McManus 168

David Scott was born the eldest child of David Scott and Grizel/Grace Morrison.^[1] At the time of his birth (1820),^[1] David Snr was listed as a ‘weaver,’ having bought a warping mill in 1797.^[12] He, over time, merited the listing as ‘manufacturer,’ based at Mid Wynd, Perth Road.^[3] The Mid Wynd Works were to become an extensive operation, for weaving and finishing (linen and jute), with tall blocks on a steeply sloping site,^[12] running from Hawkhill, south towards Perth Road.

Although five of David’s brothers were to become prominent within the manufacturing business, he himself remained the only one to be involved in the tanning/wool trade.

His first setup was at Baldovan,^[3] further out of Dundee’s town centre. However, an advertisement of the time (1848) indicated quite clearly the direction and range of services provided by his business – ‘NOTICE TO FLESHERS, SHEEP FARMERS and THE LEATHER TRADE: At Whitsunday Term, 27th inst. the subscriber will be removed to his New Work, Dudhope, where deliveries of Sheep Skins, Wool etc will then be taken. Parties getting their supplies of Basils, (a tanned sheepskin, used to manufacture suede, chamois, soft leathers etc) White Linings, Bindings, Aprons etc sent by Railway or otherwise, will participate in the advantages which a work situated in the central part of the Town, employing the most improved methods in getting forward Sheep Leather, both in the Rough & Finished state, is calculated to afford.’^[4]

Doubtless, the new siting at Dudhope would have been thought to be advantageous for all concerned. David Scott’s commitment to the location was swiftly followed by the building of a residence for himself (circa 1855) at 114 Lochee Road, immediately round the corner from the works.

However, there remained a concern for him in the siting of Dundee’s Powder Magazine which was located to the south west of the Barracks but a mere 40 or so yards from David Scott’s properties. It had been erected there circa 1858.^[13] His concern was further compounded by an attempted break-in to the Powder Magazine,^[13] causing great disquiet to the increasing number of residences and businesses in close proximity.^[13] David Scott was a vocal complainant. The town’s response was to place the onus on Scott to determine how other towns dealt with their magazines.^[13] None had a magazine so precariously placed as Dundee’s. His campaign to remedy the difficulty saw him communicate with the Town Clerks of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Hull and Liverpool.^[13] He also summoned the support of the Home Secretary and even the Lord Advocate.^[13] The debacle continued for some considerable time and finally resulted in a minor victory, with the erection of a higher wall being constructed around the magazine.

David Scott’s death occurred in 1870 at a relatively moderate 50 years of age.^[7] He had built up a business as a wool trader over 27 years. His established firm was continued by his eldest son, William Chalmers Scott, trading as ‘William C Scott – Tanners & Wool Merchants.’ Unfortunately, William survived his father by a mere 8 years,^[8] after which their concern was continued by his younger brothers, George Chalmers Scott and James Scott, while maintaining the same title.