Category: Out and about

A tradition associated with north-east Scotland is the “on set” or the “on put” of new threshing mills and barn equipment. When a new threshing mill and barn equipment were installed and ready to be started a farmer invited neighbours and friends (and other agriculturists) to celebrate the start of the mill. Sometimes this involved an intense trial or test of it; it could also be just set in motion and run. Afterwards the party – which was sometimes large in number – were invited to the farmhouse for a meal or a celebratory drink. There was singing, music-making, storytelling, playing cards as well as discussions. In some cases dances were arranged for the young members of the farming community. Toasts were given, for example to the farming family, the mill and its makers and those installing it. There were also ones for the prosperity of the farm and future harvests.

The tradition appears to have started in the area by the 1860s. It became more commonplace by the 1890s when oil engines were becoming available to power barn machinery. There are frequent references to in the local newspapers. These usually stated that an event was held, the name of the farmer where it took place, the names of the hosts, who was invited (along with names), the names of the makers of the mill and any key specifications, the trial and its outcome. It also noted the hospitality provided, including some of the toasts.

These accounts show the importance of having a new mill installed on a farm and the investment that was made in having new technology. In some instances a new mill replaced an older one that had been in place for over half a century. In others, this was one that had burned down (there were a surprising number of new mills that were destroyed by fire, even after a few months).

The following newspaper articles give a flavour of this tradition and its importance to the farms and farming communities in the north-east.

“Improved thrashing machine (Arbroath guide, 18 December 1880)

On Thursday evening, Mr Hutcheon, farmer, Newbigging, entertained a number of farmers and others to supper on the occasion of the start of his new thrashing mill. The machine was put in motion in presence of the company, and thrashed two stacks of corn. The work was done with great speed, and in a thoroughly successful manner. The mill was made by Messrs J. and G. Fitchet, millwrights and engineers, Gighty Burn, and is termed a rubber drum. It is fitted with a. travelling frame and cloth, which carries the straw to, and finally deposits it in, any part of the barn.”

“Renovation of Berryhill Steading (from Dundee advertiser, 24 November 1891)

It will be remembered that a disastrous fire occurred at Berryhill, tenanted by Mr Alexander Anderson, last April, by which the greater part of the steading was destroyed. The farm buildings have now been renovated, and, thanks to the landlord, Sir Patrick Keith Murray of Ochertyre, the work has been executed on the most approved principles. The byres and stables are models of adaptability and comfort for the animals housed there. The new threshing machinery forms an important part of the new arrangements; the mill, which is of substantial build, is on an improved light-draught principle, and the dressing part of the machine is a new design with three sets of riddles, and works splendidly, delivering the grain from an oscillating spout elevated above the floor. The mill was started on Friday, and its working was admired by all who saw it. One point specially noted was the small amount of water required for motive power. In connection with the completion of the steading and the starting of the mill, Mr and Mrs Anderson entertained the tradesmen and other friends, to the number of 50, to supper in the new granary on Friday. After supper, Mr James Steele, Dundee, proposed “Health and Prosperity to Mr and Mrs Anderson”, remarking that their popularity in the district was as well-deserved as their kindness was proverbial. Mr Thomas Smith, Mains of Fowlis, proposed “Prosperity to the makers of the mill, Messrs David Steele & Son”. Mr Anderson proposed “Sir Patrick Keith Murray, the proprietor”, and it was owing to his generosity that he had been enabled to get such a first-class steading and threshing-mill. Other toasts followed, after which a dance was enjoyed.”

“New threshing plant (Arbroath herald, 11 March 1910)

New threshing plant at Montquhir was formally started on Friday afternoon, and the plant was found satisfactory. The engine, 14hp, was made by Messrs A. Shanks & Son, Ltd, and the threshing machine, which is fitted with a 3ft 9 in drum, and is capable of bagging the grain ready for the market, was made by Messrs G. & F. Fitchett. After witnessing the plant thoroughly tested, about 70 ladies and gentlemen were entertained to a hearty tea by Mr John Gibb, the tenant. The Rev J. Gordon Lyon presided. After tea the usual toasts were proposed. The young folks afterwards engaged in dancing.”

“Durris (Stonehaven journal, 15 September 1910)

New threshing mill

On Saturday afternoon Mr Malcolm Westerton, inaugurated a fine new high speed finishing mill by threshing a quantity of oats, in the presence of many of the influential farmers in the west-end of Durris and a number of friends from a distance. The machine is an excellent worker, threshing rapidly and making a clean, tidy job. It reflects great credit on Mr Shepherd, Spyhill, who built and planned it, At the close of the demonstration Mrs D. Coutts entertained the company to tea, when a very pleasant evening was spent.”

“Rathen (Buchan observer and east Aberdeenshire advertiser, 6 January 1920)

On the invitation of Mr Elphinston, Muckle Rathen, a few friends and neighbours witnessed the trial of a new threshing plant having all the latest improvements. The mill is by Mr Crichton, engineer, Strichen, and is driven by a Shanks engine supplied by the same firm. It gave the greatest satisfaction. Afterwards the company were entertained by Mr and Mrs Elphinstone, and a very pleasant evening was spent, the health of Mr and Mrs Elphinstone and family was proposed by Mr Lorimer. Mr I. Gammie proposed the health of Mr Crichton, and success to the new mill. Gramophone selections were given by Miss Madge Elphinstone; a song by Mr Lorimer; and a piano selection by Mr Birnie, Stonehouse; and Mr Samuel Fraser, Lakeside.”

There were numerous demonstrations of tractor ploughing throughout Scotland in the early 1920s. Some of them were especially important for showing exactly what the early tractors could (or could not) achieve. These included some of the earliest exhibitions in a county. In the central district of Banffshire, one such one was held in February 1921. Because of its importance, an extensive account of it was published in the Aberdeen press and journal of 24 February 1921. It provides a detailed account of the arrangements, the tractors and ploughs, as well as the quality of work that they undertook. Prizes were also awarded to the best work.

The account is worth quoting at length”

“Banffshire farmers’ tractors

Competition at Keith

Finest ploughing show in the north

Tractor ploughing is making great headway in the northern counties, and in this progressive branch of the agricultural industry the farmers of Central Banffshire have demonstrated their up-to-date methods and enterprise. The tractor competition held under the auspices of the Central Banffshire Farmers’ Club at Tarmore, Keith, yesterday was the biggest event of the kind that has been witnessed north of Perth, and attracted a large gathering of farmers from a wide district, who manifested much interest in the modern method of turning over the soil. There have been several horse-ploughing matches in the county which were supplemented by two or three tractors, but on this occasion the competition was confined solely to tractors pulling two or three-furrow plough. In this respect it was the first and finest competition that has been held in the northern counties, and much credit is due to the Farmers’ Club in promoting such an educative exhibition. An excellent day’s work was accomplished, and one farmer gave expression to the general admiration by the remark- “It fairly puts the death-knell on the horses”. In the district the tractor is well established. There are thirty or forty in Central Banffshire.

