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Joseph MacLeod articles in People's Journal May 41935

Edited by Joseph's great-grandson, Peter Lawrie, ©2019
[Any comments in italics are mine]

Famous Figures of Social and Civic Life


By Ex-Bailie Joseph MacLeod, Inverness

There were many figuers in older Inverness - if I may be permitted to use the expression - with whom I came into contact in one way or another. Many of these have crossed the bar, but some still live and enjoy good health. As I cast my mind back I can see many faces and recall exciting incidents of an eventful past.

Let me pick at random the name of Mr George MacBean, registrar. Some years have passed since this guide, philosopher and friend of Inverness passed away, but to many of us his memory will ever be green. From an acquaintance extending over a number of years, I can say that no-one knew more about the town or its traditions than George. His intimate knowledge was often eagerly sought after, and freely given.

Then there was Mr John Macintosh, merchant, Southwood. For a number of years he acted as treasurer for the burgh, a post he adorned with ability. Although opposed to him politically, I must confess I often admired him. Figures were his strong suit.

I could scarcely write of Inverness without mentioning the late Dr William Mackay, one of the ablest of Highlanders. The Gaelic Society of Inverness was but one of the creations of his fertile brain. Indeed, he was the greatest student of his own countryside that Inverness ever had. His many volumes prove that.

Sutherland's Benefactor
Although he was a Conservative - he was a partner to the late Charles Innes - I thought a lot of him. I also liked Mrs Mackay who was a daughter of the late Mr John Mackay of Hereford, a distinguished Sutherland benefactor. This Mr Mackay probably did more for the Sutherland people than anyone I know.

It is surely meet that the daughter of Mr Andrew MacDonald, the late sheriff clerk and a man for whom I had the highest respect, should have married a son of Dr Mackay. The latter, Captain William Mackay, is a worthy son of a worthy father, and carries on the old business of Innes & Mackay in Union Street.

Another acquaintance of the older days was sheriff G. J. Campbell, a native of Dornoch. One of the few Gaelic speaking judges of his time, I first came into contact with him when he was a lawyer in town. Politically he is best remembered for the active part he took in the election of Mr Gilbert Beith as M.P. for Inverness Burghs, when his man secured the seat, to the great consternation of Sir Robert Finlay and his Tory friends.

Legal Luminaries
The late Mr Campbell figured conspicuously in the famous Poolewe case in which the Presbytery of Lochcarron indicted one of its members with unbecoming habits, and Mr Campbell appeared for the accused. The services of Mr Innes, to whom I have already referred, were secured by the Presbytery and he conducted the prosecution. The case was heard at Strome Ferry and attracted widespread attention. But Mr Campbell proved too strong for his more famous legal rival, and got his friend cleared.

Writing of lawyers recalls many other names to mind. Included in these are Mr Andrew M'Ritchie; Mr John S. Fraser, father of the late Captain Frank Fraser; Mr James Ross, long the legal adviser to the burgh; Mr William Charles Macbean, clerk to the school board; Mr H. V. MacAllum whose widow is still alive and lives at Gordon Terrace; and Sir Henry MacAndrew, once sheriff clerk. All were legal luminaries and well known figures in the Highland capital.

I have already mentioned one Mr John Macintosh. Let me now recall another of the same name, who in his day lived at Ardchattan. I think he belonged to Nairn, but he had the interest of his adopted town at heart ever from the time he was appointed joint manager of a well-known shipping company. He was an ardent churchman, a United Presbyterian to the backbone, and among our mutual friends we numbered Mr John Chisholm, ironmonger, whose brother became Lord Provost of Glasgow; Mr William Macintosh, architect; Mr Gilbert Matheson and Mr John Mackenzie, bank agent. Mr Macintosh's wife was also public spirited. She was the first woman to sit on the old Parish Council, her express object being to advocate those reforms on which she felt so acutely. She was mainly responsible for the establishment of a branch of the B.W.T.A. in Inverness and she took a leading part in any movement which had for its object the social improvemnet of her fellow citizens.

Among the notable personalities of old Inverness was ex-Provost Alexander Ross. It will not be denied that he did much to beautify the town, and in half a century of public life he turned almost every day to good account. It would be an endless task to enumerate or endeavour to catalogue his works.

A Busy Man
Dr Ross will be long remembered for his greatest professional achievement - the building of St Andrew's Cathedral. But he has many other edifices to serve as perpetual memorials. Many castles, ecclesiastical buildings, mansion houses, shooting lodges and other constructions were designed by him. His name and reputation as an architect will live for many years to come. How he managed to do so much I often wondered. And yet he found time to devote some attention to public service. After passing through the various grades of councillor and magistrate, he concluded by becoming provost. His dignity in the Council Chamber was spoken of after his day, and, although I never served under him, I often heard references to his ability and character.

