James Catto
21 Adelphi, Aberdeen
Scotch whisky and wine merchant
1861 The business was established by James Catto (1829-1908), who set up as a tea and spirit merchant in his native Aberdeen, selling his blended whisky.
1876 The warehouse moved to 21 Adelphi, just off Union Street.
1878 Catto's Rare Old Highland Scotch was awarded a gold medal at the World's Fair in Paris.
1884 A further gold medal was awarded at the London International Exhibition.
1900 James Catto Limited was incorporated, with capital of £100,000, to carry on the business of distilling, blending, and dealing in spirits and other liquors.[1]
1908 James Catto died.
1916 His son, Robert, died in France while serving with the 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.
1917 James Catto Limited was voluntarily wound up.
1918 A new company, James Catto and Company Limited, was set up with shareholders including wine merchants Corney and Barrow and W and A Gilbey. The new business was incorporated as a private company, with capital of £10,000.[2]
1945 Catto became wholly owned by Gilbeys.
1962 Gilbeys merged with United Wine Traders to form International Distillers and Vintners Limited (IDV).
1990 Inver House Distillers bought James Catto and Company Limited from IDV.
See Also
Sources of Information
- National Records of Scotland BT2/4668
- Post Office Aberdeen Directory 1901-1902
- Edinburgh Gazette September 21 1917
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission website