Glenbuchat Heritage

25 Brian Davidsons memories of Glenbuchat Part2

Brian Davidsons memories of Glenbuchat in the 1950’s and associated stories.
Part 2 The Craigton Shop

The photos above show
1. Brian Davidson Sept 2021
2. The Craigton Shop with William Fraser as proprietor.
3. Walter Davidson (Snr) outside the shop
4. Delivery of bees to Walter Davidson
5. Maggie Hyne at the Shop 1980’s

Click for The Davidson Family history and more details about Glenbuchat

Brian was the son of Robert Davidson who had worked at the Craigton shop in Glenbuchat and his grandfather was Walter Davidson, a major figure in Glenbuchat who had run the Craigton shop from 1909 until the 1940’s

The Craigton Shop

In the early days of the glen, some crofters who had surplus supplies or could afford to order extra would sell items to their neighbours. As this became more regular four small ‘shops’ appeared in the glen, at Badenyon in front of Begg’s house, at Sunnybrae in the middle of the glen and at Easterbucket at the east end of the glen, the other is unmown. All had a licence to sell whisky. It meant that any glen resident was only two miles from any shop. There were also travelling salesmen who also went round the glen with ‘fly cairts’ (the cart of an itinerant salesman).

Click for picture of Fly Cairt

Mobile shop vans were still around the glen up to the late 1970’s, selling bakery and fish.

In 1901 when James Barclay took over the estate he built and renovated many of the old buildings. At the Craigton he built the Shop and the house Altnacruichan beside it.


The photograph above of the Craigton Shop which must have been taken before 1909 has the proprietors name is ‘William Fraser’ above the door it and also says ‘Ladies and Gents Tailor’. This is William Fraser who is shown as an apprentice tailor at Rose Cottage.

Click for picture William Fraser as apprentice tailor

Click for details of William Fraser ‘s family

William Fraser’s father William senior also a Tailor died in 1906

While running the shop, William had moved from Rose Cottage to Sunnybrae Cottage. Walter Davidson also lived at Sunnybrae when he managed the shop. This was probably Sunnybrae Cottage as the farm was the home of the Cameron family

1901 Census
Name: William Roberson Fraser
Age: 33 Estimated Birth Year: about 1868
Relationship: Head
Spouse's Name; Martha Fraser
Where born: Glenbucket, Aberdeenshire
Address: Sunnybrae
Occupation: Tailor & General Merchant

William Fraser died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 27th June 1917 at the age of 49 suffering from Addison’s Disease and heart failure. Addison’s disease is a slowly developing terminal illness at that time and was probably the reason he gave up the shop at Glenbuchat. At the time of his death, he was living in Kincardine O’ Neil on Deeside.

Between 1909 and he 1940’s the shop was run by Walter Cheyne Davidson and after that until the early 1970’s it was run by his second son James. At some stage Walter also acquired the lease of a shop in Lumsden and this was run by his eldest son Walter junior. In the 1901 census Walter Senior is in 1901 aged 23 living at Sinnahard Cottage Glenkindie and his occupation Gen Merchants Assistant, possibly helping at the Glenbuchat shop.

Walter was a very significant member of the local community as well as running the local shop. He was cantor at the local church. The cantor led the singing by singing a line of the hymn and the congregation would repeat it.
He won a prize for dancing at Glenbuchat Show
He was a Justice of the Peace.
He was a onetime President of the local Grocers’ federation as noted in the following article:

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 19 October 1935
GROCERS WILLING TO HELP The Egg Industry in Scotland
At the half-yearly meeting of Garioch and Donside Grocers' Association held at Inverurie it was stated that the Grocers' Federation was willing to cooperate in any reasonable scheme designed to assist the Scottish egg industry. Mr Walter Davidson, Glenbuchat, the president, was in the chair.

He ran a Charabanc service taking residents to distant events

Walter C. Davidson, Glenbuchat, Will Run Motor Charabanc to Sanger's Circus, Huntly, Tuesday. Return Fare- Glenbuchat, And Glenkindie 3s 6p; Lumsden 3s To Alford on Thursday. Return Fare 3s. Book Seats; Early.

