Death of Inverness Ex-Provost

 

Appearing on page 3 of the Scotsman, on 25th February 1946 is confirmation that John Birnie passed away on the 23rd.

It was very much an end of an era and a remarkable life that we have only briefly managed to glimpse during our research. From a brief flirtation with banking, John embarked on a distilling career, thereby following others in his family, which had strong roots in Speyside. Rising to prominence at the Benrinnes distillery, he was offered the distillery manager role at a rebuilding Glen Albyn distillery. Through hard work and his skill, the reputation of this maligned distillery was rebuilt and flourished.

Ambitious, when John was refused a share in Glen Albyn and then went into partnership with the Mackinlay family of Leith, Edinburgh. Thereby creating Glen Mhor and a new successful chapter in his life. He also was treasurer to Inverness council prior to becoming Provost in the early 1900s. John was never one to rest and remained a keen golfer and we know took pride in his cattle and the title of Scotland's oldest distillery, although his distilling days 

Hopefully, through our ongoing efforts we can shed more light and appreciation of a remarkable man and his career.