The competition took place on a 12-acre field placed at the disposal of the Farmers’ Club for the occasion by Mr James Weir, the enterprising farmer of Tarmore, and the weather was ideal for the event. It was a strong, clay soil, rather dry for the work, and the hollows severely tested the qualities of the tractors, and tried the skill of the most expert ploughman. The tractors were 13 in number-six Fordsons, four International juniors, one Glasgow, one Titan and one Case, the latter giving a demonstration under the agency of Auchinachie and Simpson, Keith, and making a very successful exhibition of power against the hill. It pulled a Ruston-Hornsby plough. The majority of the ploughs were the renowned make of Sellars, Huntly, and Auchinachie and Simpson, Keith.

The winning tractors

The prize-winners were:-

Three furrow ploughs-1 Mr McCallum, Auchenhove, Keith, with Titan tractor and Sellar plough; 2. Mr McKay, Mains of Tannachy, Portgordon, Glasgow tractor and Oliver plough.

Two furrow ploughs-1 and cup, Mr Wilson, Muckleton, Lessendrum, Huntly, with International tractor and Sellar plough; 2. Robert Allan, Bush, Keith, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 3. K. H. Gambles, Arnhall. Huntly, International tractor and Sellar plough; 4. Robt Cameron, Bogbain, Keith, International and Sellar plough; 5. S. Simpson, Berryleys, Keith, International tractor and Auchinachie and Simpson plough; 6. Alex Dey, Midthird, Botriphnie, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 7. Thomas Gordon Duff, Drummuir Home Farm, Fordson tractor and Auchinachie and Simpson plough; 8. John Cameron, Braehead, Keith, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 9. Jas. Robertson, Keithmore, Dufftown, Fordson tractor and Sellar plough; 10. A. McLean, Heads of Auchinderran, Fordson and Sellar plough.

Straihghtest furrows- Robert Allan, Bush.

Neatest ends-K. H. Gambles, Arnhall, Huntly.

Best manipulated tractor-Robert Cameron, Bogbain.

Not a bad-ploughed rig

Each of the tractors had to plough about an acre, and first class and expeditious work was done with any kind of plough. Indeed, there was not a bad ploughed rig in the field, and a veteran judge declared that he had been at six or seven horse ploughing matches this year, and the first prize tractor ploughing compared very favourably with any of the first prize work at the horse competitions.

Mr Wilson of Muckleton’s first prize and cup two-furrow plough tractor was a 10 to 12 hp International run with paraffin and starting on petrol. It was a very neat and easily managed one-man machine, with plenty of power for a two or three-furrow plough, working with a small consumption of oil. The engine was all cased in, a protection from the frost, with mud-guard and platform for the driver. The machine is capitally adapted for the soil of Banffshire, and requires about a gallon of paraffin an hour. The second was a Fordson tractor belonging to Mr Allan, Bush. Indeed, the type of tractor which was predominant in the competition was the Fordson, which is evidently a popular machine with the farmers on account of its handiness and cheapness. The Internationals, again, took the third, fourth, and fifth places, followed by the Fordsons. The first three-furrow Sellar plough was drawn by a Titan, and the second was an Oliver pulled by a Glasgow tractor.

The judge of the ploughing was Mr William Newlands, Lockand, Borharm, who gave complete satisfaction by his decisions, while Mr William Simpson, Stipeside, was equally successful in his selection of the neatest ends, straightest furrows, and best manipulated tractors.

After the prizes had been awarded the members of the committee and other friends were hospitably entertained at Tarmore by Mr and Mrs Weir, who were heartily thanked for their kindness.”

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire newspapers include a number of accounts of work at the threshing mill at various times of the twentieth century. Some of these are reflective accounts of what it was like to work at the travelling threshing mill.

One such account was published in the Aberdeen evening express, of 12 December 1962. It is worth quoting at length for its reflections and observations:

“Old style thresh on new style mill

Alex Keith

We had “the mull” the other day. It used to be called “stem mull” in the age when nationalisation had never been thought of and coal sold at its economic value. New imported diesel has taken the place of home-raised coal and the tractor has supplanted the steam engine.

Soon, no doubt, there will be no travelling mill. The combine, driven by penal taxation and other so-called forms of social and economic progress, is ousting the older style of threshing grain. The farmer will be losing money by the change, but he’ll keep his reputation for being “go-ahead”.

We got on fine with the mill. The day was lovely, one of the pleasantest of the year-though not in Aberdeen five miles away! We were only getting four ricks out of the way. The big thresh will come after the New Year, when the grain will have matured and mellowed.

So the proceedings only occupied the afternoon yokin’, and fitted the time and daylight perfectly, allowing for “a piece” half-way through. The results were satisfactory. They confirmed the impression gathered at the time of harvest that 1962 is going to turn out the best in twenty years; both in grain and straw.

Let it be admitted that this mill procedure is old-fashioned. So-if we’re going to be metaphysical-are people and crops and the securing of them! The mill is comparatively new-fangled. No one seems to take those points into consideration.

Display

Still, this form of threshing has been going on long enough to collect its little halo of pleasant memories. If the chuf-chuf of the engine and the occasional pyrotechnical display of sparks from its lum have displaced by the steady girn of the tractor, the drone of the mill, rising and falling as the sheaves are digested by the threshing mechanism, is as friendly and soothing as ever.

And there’s a social side to the mill. From a dozen to fifteen people are required, the larger number when the corn has to be loaded up immediately for dispatch and when the straw is bunched and built into stacks. If the straw is baled the smaller number is adequate.

Usually two people lowse-that is cut out the bands of the sheaves. For this purpose a gauntlet with a sharp knife attached is strapped on the palm of the hand. With a little practice the sheaf is picked up, loosened, spread out and fed head foremost into the mill in a single steady and rhythmical motion.

Adept lowsers will keep a couple of forkers going. Then at the business end of the mill there is a battery of chutes, festooned with hooks to which the grain sacks are attached. Usually there are five.

Busy

To deal adequately with this corny discharge keeps four men pretty busy, and three very busy. The full sack has to be detached, lifted, weighed and adjusted to 168lb-a cwt and a half-the mouth tied, removed from the scales, hoisted on a man’s shoulders and conveyed to the bogie or lorry or whatever other temporary repository is being used.

The farm kitchen on mill day is a busy place with the womenfolk cooking and baking and peeling potatoes and masking tea. When the thresh is over the personnel come in and have their meal, with much talk and fun and laughter. The clash o’ the countryside is teen throu-han!”

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.

