Belhaven Brewery was owned by the same family from the middle of the 18th century until 1972-3. No other local business is able to match this claim.
John Johnston, an entrepreneur, politician and merchant, established the business. On his death the brewery passed to his second son George, who had been working as the brewer and manager for some time. It remained within the Johnston family until it was taken over by a hotel and leisure company in 1973. Each new owner left their mark on the business. Under George Johnston, for example, the brewery expanded and began to acquire its reputation for excellence.
Family tree showing how ownership of the brewery was passed down.
[ Larger version of the family tree ]
Belhaven began as a small family brewery, employing only a few people. In the early days, George Johnston and Ellis Dudgeon were both proprietors and brewers. By the 1830s, Ellis employed Thomas Fenton as his managing clerk and working brewer. Others, like Bill Black and Lew Jenkins, followed. During the 19th century the workforce grew as tradesmen such as coopers and draymen were employed. Engineers and laboratory technicians joined the company in the 20th century. Today the brewery employs 300 people in brewing and distribution and an estimated 1200 other jobs mostly in the hospitality industry.
(Left to right) Messrs McCallie, Black, Hunter, junior and senior, West and Porteous celebrate winning the Brewers’ Challenge Cup.
Images courtesy of Belhaven Brewery Company Limited & the Scottish Brewing Archive