Anothe civic chief of Inverness whom I know, but under whom I did not serve, is ex-Provost Birnie, whose name bulks largely even yet in the public eye. As a county councillor and a golfer he is still in the limelight, and, despite his eighty odd years, he is a force to be reckoned with in both spheres. He revels in finance, being conversant with every detail. And he is as powerful a speaker as he was in days gone by.

My civiv career in Inverness, truth to tell, has been tinged with many pleasant memories of men and occasions. I think I can say that I have enjoyed every moment of my career as a councillor and magistrate.

Under Six Provosts
I have served under six provosts, all worthy men - the late Sir Donald MacDonald, Mr David Petrie, Sir Alexander MacEwan, The late Mr Donald MacDonald of Scorguie, the late Mr John Mackenzie and Mr Hugh Mackenzie, who was elected to office last November.

Though there were few frills about the efforts of Sir Donald MacDonald, I will ever maintain that he was an excellent provost. All his public utterances were framed in clear and coherent language, with little suggestion of repetition. If ever there was a lover of Inverness it was Sir Donald, who was the chief magistrate at the historic meeting of the Government in Inverness in 1921. His death severed a link with old Inverness.

Of ex-Provost Petrie and Sir Alexander MacEwan I need say little, The former although over 80 years of age is still hale and hearty, and continues to look after the business he so ably built up. As for the latter, his deeds are well known. He is probably the outstanding figure in the Highland local government of today.

We all respected the late Mr Donald MacDonald and Mr John Mackenzie. They had the right spirit. And even if I did not see eye-to-eye with them on occasion I must confess that it was with great regret that I heard of their deaths.

Of my civic colleagues I need say little. Those of the last generation are well known, and not a few of them are still enjoying the support of the ratepayers. And of the years prior to that I have little to tell. There are one or two, however, whom I would like to mention.

From the Merkinch
First there is Mr Donald MacLennan - better known to us all as Dan - who represented the Merkinch up till two or three years ago. The father of the Council, as he was often described, is still with us. He was the first working man to enter the Council Chamber, and even if his speech was not ornate it was to the point. If ever a man gave good service to his ward it was Dan MacLennan. And I know that beneath his rough exterior lies a heart of gold. When some of his tenants cannot pay their rents, so I am told, he is never forgetful of a deserving case.

Another excellent councillor was Mr Jonathan Ross, who acted as treasurer for many years. He stoutly refused promotion to the magisterial bench, maintaining that the keepr of the civic purse held a more dignified position.

The same might be said for ex-Treasurer John Young, whose son, Iain, made athletic fame recently. If he had continued his civic career it is almost certain he could have sat in the provost's chair. But, somehow or other, he dropped out, and has steadfastly refused to come back.

Generous Giver
Mr John MacDonald, the Castle Street Stores, now carried on by Mr Hepburn, was one of the most outstanding men of the old days. He was a large-hearted and generous giver. Although he never took any public share in municipal politics, he was one of the most stern of Liberals, a ready speaker, and a man of fine Christian character.

The same could be said of Mr George Walker, whose son, Mr James Walker, an ex-councillor, follows hard in his esteemed father's footsteps. Also the late Bailie Robert Cook, whose soin, Joseph Cook, J.P., is one of our highly respected citizens.

The extraordinary work accomplished by these men in connection with the Highland Orphanage is a lasting memorial to their memory. Would that such types of character continued to uphold the deeds of these great men who did not count the cost in doing something to leave the world better than they found it. It might be said of them "well done, good and faithful servants".

The late ex-Bailie Alexander MacLennan, Bridge Street, was another fine figure in words and deeds. A great churchman, he was ever in demand on the public platform because of his capability as a speaker.

And what shal I say of Mr Wm. Mackay, bookseller, High Street, Inverness, who was such a landmark and who was so well known, not only in Inverness business circles but all over the North? Few men were more largely read in the folklore of the North.

Bright Future
But if I were to include in these reminiscences the names of all the councillors who gave the town good service I am afraid they would become civic records. I have always been impressed by the desire of my fellow members to serve the interests of the town.

On a note of hope, therefore, I bring my story to an end. I am optimistic enough to believe that there is still a bright future for the Highlands. I have seen the north and west rise on the wings of penury to gradual prosperity; I have lived long enough to discover that enemies can become friends, and I have been granted one of my dearest wishes - that of seeing crofters with security of tenure.

What more can I ask? If readers have enjoyed my little contribution to the history of the Highlands my efforts will have had their full reward.