The company was very successful. In 1892 it opened a new works at Errol. One of the local newspapers, the Dundee Courier, featured them and the work of the company in its pages. These are worth quoting at length for the insights that it provided:

Dundee courier, 12 August 1892

“Local implement makers

Mr Morton’s works at Errol

In practical mechanics there are few men in Scotland who have been more successful than Mr R. G. Morton, engineer and millwright, Errol. Through his inventive genius agricultural implements have been brought almost to the point of perfection. Mr Morton first made his mark in 1868. Realising the waste of material and labour which accrued from the method of threshing which then existed, he set himself to construct a threshing machine capable of easy adaptation to the differences continually met with in soil and climate, and to the variations in the quality of grain and straw in different seasons. The outcome of his labours was the comb drum, well known to farmers all over the country, which did much to meet the difficulties referred to. The favour with which this instrument of husbandry was received proved that for general work it was unrivalled, especially in threshing oats, barley, bere, and beans; while it was wrought at from 30 to 40 per cent less power than the ordinary high speed or rubber drum. In districts where wheat is much grown, and grown after certain crops, or forced by artificial manures, the grain may not be clean threshed by the beating or combing system without breaking the straw too much, in consequence of its natural weakness of fibre. How to deal with these difficulties became a subject of anxious study to Mr Morton, and he ultimately constructed the double-drum threshing machine, which is capable of threshing grain of any description in the most perfect manner. The advantages of the double-drum system over any others are-its lightness of draught through the improved construction of the high-speed or rubber drum and concave; the improved mechanical arrangement for opening and shutting the concave exactly parallel to the drum, ensuring perfectly clean threshing throughout the whole length of the drum; and the substitution of one drum for the other, which can be done by an ordinary ploughman in a few minutes, instead of entailing the time and cost of a tradesman for a day, as was the case under the old system. From Errol Works there have emanated 25 different kinds of threshing machines suitable for all sorts of soil and climate. Mr Morton was awarded a medal by the Science and Art Departmnet for designing a threshing machine. He also received medals for a new Poncelet turbine: for a patent rotary portable fire engine; and for a patent pneumatic elevator and stack drying machine. The agricultural implements designed by Mr Morton were introduced into many of the farms in Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire, and they proved so satisfactory that their inventor at once became a man of note. The late Mr Scott, banker, Stonehaven, struck with the conspicuous ability displayed by Mr Morton, urged him to start in business for himself. The year after he invented the comb drum Mr Morton constructed thirty of them for farms in Aberdeenshire. It then became a serious question with him how he was to carry on the trade which he had so successfully initiated. He had to look out for premises, and, learning that Mr Watson was about to retire from his engineering business in Errol and to take to farming, Mr Morton opened negotiations with that gentleman, which resulted in his succeeding to the business in April 1870. Trade increased so rapidly that the want of water became a serious consideration, all the more so as it was found that the works could not be carried on steadily throughout the whole year. In 1875 Mr Morton feued the present site near Errol Station and built new works and a dwellinghouse for himself and family. Since then both buildings have been considerably enlarged, and at the present time Mr Morton is contemplating a further extension of his already extensive works in order to enable him to meet the yearly increasing demands of his home and foreign trade. The works presently occupy an area of 12,600 square feet, and the proposed additions will take up further space measuring 100 feet by 30 feet. For years Mr Morton devoted his spare hours to improving and inventing machinery, and now, while still in the prime of life, he occupies the proud position of being the leading agricultural implement maker in Scotland. As showing Mr Morton’s ingenuity and skill, it may be stated that, after selecting the new site for his workshops and dwellinghouse, he at once set about to raise his grounds to the level of the road, a task by no means easy, considering that there were 18 inches to be levelled up all round. This was satisfactorily accomplished. No one passing Mr Morton’s works and house at the present time could form any idea of the labour required to make the site which these occupy so beautifully as they now are. Errol Works, in which there are now employed about 90 hands, are situated on the south side of Errol Station, and occupy a large space of ground, feued from Mr Drummond Hay of Megginch, and on two sides there are Pows from which a constant supply of water is obtained. The elevation to the Errol Road is of square rubble, and over the principal entrance is inscribed on a scroll the motto-“Is a Dia no charraig.” The main building is the machine shop, which is covered by two spans of roof. It measures 100 feet by 80 feet. Behind this the engine and boiler house are situated, also the sawmill and wood store. On either side of the south entrance are the counting-house and rooms for holding stores of small articles-nails, bolts, nuts, belting &c and from the counting-house the whole works are visible through a window. Being a mile from Errol, there is no connection with the village gas work, but Mr Morton has a gas work of his own. Both the works and the house adjoining are lighted with pneumatic gas, which is made by a very simple process from a spirit called gasoline by means of a carburreter and blower, the latter, which resembles a monster gas meter, being driven by a wire rope and inverted block and tackle.

On entering the works from the south we find that under the one roof the iron work is mostly done, and the wood work on the other side, and it is seen at a glance that the space is fully occupied, The machines use by Mr Morton in the construction of his famous threshing mills, reapers, &c, include four large self-acting slide and screw-cutting lathes, besides a boring lathe with a. very ingenious concentric chuck. There are three paws which can hold a wheel or pulley up to a diameter of two feet to be bored, the paws, working simultaneously by the turning of a handle, hold “to the truth” the article to be bored, and seem to be a great improvement on the ordinary detached quadruple paw chuck in the facility of its adjustment. A very serviceable-looking machine for lighter turnings is a back gear slide lathe. There is a large and powerful iron planing machine, which takes in 2 feet 9 inches by 2 feet 9 inches, and a length of 8 feet. It is self-acting in all its cuts-horizontal, vertical, and angular. The drilling machine, which stands alongside, is a highly finished tool, and has an ingenious improvement of Mr Morton’s own in the movement of the table. The boring lathe is a heavy triple-geared machine, for the manipulation of engine fly-wheels and other heavy work. On the north side of the works stand the forges, with blasts driven by the engine. There also stands the steam hammer, which is one of Hawthorne’s. The west side is devoted more to woodwork, and also contains the vice-board, with seven vices. The machine joiners’ benches run all the length of the west side, with the exception of the central door, which is big enough to allow the largest traction-engines to enter, which they have frequently done for the purpose of being repaired. Here the threshing and dressing machines in progress stand, and the joiners employed on them are supplied with small portable benches for the sake of expedition in working on all sides of a machine.

The Poucelet turbines designed by Mr Morton have been sent all over the world. A great many of them have been sent to Ceylon. These turbines can be constructed from one-horse power and upwards; and Mr Morton has at present on his premises a Poncelet turbine of 288 horse-power. Turbines are simply impulse wheels. If any pressure exists in the revolving wheel which is not due to direct impact, that pressure is due to the imperfect and unscientific construction of the wheel. Since a statistical pressure must press on the back of the last vane with the same intensity as it does on the vane against which the impulse acts, it is evident that such a pressure cannot have any tendency to produce motion. In Morton’s Poncelet turbine no such defects exist, as no pressure exists in the revolving wheel except that due to direct impact; the vanes and guides being mathematically correct, and made of polished brass, the water passes over them at a constant angle and without commotion; entering at the highest velocity and leaving at the lowest, no power is wasted. These turbines are the cheapest and best for electric lighting and driving all kinds of machinery. For export or replacing the cumbrous water-wheel a great saving is effected in carriage and costly masonry, as no heavy gearing is required, a high velocity being obtained direct from the turbine spindle. The cost of a water-wheel increases with the fall, but that of a turbine diminishes. The peculiar mechanism for the opening and shutting of the ports in pairs overcomes the well-known defects in other turbines, which diminish the efficiency most when the supply is least. An efficiency, obtained by experiments, of fully 60 per cent is claimed for the ordinary Poncelet wheel.