W. C Davtdson's Motor Conveyance Will Leave for Aberdeen on Wednesday Evening At, 7 O'clock, Leaving Aberdeen for Glenbuchat On Friday Forenoon At 7 O'clock.
Braemar "Gathering, September 4th. —W. C. Davidson, Glenbuchat, Will Run His Motor Conveyance from Aberdeen to Braemar Gathering. Passengers Booked and All Particulars at Alexander Auld, St Swithin Street, Aberdeen. Return Fare —Front Seats 30s, Back Seats, 25s.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 01 September 1919

He arranged School outings:

GLENBUCHAT. Outing.
Through the kindness of Davidson, merchant, Glenbuchat, the scholars of Glenbuchat U.F. Sunday school, with their teachers and friends, enjoyed a free motor drive to Aberdeen on Saturday. The weather ideal, and the outing was greatly enjoyed. The party proceeded to the beach, where an al fresco lunch was served. To children from an upward glen, the sea was source of wonderment and delight, several them seeing for the first time. It was with reluctance that they left the beach. Before doing so a group photograph was taken Miss Michie, native of the parish, now resident in Aberdeen. The children were next taken round the and afterwards proceeded to the house of Mrs Middleton, Victoria Street, who entertained them tea. Afterwards the boys played bowls, and the girls enjoyed themselves on a swing and in singing games. Mrs Middleton also entertained them with gramophone selections. Before the homeward journey was commenced, cheers were given for Mrs Middleton and the Misses Watson, who assisted her, and also, Davidson, whose generosity made the outing possible. Mis Mathieson, Upperton; Mrs Thomson, Belnaglack; and Miss Sellar, Glenbuchat School, were thanked for contributions to the commissariat.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 28 June 1923

Walter was also a keen beekeeper and imported bees, an event which reached the local paper and is pictured above

BEES FROM HOLLAND LARGE CONSIGNMENT FOR GLENBUCHAT
What is believed to be the largest individual consignment of bees ever brought to Aberdeen arrived last night. Conveyed from Holland to Leith, and thence to Aberdeen aboard the St Magnus to the order of Mr Walter Davidson, grocer and draper, Glenbuchat, the consignment consists of 108 swarms. They will be sold by Mr Davidson to various beekeeping enthusiasts in Glenbuchat district. Beekeeping has become a popular and profitable pursuit in that upland area. Mr Davidson has had consignments of bees sent from Holland on previous occasions, but the latest is of a much larger nature.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 20 May 1938

Walter was also the local Post Master, Session Clerk, and Glenbuchat Hall Secretary

Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 22 January 1973
READY FOR INVASION
The lonely glen of Glenbuchat on upper Donside will be thronged with people from miles around on Saturday. The Parish Hall will be packed to capacity for the annual Burns Nicht supper and dance. In charge of this event session clerk, grocer, postmaster and hall secretary Mr James A. Davidson, Craigton, Glenbuchat, and his committee.

Walter used a number of vans over the years Vans

He had his Charabanc in 1919
In 1930 he sold his 1924 Morris one ton van
In 1937, he sold his 1932 Ford 12 Cwt Van
Brian Recalls the Albion Van in the 1950’s followed by a Bedford Van.

Click for picture of Jim Davidson (on the right) and the shop van

Walter supplied good for use in the Glenbuchat Hall.

Click for Receipts from the Craigton Shop.

The shop at Craigton also had two petrol pumps just opposite the shop. They were still there in the 1970’s but not functional. The tanks are still under the ground.

Robert, Walters third son and Brian’s father, helped out with the shops either behind the scenes of driving the mobile shop van. On his half day he was required to spend time stocking the shop shelves. The first van Brian knew was an Albion van with the engine in the driver’s compartment. It was very noisy probably resulting in his father becoming deaf. The next van was a Bedford which was much quieter. It was bought in 1964 at the time of the Aberdeen Typhoid Epidemic.

The van delivered groceries and other essentials around the glen. They also collected produce e.g., Eggs and milk from the farms and either sold them in the shop or took them to the egg grading station in Alford.

Eggs were collected at the shop and when a good supply was collected the van went to Alford where they are collected, cleaned and graded to size and sold on to the grocery trade. No cash changes hands. Records are kept and payments are made after a period.

It was said that the van driver, probably Robert, kept a stub of pencil behind his ear to record transactions. When offered a cup of tea at a farm, the pencil doubled up as a tea spoon to stir in the sugar.

In winter, Brian recalls helping his father with the snow chains on the van. These were large chains which had to be removed for bare roads. Brian recalls his father getting out at the foot of a snowy hill, and lying on the ground and spreading the chains behind the back wheels. The van was then backed on to the chains. Father then put a sack on the road by the back wheels and lay down to fix on the chains. Once off the hill they had to be removed.

The chains often broke and Brian recalls working in winter in an unheated shed with his father, prizing off broken chain links, cutting off a length of chain with a hacksaw an then prizing open the ends to join up with the broken chain.

In 1972 Walter Junior was still operating the shop in Lumsden and seeking staff and advertising his wares.

