Glen Mhor Log Book 18th February 1944

 

There is just the single entry from 1944, which indicates a calmness at both Glen Mhor and Glen Albyn. Business as usual, as in the sense of just how odd these times were. This singular entry focuses on Glen Albyn, which I'll record here (and also at our Glen Albyn site) for full evaluation of the records.

The entry from February 1944, continues to underline the fact that G.W. Peterkin must have been overseeing both distilleries during the war period. For whatever reason, he continues to note entries for both into the Glen Mhor register, which was his original stationing and seen as the superior distillery in some regards. I suspect that the Glen Albyn logbook came to an end in 1939 and that seems to be the case in the archives, as two logbooks exist for the distillery, with the last date being the eve of World War 2. 

Glen Mhor from my research, so far, seems to be the more leisurely of the two sites; it did not have a new war related purpose. Glen Albyn, was the much larger site at seven acres (2.8 hectares) compared to Glen Mhor's four acres (1.6 hectares) was more attractive and accommodating. We know Albyn was used as a food store thanks to a newly revealed fire in 1942 and also seemed to have some military staging as indicated by this entry...

'Sir,

A mechanical unit of the Army, billeted at Glen Albyn Distillery, Inverness, left early in the week. One of the motor lorries reversing accidently dented the frame work of the door of No.3 D.E.? warehouse there.

Repairs have been completed.

The dent is now covered externally and internally, by two still plates 1/4" thick, securely bolted together by 8 cup headed 5/16 screw bolts, 3" long, and riveted over nuts on the inside.

The external plate measures 32" x 6" and the internal plate 32" x 4".

I am satisfied that the door has been restored to its wanted security.

Respectfully,

G.W. Peterkin, officer

The Collector, Inverness.

Margin entry:

10/3/44 - approved as a minor repair. E.W.H. Collector'

So, it would arguably seem that Glen Albyn's only war damage was thanks to her Majesty's armed forces. A self-inflicted dent that potentially would be the last such bash until the demolition teams moved in during the 1980s. 

For the record, I don't know right now the specific location of the warehouse 3, but I do have the detailed plans for Glen Albyn. What I can say is that the warehousing at Glen Albyn did not follow a natural order, as there is at least one smaller warehouse that appeared on the quayside to fill a gap between two existing warehouses. If only the buildings remained and we could see this detailed repair from a bygone age. 

I will be switching my research focus to Glen Albyn in due course. As I've said elsewhere on Instagram, there is no actual end as such, only the journey. These online resources will continue to have a life of their own and be enjoyed by curious and enthusiastic across the world.

This Log Book comes from the Highland Archives Centre (HCA/D31/4/1/25) and is watermarked for its protection. As with any images on this website, please ask first before using and always give credit.