Glen Albyn Distillery Logbook 12th February 1924

 

We find ourselves transported back to 1924, following a mix-up with the pages from the invaluable Glen Albyn logbook. My apologies for the filing error and thanks once more to the Highland Archive Centre and HMRC for safeguarding this intriguing log and granting us access.

As we delve into these pages, they are brimming with surprises, and this entry is no exception.

In these initial entries, we observe that Gilbert W. Peterkin had numerous responsibilities beyond the distillery's confines. These entries would never appear in the later Glen Mhor logbook that we thoroughly examined. We are witnessing a transformation in the role of the Exciseman, which is increasingly concentrating on activities within distilleries rather than on businesses and events throughout the city.

Today, we are venturing into one of the most magnificent and forgotten Highland venues. Whether for a cup of tea, maybe something stronger, or to appreciate the arts. It presents a stark contrast to the inner workings of a distillery, which is filled with manual labour, dirt, and the various elements and sounds of intense production.

Here is page transcribed

'Glen Albyn Distillery

Inverness

12th February 1924

Honourable Sirs,

With reference to the Exhibition of Arts and Industries held in the Caledonian Hotel, Inverness on 5th + 6th ??? and for which application for exemption was made by the Northern Counties Arts & Crafts Society. I have to report that two rooms of the Hotel were used for exhibiting the goods and one of the two rooms was used as a Tea Room in addition.

In the Tea Room a musical programme was given each day consisting of piano solos, violin solos, a number of songs, one on two pieces by a small orchestra, and an exhibition of dancing by a local artiste.

This musical programme was not advertised, and the charge for admission to the Exhibition covered the musical programme. For those having tea a fixed charge of 1/- each was made. The artists gave their services free.

Your obedient Servant

G.W. Peterkin, offr'

The Caledonian hotel appears to be the ideal accommodation in Inverness, situated in a breath taking location that overlooks the swiftly flowing River Ness, in the heart of the city.

I discovered the image above while browsing online and improved it with A.I. tools to give it a new appearance. The image was probably initially sourced from the outstanding ambaile website, which I believe deserves recognition, and here is their summary of the hotel's luxurious history:

'The Hotel was built in 1780 as a meeting place for members of the St John's Masonic Lodge. Because of this it was known as The Mason's Hotel or the Mason Lodge Hotel until it was renamed the Caledonian Hotel in 1825. 

The building was enlarged in 1822 and 1882 and was renowned for its ballroom. At its height, its visitors included members of the British Royal family and other European nobility. The hotel was demolished in 1966 and replaced by a new building of the same name.'

Ambaile possesses a photograph from the 1950s depicting the ballroom and dancing, which exudes a captivating atmosphere and serves as a favoured Saturday night spot for numerous individuals in the city. Additionally, I came across a description of the sprung floor, which contributed to its appeal as a venue.

Although we've lost this venue, many of you will recognise the distinctiveness of the sprung floor that is still utilised at Glasgow's Barrowland venue, adding a unique aspect to any event. There is something extraordinary about attending a concert there, and one can understand why many in Inverness would have relished an evening at the Caledonian, perhaps savouring a dram of Glen Albyn, Glen Mhor, or Millburn to enhance their experience.

This marks my final article before a brief summer break. Nevertheless, due to the online format, you can still appreciate the research efforts made thus far, along with the more comprehensive documentation of Glen Mhor. My thoughts remain closely tied to the research and the discovery of new findings; after a short intermission, the work will resume later this summer.

The Glen Albyn logs are held at the Highland Archives Centre in Inverness (HCA/D31/4/1/23 and HCA/D31/4/1/24) and I'm thankful to the Archive and HMRC for access to these incredible resources and bringing them to life.