Glen Albyn Distillery Logbook 30th December 1924

 

With just a click, we're back in action.

I apologise for the recent silence. Life has been unexpectedly hectic, family goes without saying, especially with the exciting task of releasing a vinyl record under my own label. Yet, amidst all the distractions, my thoughts have remained with Glen Albyn and Glen Mhor; there's something about lost distilleries that truly captivates the soul. Hopefully, you've all been keeping well. 

As we dive back into the logbook, we find ourselves at the end of 1924, still witnessing the essential duties of an exciseman. While this particular entry may not pertain directly to Glen Albyn, it sheds light on the responsibilities of the role and the extent of oversight and scrutiny that the excise maintained within the local community.

Every page in this logbook provides us with a window into a past era, seldom recorded and filled with endless possibilities. I am continually grateful to the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness for the opportunity to discuss these materials and share them with a broader audience.

Glen Albyn has continued to be a mystery, much like several other distilleries across Scotland. Information has trickled through various books, and I remain hopeful that through this ongoing research project, we can uncover more and cherish something that we have unfortunately lost, now lying beneath a supermarket.

The main image presented is unrelated, but as AI's power continues to take over much of our media landscape, I will sometimes utilise its capabilities to enhance previous images. This particular one, showcasing the Glen Albyn area circa 1972, is one we've encountered before. I think it has effectively colourised the image, which I will include below. It certainly provides research opportunities for when my mind starts to feel overloaded with all the information it contains.

'Glen Albyn Distillery

Inverness

30th Dec 1924

Sir,

I have to report that in all Entertainments held in this station the general public has received the full benefit of the recent changes in Entertainments Duty. I am not aware of any case in which the benefit of recent changes has gone into the proprietors pocket.

Prices are reduced by the amount of tax remitted. The main current prices charged to the public are:'

(Editor: I've used a spreadsheet to display these in the best fashion)

Gilbert concludes as anticipated on the log page, marking the end of this entry.

As we transition into a new year, I notice that the following page connects to this one, yet we do have to look forward to the repairs scheduled at Glen Albyn in January 1925, back to the grime and filth of distilling.

Thrilling times are on the horizon; the adventure goes on.

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.