being only sufficient to allow the top of a turnip to pass. Two blades are fixed between the “skips” in scissor fashion, so that anything which gets between the skips is cut on passing back. The skips are so joined together that they may be called double, and the mode of working is this-whenever the point of the double skip (which is turned up snow shoe fashion) strikes a turnip it lifts up and passes over the object. The shaws, however, are caught between the skips, and travel back to the knives. These latter are so placed that when the root reaches them the knives lop off the tops and do not touch the turnip itself. The shaws are then run off to one side by a slanting board, and the tailing is performed by a horizontal; “coulter”. The Portsoy machine is constructed on a principle somewhat similar. The tops are caught between projecting wirework, and in passing back are cut by a horizontal knife, while a coulter tails the roots and shoves them off to the right side. This machine costs about eight guineas, as also does Mr Murieson’s. The third prize machine is of rather heavier draught than the other two. For topping the turnips two shafts are suspended over the drills (of which two are lifted each round). In the end of each shaft three knives are attached horizontally, and revolve along with the shaft. A coulter tails the roots, which are then caught by a wheel in potato digger fashion and flung out to the right side of the drills. This machine took the first prize at a competition held under the auspices of the Highland and Agricultural Society at Inverurie last year, and cost 19 guineas. Of the other machines Mr Hunter’s tops the roots by means of saws, and that of the Messrs Munro performs this work in corn reaper fashion.
After the competition the judges and a few friends dined at the house of Mr Longmore, Rettie, and a pleasant evening was spent.
The day was dry and otherwise favourable, and a good many influential farmers and others watched the competition very closely. The ground in both fields was very stiff, and added considerably to the draught of the machines.”
The photos of the Ferret turnip harvester from the 189-s onwards were taken at the Highland Folk Museum, May 2016.
Harvesting turnips was always hard work. Heavy and wet turnips that were not always easy to pull and wet shows could make for an even harder job.
Scottish makers led the way in the development of turnip harvesters. MacDonald Brothers of Portsoy who had led the way in their harvester in the 1890s (winning the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland turnip lifting trial of 1895 against other leading makers), continued to make the “Ideal Lifter” into the 1950s when versions were available for use with horses, as well as with tractors including Ferguson and David Brown.
The year 1956 was important for the development of turnip harvesters. At the Highland Show of Inverness no less than two turnip harvesters were entered for the new implement award. One was the “Bruce” turnip lifter and dresser. It was invented by James M. Bruce, Brechin, and made by the Forfar Foundry Ltd. It was exhibited by Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd of Aberdeen. The second machine was the “Linton” turnip topper and tailer. It was invented and made by Fleming & Son, West Linton. It was exhibited by F. M. Fleming & Son of Rattray Engineering Works, Blairgowrie. Both were tractor-mounted.
Another harvester, invented by James Smith, Berry Farm, Scalloway, Lerwick, was also on display at the 1956 Show. It was entered for the new implement award in the following year at the Dundee Show. It was manufactured by Innes, Walker (Engineering) Co. Ltd, Paisley, Renfrewshire.
In 1960 a further turnip harvester was entered for the new implement award at the Highland Show. This was the “Reekie” turnip harvester made by Reekie Engineering Co. Ltd, Arbroath.
By 1963 there were three Scottish makers of turnip harvesters recorded in the Farm Mechanisation Directory: Boswells of Blairgowrie, Forfar Foundry Ltd, and Reekie Engineering Ltd. In addition, J. Bisset & Sons Ltd, Blairgowrie, also sold the “New Linton” harvester.
Each turnip harvester had their own design features and methods to top and tail the turnips. The “Linton”, for example, had a rotating knife for topping, while rotating discs were used to tail the turnips. The Reekie topped and tailed them before cleaning them, and putting them into a trailer. Tailing was undertaken by means of two counter-rotating discs, while topping was achieved by using revolving flail type blades.
Scottish farmers who wanted to make the turnip harvest that bit easier to undertake had a number of machines that they could choose from, all made by leading implement and machine makers.
The photographs of the turnip harvester which loosens the soil around them was taken at the Starthnairn rally, September 2018.
In 1962 the main tractor cab makers in Scotland were Alexander Duncan (Aberdeen) Ltd, Inchbroom, Nigg, Aberdeen, and Innes Walker (Engineering) Co. Ltd, Brown Street, Paisley.