Female Shop Assistant For. Licensed Grocer, References. Apply Walter G. Davidson. Main Street. Lumsden. Phone Lumsden 217.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Wednesday 22 March 1972
Walter G. Davidson General Merchant Wide Selection of Groceries Drapery Hard Ware Etc Green' Shield Stamps with All Purchases Lumsden Tel. 217
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 13 September 1972

James Davidson, Brian’s uncle, retired from the shop in 1974 as noted in the local paper:

Ex-Glenbuchat grocer is honoured:
Retired grocer Mr James A. Davidson, Cawdor, Greystone Road Alford, was last night presented with a cheque, and his wife with a bouquet at a ceremony in their home. Mr Davidson (67) retired from the grocery trade only last week after being behind the counter for more than 60 years at Craigton, Glenbuchat, a business his father took over in 1909. Mr Davidson ran the Post Office, filling station, and grocery business on his own for the past 27 years. For more than 13 years he also ran a grocery and drapery business at Bellabeg. Strathdon which he sold last September.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 16 February 1974

Following the retirement of James Davidson, the shop was run for a couple of years by George and Janet McWilliam

The Only shop at Glenbuchat, near Glenkindie, is to close down. The Post Office, general merchant and grocery business, has been run for the past two years Mr ana Mrs George McWilliam. Mrs Janet McWilliam, who shaded the work with her husband said last night: “Things got to the stage. when we were paying out more on our own costs, for petrol for our two vans, than our vans were making on rounds. We just had to give them up. “And so many people from the glen have moved south. every time a farmer moved out, another would buy his farm, but the house would be left standing empty”, ‘The shop on a lease which expires lit November, so couldn’t sell it, and: though we’re closing down; we might still stay here,” added Mrs McWilliam. The Glenbuchat shop the only one in that area, and customers will now have to go about five mites to. either Strathdon or Glenkindie
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Tuesday 03 February 1976

CLOSING-DOWN SALE OF GENERAL MERCHANTS STOCK-IN-TRADE
Within Stewarts Hall, Huntly oh Thursday First, February 5, at 12.30 p.ni. Subscribers, favoured with instructions from Mr G. M*c William. The Shop Glenbuchat. will sell by Public Auction the undernoted effects. Vis: Asco Bacon and Ham Slicer; Shop Scales: - Frezecold Cold Glass Unit. 2 Sternette Deep Freezes; Regia Cash Register: 2 Olivetti Add- Inn Machines S E.R. Gas Heater: Large Selection of Children’s, Ladles and Gent s Clothing; Boots; Shoes and Slippers; Kitchen Utensils; Cutlery; Glass Churn: Sack Barrow* New Forks; Steps; Quantity Mail; Stationery; Etc.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 31 January 1976

It is though that the shop may have laid empty for a few years the it was bought by Maggie Hyne and Ron Boyko who ran a knitwear and Pottery business, as shown in pictures above.
They sold the shop in 1986

GLENBUCHAT, STRATHDON House and former Strap with potential House and former General Merchant’s Shop, on ½ acre feu set in magnificent countryside only a few miles from the Lecht ski slopes. House modernised with exterior pine features presently provides 2 public rooms 4/S bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. Large Shop and stores convertible. Pottery kiln, Stable, Garages. Entry to suit
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 05 June 1986

The shop was then bought by a private purchaser and renovated t a more modern dwelling thus removing a lot of the original shop features.

In 1992 it was bought by the local Doctor Dr. Cleland, however he moved away after a few years when it was bought by its present owners.

WORRIES over medical cover in one of the North-east’s most scenic and scattered communities have been eased. Dr Keir Cleland (41) yesterday confirmed he will .hr able to settle down as the Strathdon GP he recently had to quit temporary accommodation and feared he would have to leave the area. t the former Australian bush doctor, his wife, Catrina who is practice manager—and their three children will move into a new home, converted shop in Glenbuchat, three miles down the glen. Uncertainty over the practice had Caused renewed concern in the area. The previous GP resigned last year after six years. She had complained of having to endure cramped living and working accommodation and gave up the post soon after local planners turned down her bid to build a house in' the glen. “We are all very happy and relieved it has turned out well,” said Dr Cleland. Meanwhile, plans are forging ahead for a new surgery for Strathdon. It should be in place later this year, suggested Dr Cleland, but not at his new home. The surgery is likely to be built at one of two central sites being considered by planning and health authorities.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Wednesday 15 April 1992

Doctor to start in one of the North-east’s most scattered and scenic communities, looks set to keep its local doctor. Worries that Dr Keir Cleland (41) would have to leave Strathdon, after he had to quit temporary accommodation, have been removed. Next month, the former Australian bush doctor, his wife Catrina, practice manager, and their three children win move into a new home, a converted shop in Glenbuchat, three miles down the glen. The previous doctor resigned after six years, complaining of having to endure cramped living conditions.
Aberdeen Evening Express - Wednesday 15 April 1992

Dr Cleland only stayed a few years then the shop was taken over by the present owner.