Mr Morton turns out every year a large number of locomotive boilers, which have proved a great saving to farmers. In 1876 he introduced the vertical boiler. By it steam can be got up in 35 minutes, while before its introduction it took from three hours and upwards to get up steam. The loco multi-tubular boilers designed by Mr Morton are now regarded as the most compact and efficient in the trade. For these boilers there is a great demand.

Mr Morton was the first to supply the necessary machinery for dairy farms. He has supplied machinery for the largest dairies in England, Scotland, and Ireland. He has just completed the necessary machinery for a butter factory at Pollockshields.

So rapidly has Mr Morton’s business extended that he has found it necessary to call in the assistance of his brother, Mr T. Morton, and to utilise the services of his two sons, Mr Thomas moron and Mr Duncan Morton.”

Dundee courier, 19 August 1892

“Local implement makers

A visit to Errol Works

Last Friday’s Courier contained a notice of Mr R. G. Morton’s engineering and machine establishment at Errol, the article having reference principally to the implements constructed there.

Great and rapid advances have been made since the days. Not so far back, when much was done by hand. All is now accomplished by means of machinery of the most perfect type, and advantage is taken of every facility which ingenuity can offer for the production of the articles for which Mr Morton is noted. Only the finer class of work, such as machine joinery, fitting, finishing, with the planing, shaping, boring &c, is undertaken at Errol, where the class of workmen is of the most select description. The boilermaking establishment is in Glasgow, while the casting is also done at a distance.

Entering the works from the south, they are found to be divided into two sections-one half being entirely devoted to iron work, the other to wood. Going into the machine shop the visitor is amazed to see so many machines in such small space-a drawback which, as before-mentioned, Mr Morton is about to remedy. In this department are found all classes of iron working machinery of the most modern and powerful description for turning, boring, planing, slotting, shaping, drilling, plate bending, pipe screwing, buffing, &c &c. Among the turning lathes, which are all self-acting, slide and screw-cutting, two with beds considerably over twenty feet may be seen. There is a heavy slotting machine, which, like the most of this class of machinery, is designed and made by a prominent English firm. The shaping machines, which have strokes from 12 inches to 18 inches, are adapted for horizontal, vertical, angular, and curvilineal cuts. Another very serviceable machine is a powerful triple-geared boring and turning lathe, designed and made by Mr Morton, which is used for the manipulation of heavy fly wheels, &c. On the north side of the works stand the forges, with blast, driven by the engine, and the space adjoining the forges is occupied by a powerful “Rigby” steam hammer, made by Glen & Ross. It is only recently that this hammer has been set down, it having replaced one of hawthorn’s make, which was found to be too light for the heavier machine forging. Opposite the forges the fitting and erecting is carried on, and here there is a fixed vice board, and also several portable boards, with a number of vices on each. In the wood-working department, for the economising of space and speedy execution of work, special wood-working machinery, made and fitted up by Robinson of Rochdale, has been adopted. The largest of these machines is a trying-up machine, capable of planing logs 17 feet long or boarding only quarter-inch thick, and in this way the work of sixteen men is accomplished in a much superior manner. Another fine machine, by the same makers, is a “Universal” wood-worker, which planes, grooves, tongues, moulds, rips, bevels, and drills mortices. There are also in connection with this department circular and hand sawing machines, draw stroke trimming and vertical morticing machines. Among the larger agriculturists at home Mr Morton’s engines and boilers, particularly those of more recent design, have met with unqualified success, because of their compactness, durability, and extreme economy of fuel, but this is not to be wondered at, considering that the indicator and dynamometer are looked upon as indispensable. The day has passed when any sort of an engine is considered good enough for a farmer, the majority of whom are conversant with the benefits to be derived from using engines of improved construction. To meet the demand for such engines, Mr Morton has introduced numerous improvements and inventions, the most important of which is probably his different automatic cut-off gears and short travel piston valve. Down to the smallest detail the firm bestows the greatest care in the work turned, as an evidence of which it may be mentioned that no engine is allowed to leave the works without being thoroughly tested. Many will doubtless be surprised to learn that from this comparatively small centre machines have been sent to almost every manufacturing country in the world. The jute machinery manufactured at Errol has found its way to America, Sweden, Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, Italy and India. In Ceylon the Errol engines, boilers, and turbines can be counted by the score, while in Africa flour mills, water wheels, and turbines testify to the patronage of the Boer.

In connection with the practical work identified with his business, Mr Morton has received much assistance from his brother and partner, Mr Thomas Morton, whose enthusiasm and zeal have contributed in no small measure to the success, of the firm. Within recent years the business has developed by leaps and bounds, and Mr Morton’s two sons-Mr Thomas A. Morton and Mer Duncan A. Morton-who have been trained at Errol, are now beginning to take prominent positions in connection with its expansion. The firm gives employment to upwards of ninety hands, and it is a noteworthy fact that the relations between employer and employed are of an exceedingly cordial nature.”

There were a large number of tractor demonstrations held after the Second World War. A number of these were held by implement and machine makers as well as their agents. They included the Caledonian Implement Works, St Ninians, Stirlingshire, the Reekie Engineering Company, Laurencekirk, Angus, Grassick’s Garage, Ltd, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, and J. M. Millar Ltd, motor engineers, Callender Road Garage, Falkirk.

These demonstrations were reported in local newspapers. These are worth quoting at length to see the variety of demonstrations that were arranged, the implements and machines that were put under demonstrated and the quality of their work.

“Tractor demonstration (from Falkirk herald, 11 October 1947)

Agriculturists from all parts of the Eastern District were present at Wester Jaw Farm on Saturday when a demonstration of the Ferguson tractor was given by Mr Alex Scott, proprietor of the Caledonian Implement Works, St Ninians, sole agent and distributor for Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire. Keen interest was shown in the manner in which the Ferguson tractor performed with the various Ferguson implements attached. The ten-inch two-furrow plough, and harrows, cultivators and ridgers were shown in operation. There was also shown the Ferguson tractor-operated potato digger. Fitted with a tractor power lift and operated by power drive, it can dig four acres of potatoes in a day. The efficiency of the Ferguson mower and disc harrow was demonstrated, and much interest was shown by the farmer audience in the link-box and pulley attachment. The link-box is a carrier which does away with the need for draw bar and trailer, and is capable of carrying loads up to 8 cwts. An automatic release on the mower on display was favourably commented on. The automatic release comes into operation whenever a hidden obstruction is met with causing the instrument to swing in behind the trailer thus preventing damage being done to the mower. The demonstration was given by permission of Mr Foster, and in the course of the proceedings hot snacks were provided by Mr Scott and his office staff.”