The name Alexander Duncan is first recorded in agricultural trade directories in 1959. By June 1961 it had become an incorporated company: Alexander Duncan (Aberdeen) Ltd, a name it continued to use until it ceased business in 1999.
The business was an innovative one. In its early days it exhibited at the Royal Highland Show. It is recorded in the show catalogues for 1959 to 1965. In 1964 it entered its safety and anti-roll frame for tractors for the New Implement award at the Show. In 1971 it was developing a new cab designed to cut out tractor noise – the Super Safety Cab: it was rubber mounted and fully enclosed.
An article in the Aberdeen press and journal of 14 August 1970 provided some insights into its business and range of activities. Mr Duncan said “We make cabs to fit any British tractor. We make cabs for about 25 different kinds of tractor models. All our cabs within the next two months will be fitted with quick release mechanism … they are the most advanced in Europe. We have capacity to make about 100 cabs a day. At present, we make about 125 a week and to lift that to 100 a day would mean trebling our labour force to about 70 men.”
The early and mid 1970s were exceptionally good years for the business. On 23 December 1971 the Aberdeen Press and journal noted that it was “working flat out” to produce orders for home and export. It had large orders from Portugal and Poland, in addition to extensive consignments, including ones behind the “Iron Curtain”: “Currently they are working an 11-hour day to keep up with business and, even with those hours, such is the pressure of work that they find themselves falling behind.” At that time it made around 80 different models.
When it launched its new low noise cab in February 1972 there was a significant demand for it. It resulted in extensions to the factory and the 80 strong workforce; a new steel store was built by early 1975. On 13 April 1972 the Aberdeen Press and Journal carried an interview with A. Duncan: “We have developed a new cab giving dramatic reduction in noise-level to the operator, but the demand for the cabs we make just now with the staff 100 cabs behind orders, although they are working at least a 10-hour day, will probably mean. More rebuilding and more men to get our new cab into full production.” The cab was used on tractors such as Roadless Traction for their high-end horsepower Ford-engined machines. At that time the business was making 100 new cabs a week.
By January 1975 the business had a backlog of 3000 cabs; it also had to refuse orders at home and abroad. That backlog was dealt with by contracting work out to other businesses in the north of Scotland and Duncan’s undertaking final assembly and painting itself. By March 1975 the Aberdeenshire Evening Express noted that the business was producing 500 cabs a month and had a backlog of between 200 and 300 orders. Its staff had increased to more than 100 workers. By that time it was producing a range of optional extras including a heater. For operators in dry and dusty conditions it also produced an air-filtering and purifying unit.
Alexander Duncan (Cabs) became the last tractor cab manufacturer in Britain. It closed its doors in 1999. In an article in the Aberdeen Press and Journal on 11 September 1999 Robert Duncan noted: “The decline has been a gradual process. Many manufacturers started fitting their own cabs in the 1970s. All the cab manufacturers have now become large multi-nationals – and even some of them are now going together.” He noted that in its hey-day the plant employed 90 staff and made cabs for Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Ford and David Brown.
The displenishing sale was held on 18 September 1999 (see Aberdeen press and journal, 20 September 1999). It was well attended by more than 200 buyers looking to purchase 660 lots. The auctioneers, TSA, noted that “The sale was well attended and prices generally exceeded expectations”.
Here is how the Aberdeen Press and Journal described the legacy of Alexander Duncan (Aberdeen) Ltd on 12 November 1999: it was “one of the UK’s biggest tractor cab designers and builders in its hey day as well as the last independent manufacturer in the country.
The Duncan cab became legendary throughout the agricultural world when tractors came without cabs fitted as standard.” It produced over 80 different models for 25 different kinds of tractor manufactured in the UK.
By comparison to Alexander Duncan, the business of Innes Walker (Engineering) co. Ltd, Brown Street, Paisley made a number of implements and machines. It started to be recorded in trade directories in 1949 as Innes, Walker (Engineering) Co. Ltd, 20 Stanley Street, Glasgow. It continued at that address until at least the end of 1955. In the Scottish Farmer of 14 January an advert recorded that the business was at Clyde Works, Brown Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire. It was associated with the “Clydebuilt” trade name.
It was also an innovative business and took its manufactures to the Highland Show between 1949 and at least 1963. It entered its automatic cafetina hen laying battery invented by George L. Innes of the business and made by it into the new implement award of the Highland Show in 1950 and as well as its “Clydebuilt” G. P. C. spreader for that award in 1955. It entered a third machine for that award in 1957, the “Clydebuilt” “Shetlander” turnip harvester, invented by James Smith, Berry Farm, Lerwick, Shetland.
