Glen Albyn Distillery Logbook 21st February 1924

 

After recently delving into the Dunfermline Public House Society, which bears no connection to Glen Albyn, it's time to return to the routine task of documenting this forgotten distillery.

If you're intrigued by the Gothenburg-style public houses that emerged in Scotland during the 1890s, and in some rare instances still persist, you can explore the details of this Fife branch through my completed research paper, which is freely accessible online. I found joy in a different research topic, investigating the alcoholic landscape of the early 1900s, a time when whisky quality varied significantly.

The next entry in the Glen Albyn logbook reminds us of the variety of duties that were expected by Excisemen of the period. The above image is kindly provided by the National Motor Museum of today's subject matter, which I expect is a Ford Model T Van, with this example dating from 1914, and was built in the UK and had the option of custom-made bodies being fitted to the chassis. 

'Glen Albyn Distillery

Inverness

21 February 1924

Honourable Sirs,

I beg to report Donald Robertson of 24 George St. Inverness for using Ford ton van ST 2145, engine number 582514, on which the import duty had been repaid, for dutiable purposes.

He purchased the vehicle from John Macdonald Ltd. of 17 Queensgate, Inverness on 2nd May 1923.

It is licensed for 'goods and hacking', and Robertson uses a different body for each purpose. It is not used as an omnibus, but for hiring to parties etc., or any work he can obtain. 

I am of the opinion that Robertson, who is in a small way of business, has acted in good faith, and that Macdonald's did not inform him of the conditions attaching to the car.

When I inspected the car yesterday the goods body was attached, and so far as there has been no opportunity for obtaining formal evidence of dutiable use.

I am your honours obedient Servant, 

G.A. Fountain, officer

Margin comments:

A detection of dutiable use should be made other matter then deals under 13/1916 Par.80 as amended by G.O. 3/1924. Dated DWiii 3/3/24. See page 13 for continuation.'

This entry focuses on the role of an Exciseman rather than the distillation of spirits. For our purposes, it holds minimal interest, except for showcasing extra responsibilities and introducing a new excise name. This individual might be temporarily filling in for Gilbert W. Peterkin, who must have taken the occasional holiday due to his dedicated service. The forthcoming pages will clarify whether this posting extended beyond the duration of this van entry.

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.