“Successful demonstration (from Mearns leader, 26 March 1948)

Over two hundred people associated with agriculture in the county attended the Ferguson tractor demonstration on Saturday on the farm of Redmyre (Mr W. S. Garden), Fordoun, organised by the Reekie Engineering Company, Laurencekirk. Great interest was shown in the various kinds of implements in action. Various pieces of agricultural machinery included spike tooth and disc harrows, a ridger, and two types of tine row crop cultivators. Farmers showed exceeding interest in a compact hydraulically and belt operated power wood saw which fitted to the rear of the Ferguson tractor. Instruction and information were given with a loud-speaker system.”

“Tractor demonstration at Denhead (Blairgowrie advertiser, 26 March 1948)

A big turnout of farmers watched a demonstration at Easter Denhead Farm, Cupar Angus (Mr David Adamson), which showed the versatility and range of the David Brown power-controlled equipment.

A field of good land, but very steep, was deliberately chosen by the distributors, Grassick’s Garage, Ltd, Blairgowrie, to provide a convincing test.

The spectators saw two Cropmaster tractors, with deep-digger ploughs-which in action become an integral part of the tractor-ploughing in dung.

The Cropmaster Six operated on a steep sandy gradient with a two-furrow semi-digger plough. The ploughing was done to eight inches.

The tractors are fitted with an overload release, which throws out the clutch when the plough strikes an obstruction. The Cropmaster Four is fitted with a four-speed gear-box, and the Cropmaster Six with a six-speed. The gear-boxes embody the pioneer work done in this field by David Brown.

Both tractors, on 28inch tyres, have a drawbar pull of 3400 pounds. They run economically on paraffin, with David Brown’s own design of vaporiser, and start on petrol.

Other equipment seen included hay mower, power driven potato spinner, strong-tine cultivator, three-furrow ridger, two-speed power take-off pulley.

All the tractors on view had been sold and will be delivered this week.”

“Tractor demonstration (Dundee courier, 14 May 1948)

Benholm and District J.A.C. open demonstration of tractors and implements attracted 200 to Nether Benholm Farm (Mr G. Cargill).

Mr A. Shepherd, North of Scotland College of Agriculture, demonstrated a sectioned tractor engine and talked on several types of tractors.

Exhibits were from Messrs A. T. Mungall, Forfar (Fordson Major tractor and implements); Messrs Ross (Friockheim) (David Brown tractor and implements).

Messrs J. Oswald & Son, Brechin, demonstrated their three-way hydraulic tipper.

Ferguson tractor and equipment and a Tullos Wilmo manure distributor were also shown.”

“Tractor demonstration (Dundee courier, 25 November 1948)

Despite foggy weather there was a good attendance of farmers yesterday at Bandoch Farm, Inverkeilor (Mr A. P. Jackson), where David Brown tractor demonstration was held. Six tractors, with various implements attached, were used,

Demonstration was arranged by Mr G. A, Ross & Co., Friockheim, main David Brown distributors.”

“Agricultural work (Falkirk herald, 5 November 1949)

Tractor demonstration by Falkirk firm

There was a large attendance of farmers from local and surrounding districts at Plean Farm on Wednesday, when Messrs J. M. Millar Ltd, motor engineers, Callender Road Garage, Falkirk, presented a demonstration by the Fordson Demonstration Unit of some of the latest farm machinery.

The demonstration was carried out under actual working conditions, and the greater part of the proceedings was devoted to the tractor and the wide range of farm implements used in conjunction with the tractor. Included in those implements demonstrated were ploughing, hoeing, harrowing, and potato-digging attachments. The machinery was put through its paces under the critical eye of a large audience of farmers, and judging by the approval registered on the faces of the onlookers, the performances were of a very satisfactory nature. A very up-to-date hydraulic loader was demonstrated almost continuously, and was the subject of close inspection by many of those present.

Tractor-driven generator

A broad variety of parts for the repair and maintenance of Fordson tractors was on display under a large marquee, and attention was drawn to the Fordson exchange plan and replacement service. Under this scheme, parts which are worn out may be replaced at greatly reduced prices. There were also on display various types of headlamps for motor cars, together with an air compressor unit which can be used for either spray painting or tyre inflation. It was interesting to note that the electricity required for demonstration and lighting purposes in the marquee was supplied from a tractor engine coupled to a small generator.

Perhaps the thing that said most for the quality of the tractors being demonstrated was a tractor made in 1918, and which was still giving service. Alongside this stood a rare veteran of the cars produced before the Great War. This particular Ford was produced in 1912 and is the property of Messrs J. M. Millar Ltd. To convince those present that it was still in working order, it was driven around the marquee after the ancient engine had been subjected to a certain amount of persuasion.

The demonstration was completely successful, though it was felt that had it been possible to stage it at the week-end an even greater attendance would have been attracted.”

“Fordson tractor demonstration (Callander advertiser, 5 November 1949)

Interesting Plean work-out

The first and largest Fordson Major demonstration arranged by dealers ever held in Scotland took place at Plean Farm, Plean, on Wednesday, by courtesy of Mr Robert Binnie. It was sponsored by John M. Miller Ltd, Falkirk, and Millars’ Garage (Stirling) Ltd, for whom organisational details were handled by Mr J. W. Lindsay and Mr C. S. Sharpe.

Dealers from as far afield as Aberdeen, Kirkcaldy, Forfar, Dundee, Glasgow, and Ayr attended to get some wrinkles on how to stage a similar show themselves. In addition, of course, there was a big attendance of farmers.

Nineteen complete tractor outfits and thirty-six implements were fielded. In addition, there was a display of accessories and service parts for the repair and maintenance of Fordson Major tractors. Messrs Raines & Co., Stirling, co-operated in showing certain implements used in conjunction with the Fordson tractor and several makers of equipment allied to the Fordson Major were also associated with the demonstrated. Fourteen farm operations – six of them ploughing – including cultivating, ridging, rotary, hoeing, draining, spraying, harrowing, and row cropping (with opening and closing drills) were demonstrated.

The operations were described by radio from the driving seat of the tractors by the drivers. Also on view were a Bray hydraulic lift and a Chaseside shovel used in public works excavations.

Seen for the first time were F. R. reversible single and double furrow ploughs. Hitherto ploughs of this type have been available in this country only as horse-drawn or trailing equipment. The new ploughs are light and can be mounted and transported by the Fordson Major’s hydraulic power lift without interfering with the tractor’s ability.

Reversible ploughs’ advantages

With such ploughs there is no need to mark out the field. Consequently, valuable time is saved. Time is also saved at the turns since there is no idle headland running, apart from actual turning. On hillsides it is possible to turn all the furrows up hill. This means that soil erosion can be reduced because it is possible to turn the furrows up the hillsides at each ploughing and greater tractor stability is obtained since the uppermnost wheel always runs in the furrow thereby decreasing the angle of the tractor. Time is saved on final cultivation because there are no openings and no finishes, and undulations caused by openings and finishes are eliminated. Therefore, the consequent damage to combines, binders, and other following machinery is reduced to a minimum.