The Clydebuilt tractor cabs were made for “most makes” of tractors, including Ferguson, David Brown and Fordson. In 1958 they were advertised for sale (new) at a cost of £24 15s. An advert in the Belfast Telegraph on 2 February 1961 advertised “Clyde-built tractor cabs to suit all makes on-off one minute, sliding side windows, full visibility; £29 10s including returnable crate”.
The photographs were taken at B. A. Stores, May 2019.
In 1970 there was a well-established network of tractor dealers and agents throughout Scotland. Some of them had been trading in tractors since the early 1920s when they were sold alongside cars. For others, this was more recent, with the increased move in the adoption and use of tractors, especially after the Second World War.
How many of these names do you recognise? And did you notice the makers too?
Agra Motor & Agricultural Engineers, Quayside, Banff
B. M. C. (Scotland) Ltd, Bathgate, West Lothian
Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd, (main distributors David Brown), 67 Green, Aberdeen. Also at 32 Ashgrove Road, Aberdeen, High Street, Montrose and Schoolhill, Turriff, and West End Garage, Huntly
A. & J. Bowen & Co. Ltd, Harvester House, Markinch, Fife
Harry K. Brown (Motors) Ltd, Raith Motor Works, Nicol Street, Kirkcaldy. Branches: Cupar; Halbeath Road, Dunfermline
In its day R. G. Morton, Errol was a highly regarded engine maker, making among other items, horizontal engines, semi-portable engines, boilers, turbines and threshing mills.
By 1877 Robert G. Morton had set up his business at the railway station, Errol, Perthshire, from which he had the ease of transport to distribute his manufactures. By 1913 the company had changed form and R. G. Morton (Errol) was located at Motherwell, Lanarkshire.
The company actively promoted its manufactures in both the North British Agriculturist and the Scottish Farmers, especially from the mid 1880s onwards until 1913. It was a regular attender at the Highland Show from 1870. It considered itself as an innovative business, entering a number of its manufactures for trials of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. These included an exhaust fan in 1884 which won a £10 prize. In 1884 it entered the Society’s trial of machines adapted for cleaning all sorts of grain and other seeds from weeds. In 1888 one of its steam engines was selected for and entered for trial. In 1890 it entered the Society’s trial of grist mills.
By trade, the company was an agricultural implement maker, a boilermaker, engineer and millwright, a machine maker, a mechanical engineer, and more lately a motor-van, lorry and builder.
On the death of Robert G. Morton in the spring of 1920, the North British Agriculturist, acknowledged his innovative business. It wrote:
“To farmers of twenty-five to forty years ago, few men were better known in the agricultural engineering business than Mr R. Aikman Gray Morton, whose death has taken place at his son’s residence, 2 Hamilton Drive, Bothwell. Mr R. G. Morton was the noted millwright and agricultural engineer of Errol, Perthshire, and in his time carried on an extensive business which had a wide and well-established reputation. Mr Morton first made his mark in 1868, having in that year invented the “Comb Drum” threshing machine, an implement which practically revolutionised the system of grain threshing then in force. One of his greatest improvements on the original Comb Drum machine was the introduction of the double drum, by which it was possible not only to thresh clean grain of every description, but also to preserve the most tender-fibres straw from being unduly broken up or damaged. In addition to threshing machines and farm engines (which at Errol had been brought to a wonderful degree of perfection), Mr Morton did a large trade in numerous other agricultural appliances, as well as in general machinery for manufacturing purposes, and these were sent to almost every manufacturing centre in the world. He was a man of high ideal and universally esteemed.”
The Dundee courier also published an extensive obituary in its issue of 18 July 1923:
“Well-known Perthshire man dead
Agricultural implement maker
The death has occurred at Inchmichael, Errol, of Mr Henry Wm Mathers, who for more than half a century was associated with the agricultural industry, and was well known in the farming community of Perthshire and particularly of the Carse.
The deceased, who was 82 years of age, followed his grandfather and father in business at Errol as a blacksmith. As such he worked for the farmers and others in the Errol district.
