J and J Hay Ltd, Boatbuilders, Kirkintilloch

Memoranda and Articles of Association, 1896-1920; Partnership and liquidation Papers, [1867]-1921; Directors Minutes, 1896-1924; Directors Reports and Accounts, 1896-1920; Share Records, 1890-1921;

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Accessions 1984/002, 1995/007

Previously catalogued as A9.

Copyright: Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements

Over the course of the 19th Century traffic on the Forth and Clyde Canal gradually increased as the new foundries, saw mills, chemical works and collieries began operating along the route between Grangemouth Docks, Port Dundas and Bowling. In 1867 two brothers, John and James Hay, went into partnership to provide barge plant for this trade. The brothers acquired a boat building yard, located on the canal, West of Townhead Bridge in Kirkintilloch where they constructed a repair slip, as well as owning an engineering workshop at Port Dundas. The firm constructed their own lighters (or 'puffers') and operated estuary and coasting lighterage on the East and West coasts, as well as inland work. J & J Hay Ltd built at least 60 puffers, the last, the 'Chindit', was launched in 1945. The most famous of J & J Hay's boats was 'The Saxon' which played the role of 'The Vital Spark' in the BBC series of the same name. As canal traffic declined, the company moved to new premises in 1954 and concentrated on repairs. The yard closed completely in 1961, and in 1963, J & J Hay amalgamated with G & G Hamilton to form Hay Hamilton Ltd. In 1968 Hay Hamilton merged with Ross & Marshall Ltd, forming a new company called Glenlight Shipping Ltd.