The County Tractor tracklayer was the next most interesting exhibit. It is designed to embody the same engine, gear-box and double reduction unit as used in the Fordson Major but there is no differential. It has been produced to meet the demand for a crawler tractor of medium and low price yet suitable for heavy work. Three power units are available, the Fordson Major petrol, vapourising oil engines, and the Perkins P. 6 Diesel engine.

Just one of the many uses of the Fordson Major as a power source was illustrated by attaching one to a dynamo which supplied electric light to all the tents in the field.”

“Tractor demonstration (Fifeshire advertiser, 3 December 1949)

A display of John Brown’s power controlled farming implements, and a demonstration of methods for using these was given at Farmlands, Leslie, on Tuesday afternoon to an interested company of farmers and agriculturists, by Messrs J. B. W. Smith Ltd, Cupar.”

In Scotland ploughing matches started to be held in the late eighteenth century. By the first decade of the nineteenth century matches were held in a number of locations across Scotland. One such match was held in Easter Ross; it continues to be held today.

There are a number of accounts of the match in local and regional newspapers. They provide a good deal of detail about the match: when and where it was held; the state of the weather and the field; the standard of ploughing; the classes in the match; the prizewinners; and social activities associated with the match.

The following two accounts are of the match some eighty years apart:

“Easter Ross-ploughing match (from Inverness courier, 17 March 1853)

The Easter Ross ploughing match took place on the 10th inst, on the farm of Meikle Tarrel, and the competition was in every respect one of the finest and most successful that has been held for some years. The weather was admirable, and a good field and horses in high fetle combined to make the best energies of the men be put forth. The medal of the Highland Society gave an additional impetus to the contest; and it is only fair to the unsuccessful candidates to quote the remark of the judges-“that the whole ploughing was excellent, and the grooming of the horses better than at any previous exhibition which they had witnessed.”

After great trouble and attention the following awards were made by the judges, Messrs Mackenzie, Rhynie, and Chisholm, Bindal-

Ploughing

1st prize to Robert Campbell, servant to Mr Douglas, Arboll, 30s and the Highland Society’s medal.

2d to William Mackenzie, servant to do. Do, 15s

3d to John Munro, servant to Mr Murray of Geanies, 10s

4th to Benjamin Henderson, servant to Mr Gilchrist, Shandwick, 5s.

Grooming

1st prize, to Benjamin Henderson, servant to Mr Gilchrist, Shandwick, 30s

2d to John Macdonald, servant to Mr Sim, Balintraid, 15s

3d to John Taylor, servant to Mr Douglas, Aboll, 10s

4th to Donald Macandle, servant to Mr Murray, Lochslin, 5s

There were forty-three competitors on the field.

A very pleasant day-one of the delightful ones which we are sometimes blessed with the north country as a sort of oasis in our wretched springs-was concluded by a convivial and agreeable evening, in the course of which a full and hearty bumper was pledged to the good health and happiness of the ploughmen. It is no compliment to say that there is not a more decent and respectable body of servants in any district than the ploughmen of Easter Ross; and it is very gratifying to observe the cordial goodwill with which they meet each other at these gatherings.”

“Easter Ross ploughing match (North star and framers’ chronicle, 17 February 1934)

Annual competition at Bayfield

The annual ploughing match for the Easter Ross district took place on Saturday at Bayfield, Nigg, the property of Mr Wemyss Budge. For the greater part of the day the weather was highly favourable, and no better field could be desired for the execution of high-class ploughing.

There was an entry of thirty-ploughs-fifteen of these being high-cutters, and the remaining fifteen of the chilled variety. The field during the day was visited by a number of people interested in the work and who watched the process of theur favourite competitor.

The judging of horses, harness and ploughing were in the capable hands of Mr K. Macleaan, manager, Newmore, and Mr Robertson, manager, Dunrobin Home Farm, whose adjudication gave the utmost satisfaction. The promoting Association is managed by a body of capable gentlemen who have Mr Geo, Douglas, Nigg Farm, as president; Mr Joseph Budge, vice-president; Mr Wemyss Budge, treasurer, and Mr David Johnston, Broomton, as secretary. The grieves of the various farms within the area act as Committee of Management.

It was early seen that redoubtable craftsman, R. Gunn, Burgage Farm, Tain, would repeat his former triumphs. He was repeatedly taken leading prizes at various competitions in Easter Ross. He was closely followed by W. Sutherland, Milton. It took expert knowledge to know where the difference lay.

Donald Mackenzie, Nigg farm, has reason to be proud of his accomplishments. He won the Association silver cup for most points in ploughing and harness, the Highland Society’s medal for the best rig (local) and K. Mackenzie, Evanton, medal for the best ploughed rig in the field.

At the close of the competition, Mrs Joseph Budge, Easter Rarichie, handed out the prizes, for which she was thanked by Mr D. Johnston, and the judges were thanked by Mr Joseph Budge.

The following was the prize list:-

Open high cutters-1. R. Gunn, Tain; 2. W. Sutherland, Milton; 3. Jas Sutherland, Kincraig; 4. Robt Sutherland, Morangie; 5. G. Robertson, Aldie; 6. J. Calder, Hilton; 7. A. Fraser, Polnicol; 8. J. Shearer, Polnicol; 9. D. Munro, Cadboll; 10. A. Robertson, Culnaha; 11. D. Gunn, Balaldie; 12. M. Mackenzie, Clay of Allan, Feering, finish, and straightest rig-R. Gunn, Tain.

Local high cutters-1. D. Robertson, Bayfield; 2. A. Ross. Broomton; 3. R. Macleod, W. Rarichie, Feering, D. Robertson; finish and straightest rig, A. Ross.

Ransomes-1. John Beattie, Cullisse; 2. David Sinclair, Ankerville; 3. Don Ross, Wester Rarichie; 4. Alex beattie, Cullisse; 5. Hugh Fraser, Pitcalzean. Feering, John Beattie; finish and straightest rig, D. Sinclair.

Sellars-1. D. Mackenzie, Nigg; 2. John Mackimmie, Pitcalzean; 3. Chas Ross, Nigg; 4. Alex Munro, Wester rarichie; 5. Andrew Fraser, castlecraig; 6. Wm Macdonald, easter Rarichie; 7. Hugh Robertson, Pitcalzean; 8. Chas Ross, Lodge, Nigg; 9. Alex Ross. Nigg; 10. Sydney Munro, W. Rarichie. Feering, John Mackimmie; finish and straightest rig, Don. Mackenzie.

Silver cup presented by the Association for most points in ploughing and harness-Don Mackenzie, Nigg; Highland Society Medal for best ploughed rig (local)-D. Mackenzie; best ploughed rig with chill cplough (medal by Mr K. Mackenzie, Evanton)-Don Mackenzie; best ploughed rig on field-Don Mackenzie.