His opportunity to develop and widen his business came to him when many years ago he invented a hay collector. The machine became a recognised implement in the hay field, and is still widely in use. So encouraging was Mr Mathers’ first venture that he branched out in business as an agricultural implement maker and repairer under the name of Messrs H. W. Mathers & Sons. The loss of two sons, who were associated with him in the business, was a severe blow, but Mr Mathers persevered, and was assisted in the development of the concern by another son, Mr Archibald C. Mathers.
Now the firm have extensive premises in Glasgow Road, Perth, and their implements are in general use.
Mr Mathers retired from active participation in the business about four years ago. He was, however, able to move about until recently. His figure was familiar at the Highland and many local shows during a period of about twenty years, the last Highland he attended being at Aberdeen four years ago.
The deceased is survived by one son, who carries on the business, and four daughters.”
R. G. Morton is a great example of how innovative engineering was carried on in rural Scotland and of its outstanding reputation.
A well-known Banffshire implement and machine maker was Auchinachie & Simpson, Mid Street, Keith. It was already undertaking its business at that address by 1868; it continued to be associated with that address until at least the First World War. After 1920 the company, as Auchinachie & Simpson Ltd, was located in Keith, Morayshire.
The company undertook a number of trades. From the mid 1870s it was an agricultural implement maker, general implement dealer, machinery broker and dealer, mechanical engineer, smith, and smith and farrier. Its manufactures included ploughs, harrows, seed sowing machines, grubbers and manure sowers. It was also an agent for a number of key Scottish and English makers, which allowed it to sell a wider range of manufactures, including mowers, reapers and binders, which had a huge impact on north-eastern farming. Its agencies included those for W. N. Nicholson & Son, Newark on Trent, Walter A. Wood, London, Macdonald Brothers, Portsoy, Harrison, McGregor, Leigh, Lancashire. D. M. Osborne & Co., London.
The company was a forward-looking one, advertising and promoting its manufactures at the Highland Show from 1876 onwards until 1923. It was awarded a silver medal for its collection by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland in 1876. It entered its manufactures at a number of the Society’s high profile trials, including the trial for three tined-grubbers in 1885, grass seed sowing machines in 1887 and manure distributors in 1899. It was an advertiser in the North British Agriculturist from March 1870 until July 1911.
One of the partners of the business was John Simpson, born in 1840. When he died in April 1909 the Huntly Express included an obituary which includes some information on his role in developing and undertaking the business. It is quoted in full below:
“The late Mr John Simpson
Many over the north of Scotland will, we feel sure, hear with feelings of regret of the death of Mr John Simpson, of the firm of Messrs Auchinachie and Simpson, blacksmiths and agricultural engineers, Keith, which took place at his residence in Land Street, on Saturday evening, after an illness of some weeks’ duration. Deceased was a native of the parish of Forgue, where he was born in June 1840. His father, the late Mr William Simpson, was long farm grieve at Auchaber. The subject of this notice served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith with the late Mr Taylor, Cobairdy, and afterwards worked at his trade at Cullen, Uddingston, and Huntly. He was recognised as a most capable and painstaking workman. In October 1864, in conjunction with Mr James Auchinachie, they purchased the business of Messrs McGregor, blacksmiths and agricultural engineers, Keith, and since then they have carried it on in a most successful manner. The firm have always been noted for the high quality of their work, and in farm implements of their own manufacture they had a wide and lucrative connection. Deceased took a keen interest in the public life of the town. He was a member of the Town Council for at least two terms of office, acting as convener of the Water Committee. Previous to joining the Council, the firm were water managers, and the experience and knowledge which the deceased gained in this capacity stood him in good stead in the Council. He was for long director of the Banffshire Property Investment Company, and when he retired from office in June last year he received the cordial and unanimous thanks of his fellow-directors for the valuable service he had rendered the company. He took a prominent part in the management of Keith Bowling Club, and was an enthusiastic player. He was also a keen florist. He was a Liberal in politics, and was a prominent member of the local Association. He is survived by a widow and five sons and four daughters, to whom in their bereavement a wide circle of friends extend feelings of heartfelt sympathy.”
In Scotland some farms had threshing machines built in the farm steading. Portable threshing machines were also also popular in some districs, as also England.
Henry Stephens, the well-known agricultural writer, wrote about the use of portable threshing machines. He makes an interesting comparison between the threshing system in Scotland and England. His account is worth quoting at length:
“The portable form of threshing-machines prevails in England. As a rule, there is no threshing-machine of any kind in English farm-steadings. The threshing is done by traveling machines owned by companies or individuals, who may have several machines at work in different parts of the country at one time.
Several leading firms of implement-makers have given much attention to the manufacture of portable threshing-machines, and now the farmer has ample choice of machines of the highest efficiency. These portable threshing-machines are usually worked by steam traction-engines, which also draw them from one place to another. In some cases portable steam-engines are employed in working the machines, but then horses have to be used in taking the machine from farm to farm.
In a modern portable threshing machine, the operations of threshing, dressing, and bagging, all going on simultaneously. The machine is supposed to be working in the stackyard. The stacks of grain as they get filled have to be conveyed to the granary-but that is easily done.
The disposal of the straw entails more labour. It is usually formed into a large stack at the rear of the threshing-machine, and the conveyance of the straw from the shakers to this stack is, in most cases, accomplished by means of elevators, which can be lengthened and raised in the pitch as the stack increases in height.
The number of persons required to work these portable threshing machines varies according to the operations performed and the speed of the machine. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, point out that the economy of threshing must depend in a great measure on the proper distribution of the hands employed, and state that the force, when straw-elevators are not used, should consist of eleven men and boys, to be engaged as follows: “One to feed the machine; two to untie and hand the sheaves to the feeder; two on the corn-stack to pitch the sheaves on to the stage of the threshing-machine; one to clear the straw away as it falls from the straw-shaker; two to stack the straw; one to clear away the chaff from underneath the machine, and occasionally to carry the chobs which fall from the chob-sprout up to the stage, to be threshed again; one to remove the sacks t the back of the machine as they are filled; and one to drive the engine. The feeder, on whim very much depends, should be an active man, and should have the control of the men stationed near the machine. He should endeavour to feed the drum as nearly as possible in a continuous stream, keeping the corn uniformly spread over the whole width. The two men or boys who untie the sheaves should stand on the stage of the threshing-machine, so that either is in a position to hand the feeder a sheaf with ease, but without obstructing the other. The men on the stack must keep the boys or men on the stage constantly and plentifully supplied with sheaves, which must be pitched on to the stage, so that the boys can reach them without leaving their position. The main who removes the straw from the end of the shaker should never allow it to accumulate so that it cannot fall freely. The man whose duty it is to clear away the chaff and cavings from underneath the machine must not allow these to accumulate so as to obstruct the free motion of the shoes; he must watch the basket under the chob-spout, and as soon as it is full, empty its contents on to the stage, in a convenient position for the feeder to sweep the same, a little at a time, into the drum to be threshed over again. The man who attends to the sacks must remove them before they get so full as to obstruct the free passage of the corn from the spouts, otherwise the clean corn may be thrown out at the screenings-spout.
When a large quantity is being threshed at one time, additional hands may be required to take away and stack the straw. It is better to cart the sheaves to the threshing-machine than to shift its position in the stackyard. The engine-driver, during threshing, should be as prompt as possible in attending to the signals for stopping and starting, and he should carefully attend to the bearings of the drum-spindle and other spindles of the threshing-machine.
Steam or oil-engines are fast taking the place of horse-power in working threshing machines. Where the supply is plentiful, water still holds its own, and will continue to do so, for it is the cheapest of all motors for the purpose. But the horse-wheel is gradually disappearing, and, for threshing purposes, the windmill may be said to have gone.
The steam engine, in its various forms is suitable for farm work. Steam power possesses two important advantages: it is always at command and can be completely controlled. By the use of steam the threshing may proceed continuously as long as may be desired; while, except in the rare cases in which the force of running water is sufficient to drive the mill-wheel, the threshing for the time ceases with emptying of the “mill-dam”. Experience has abundantly proved that threshing machines dependent on water derived chiefly from the drainage of the surface of the ground, frequently suffer from a short supply in autumn, and late in spring or early summer, thereby creating inconvenience for the want of straw in the end of autumn, and the want of seed or horse-corn in the end of spring. Wherever such casualties are likely to happen, it is better to adopt a steam-engine or oil-engine at once.
The other advantage is also important. Water or horse power cannot be so nicely governed as steam or oil, and, as a consequence with these powers, irregularities in feeding-in the grain or variations in the length of the straw are apt to make the motion of the corn-dressing appliances irregular, which, of course, causes imperfect dressing.”
What a great account! It would be interesting to note what were the districts in Scotland where the travelling mill was prevalent.
The photographs were taken at Farming Yesteryear, Scone, September 2017.