Best matched pair-A. Fraser, castlecraig; best pair geldings-A. Fraser; best pair mares and also youngest pair-A. Ross, Nigg; decorations and best turnout-J. Beattie, Cullisse; best cleaned steel-H. Robertson, Pitcalzean.

Best feering (local)-J. Mackimmie; best finish (local)-D. Sinclair.

Longest service-A. Ross, Broomton; oldest ploughman-A. Fraser, Polnicol; youngest-R. Sutherland, Morangie,

Harness-peak collars-1. H. Robertson, Pitcalzean; 2. David Robertson, Bayfield; 3. John Beattie, Culleisse; low collars-1. Alex Ross, Broomton; 2. Alex Beattie, Cullisse; special-A. Ross, Broomton.”

Back in 1914 Barclay, Ross & Tough conducted its business from Balmoral Buildings, 67-71 Green, Aberdeen, and at Craigshaw, Aberdeen. It was two addresses that became closely known with its successor Barclay, Ross & Tough and Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd in 1920.

Early important changes were brought about in 1915 with the retrial of Robert Tough. The business continued to be run by the remaining partners, Robert Ross and Thomas Hutchison. Mr Barclay, the other partner, had been commission agent in Aberdeen from at least 1874 and then a manure, agricultural implement and commission merchant by 1890. By 1898 he was described as “Morrison Barclay, of Barclay, Ross and Tough.

On the retrial of Robert Ross, the business was taken over by Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd on 1 July 1929. In 1933 it advertised in the North British Agriculturist as Barclay, Ross & Hutchison Ltd, associated with Scottish Agricultural Industries Ltd”. In that year it exhibited at the Highland Show the “S.A.I. chemical dresser for all seeds”.

While B.R.H. was associated with Aberdeen, it also conducted its business outside Aberdeen. In 1930 it had a depot at Perth, followed by another at Milnathort, Montrose, in 1938 and one at Forfar in 1947. In 1955 its depots were at Milnathort, Perth, Forfar, Montrose, Turriff and Aberdeen.

The company undertook a wide range of activities. In 1955 it was an agricultural implement, machinery and equipment dealer, agricultural engineer, machinery and equipment and equipment manufacturer, dairy engineer, dairy farm equipment supplies, electrical engineer and contractor, gate and pen manufacturer, structural and roofing engineer and contractor, tractor and implement agent, dealer and distributor. For a good number of years it was also a millwright.

The company had its royal connections. In 1924 it was “by appointment agricultural implement makers to His Majesty George V” and in 1959 “by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, Agricultural Engineers”.

The company made and sold a wide range of agricultural implements and machines. It was also an agent for a number of leading makers. In 1949 you could purchase a wide range of implements and machines from a range of makers from the company. They included the following:

Thresher, 4ft 6 in full finishing, portable type “A” in pneumatic wheels

Thresher, 4ft full finishing type “A” barn model

Turnip cutter, horizontal portable type, engine driven

Chemical dresser “Agrossan” BRH type

Sprayer, low volume 14 in spray bar, tractor coupled

Manure distributor, 9ft roller type with tractor hitch

Manure distributor, Tullos-Wilmo, tractor transporter, 17ft 4 in, on pneumatics, Tullos Ltd, Aberdeen

Tractor, Fowler, diesel crawler, Mark VF, made by John Fowler & Co. Ltd, Leeds

Tractor, Field Marshall Mark I, diesel 9mph; made by Marshall, Sons & Co. Ltd, Gainsborough

Tractor “Cropmaster” 65, 25×28 pneumatic,made by David Brown (Tractors) Ltd, Meltham

Mower, 5ft semi-direct tractor power drive, made by Tullos Ltd, Aberdeen

Combine harvester no 726, 8ft 6 in cut, self-propelled, made by Massey Harris Ltd

Combine harvester “Grain Marshall” model 568, 5ft 6 in cut, made by Marshall, Sons & Co. Ltd, Gainsborough

Potato harvester, self-propelled, made by Victoria Agricultural Machine Co. Ltd

Baler, “New Holland”, pick up, made by Sale Tilney (Agricultural) Ltd

Muck spreader, Wild-Thwaites, on pneumatic tyres, made by M. B. Wild & Co. Ltd, London

Muck Spreader, Wild-Thwaites, made by W. B. Wild & Co. Ltd, London

Engine, 7 1/2bhp, dielse, IVTH, Ruston & Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln

Plough, no. 4, Midtrack, 2 furrow with skim attachments, made by Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies Ltd, Ipswich

Plough, jumbotrack, 2 furrow with skim coulters, made by ransoms, Sims & Jefferies Ltd, Ipswich

Spring safety attachments fitted to Ransomes toolbar frame

Cultivator, rotary, made by Acre Willington Ltd, Derby

Motor scythe, made by John Allan & Sons (Oxford) Ltd

Wash troughs, single, made by Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co

Bucket heater, electric, made by Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Co

Milk cooling plant, “Sternette”, made by L. Sterne & Co. Ltd, Glasgow

Steam chest, made by Barford (Agricultural) Ltd, Grantham

Milker, alfa portable, made by Alfa-Laval Co. Ltd, Brentford

Laying cages, battery, made by Innes Walker & Co., Glasgow

Quite a selection of implements, machines and sundries for the agriculturist sold by this eminent company!

A number of the east of Scotland newspapers included accounts of working at the travelling threshing mill. On 17 January 1964, the Arbroath Herald included one such account. It also includes an account of bothy life and the ways of life. It is worth quoting at length:

“Old time threshing on the farm

By “The Grieve”

At Carmyllie last week-end I viewed the scene of my boyhood days as a “halfling”. There had been little change here in the pastoral scene in the past fifty years. The greatest transformation on the farm has been brought about by mechanisation. Where once we could admire horses in the fields and in the stable there is a whole array of “ironmongery” doing the work more economically and more efficiently-although there are times when the horse comes into its own. When it comes to ca’in neeps on icy roads in the winter the tractor does not manage the job quite so well as old dobbin did. One old farmer friend of mane that I met at the Mart the other day and who is an ardent horse lover put it well when he said: “When ye gang intae the steadin’ in the mornin’ ye dinna get a friendly whinny fae a tractor.”

At Carmyllie and district half-a-century ago life was very different from what it is to-day. We did not visit the town so often as the young lads do nowadays. We had no radio or television and perforce had to make our own entertainment round the bothy fire of an evening, and grand nights we had with the melodian, fiddle and mouth organ. In many ways I think they were far happier times then than we are living in now, for our pleasures were simple and our wants were few, and there was a spirit of comradeship and mutual helpfulness that does not seem to be developed among the young folks of the country to quite the same extent nowadays.

In December we usually had a visit from the old threshing mill that travelled all round the Arbroath landward district and which has now vanished from the pastoral scene. If the weather was not suitable in December, the threshing mill arrived sometime in the New Year, and whenever it made its appearance there was hustle and bustle about the farm and a happy time for us all, even though we had to work hard. I remember the old mill as it came rumbling up our farm road with the dogs barking and the cottar house bairns all excited at its arrival. The coming of the threshing mill was an important occasion for us all. It arrived at night with lanterns swinging at each side and we could hear its chug-chug in the distance before we saw it. There were quite a lot of preparations that had to be made on the night before the “thresh”, and I have clear memories of the black faces of the men and the soot and grime that came off the towels when they washed themselves in the basins full of hot water from the big three-legged pot that hung on the sway over the bothy fire. To me, everything is a memory of warmth and friendliness connected with threshing in the old days.

Next morning everyone on the farm was early astir and the stackyard was full of workers, for the neighbours came to help us with our threshing in those days, and likewise we went over to their farm to help them when the time came. The engine of the threshing mill sent up great puffs of smoke and the noise silenced even the most strident voices. Work started in earnest and the dogs sniffed around the stacks with anticipation, ready to give chase to the rats that nested underneath. The women helped with the threshing, and I can see them in my mind’s eye with their wrapper skirts catching the breeze and shawls enveloping their heads. With knives at the ready, they cut the hands of the sheaves, and as the men forked for them they made a colourful picture of agricultural industry.

Some of the workers took charge of the straw that poured down the elevator in a continuous golden stream and forked it into the stack, and others took charge of the corn that rushed forth from the loose box of the mill and reached the open bags ready to receive it. Sometimes there was not a job for everyone, but the presence of a friend at the threshing was a token of his neighbourliness, and as the work went on he would tell a story or make a wise-crack. Through the din of the mill there would be the whistling of an old Scottish country dance or the snatch of a song. There was always someone who would fill a sack or two with the chaff destined for bedding in the cottar house for “chaff beds” were all the vogue in those days, and I remember the feeling of wellbeing we had when we sampled our new season’s bed of sweet smelling chaff each year.

The work stopped at mid-day for the important meal that was an enjoyable part of this communal concentration on threshing. The dinner had to be a substantial one on this occasion, and the farmer’s wife always did us well. There were double helpings of Scotch broth boiled in juicy boiling beef, with copious ingredients of neeps, carrots, peas and barley. Then came the beef which had been boiled in the broth with the barley sticking to it and its accompaniment of mashed neeps, mealie, flaky potatoes, as much as we could belly in, and rice pudding made with thick rich milk. This was all topped off with oven scones, girdle scones or pancakes washed down with tea, and the big kitchen table was the scene of a feast that has never been bettered in my experience.

Afternoon saw us back at work again hard at it with the sweat dropping off our brows, and we really had to work hard because at that time of the year the light began to fade at an early hour. As we came to the end of our day’s darg, straw lay around the stackyard in untidy drifts, and before we got “loused” there was always much sweeping to be done because it was an unwritten law that we had to clear up and leave the place as tidy as possible.”

Robert G. Garvie set up his own business in Bon Accord Lane, Aberdeen, in 1895 to make and sell a range of agricultural implements and machines, including threshing mills.

In 1966 the business was “very busy” with orders – for Africa. The success of the business was recorded in the Aberdeen evening express of 24 August 1966:

“Aberdeen firm wins big order for machines

An Aberdeen engineering firm has received an order worth £45,000 from East Africa to build and export 20 rice threshing machines.

The order came, despite “fierce opposition” from similar firms in America, to the Aberdeen-based firm of R. G. Garvie and Sons, engineers, millwrights and joiners, 2 Canal Road.

A spokesman for the firm said that it is the only one in Britain to produce the machines, which are all-steel construction.

They will go to Mali, in east Africa, where rice production is being stepped up.

The machines, costing £2250 each and of the firm’s own design, are expected to keep the 40 men employed at Canal Road “very busy indeed” from October, when building starts, will December.

Metal

A further 30 employees at a subsidiary firm, the Enterprise Sheet Metal Works will also be kept busy supplying metal for the machines.

The spokesman added: “A representative from Mali called on us recently and was shown through our works and had a chance to see the rice threshing machine. He was very impressed.

“It was as a result of his visit that we received the order-against fierce opposition from America”, he added.”

In Scotland ploughing matches started to be held in the late eighteenth century. By the first decade of the nineteenth century matches were held in a number of locations across Scotland. One such match was held in Easter Ross. An extensive account of it was published in the Caledonian Mercury. It provides a range of insights into how early matches were organised and some of the issues facing ploughing, the skill of ploughmen and ploughing developments.

“The Easter Ross branch of the Ross-shire Farming Society held their first ploughing match at Blackhill, the property of E. Hay McKenzie, Esq, of Cromarty, near Balnagown Castle, upon Thursday the 17th April last, when eleven ploughmen took their ground as competitors, for premiums granted by the Society; and after the work was accomplished, the Judges, who were selected from the most improved class of agriculturists, after a minute and critical inspection, unanimously adjudged the prizes to the following persons:

The first to John Ross, ploughman to Sir Charles Ross, of Balnagown, Bart, the second to Hugh Ross, ploughman to Hugh Rose, Esq of Glastullich; the third to Hector Bain, ploughman to E. H. McKenzie Esq of Cromarty; and the fourth prize to William McLeod, ploughman to Mr James Monro, taxman of Delny.

The ploughmen in general executed the work with so much skill and precision, that it was with some difficulty the judges could form their determination.

The members of the Society, in consideration of the different take being performed with so much regularity, gave a gratituity to each of the unsuccessful candidates, who were all amply refreshed with strong ale, spirits &c by the members present.

Mr Those of Glastullich was also present, and with that sentiment which so materially marks all his measures of a public nature, he gave a gratification to all the ploughmen that appeared.

Colonel John Ross, of Castle Craig, offered, previous to the competition, to give premiums to the south country ploughmen in the country, if they appeared, or in order to lay down a superior example to the ploughmen bred in this part, but none came forward. Colonel Ross further offered a premium for the best implements of husbandry, to those that would exceed Mr Small’s of Leith Walk, five guineas; that would equal Mr Small’s, three guineas; or that which appeared to the Society the best executed article of husbandry, three guineas. A cart made byMr John Munro at Newtarbat Shore was produced, and no other implement of husbandry having been produced, he is considered by the Society the first tradesmen in Easter Ross.

The next ploughing match of this Society is to be held in November next, of which due intimation will hereafter be given; and it is hoped there will be a more full attendance of the Gentlemen and Farmers, to countenance and forward a measure of such importance to the growing wealth of the country, and that has succeeded so perfectly in the southern parts of the kingdom.

After the ploughing match, all the members of the Society, and other gentlemen that were spectators, retired to Urquhart’s Inn, at Milntown, where they spent the evening with becoming harmony and conviviality.”

Source: The Caledonian Mercury, 15 May 1806.

The photographs were taken at the Easter Ross Ploughing March, November 2017.