Nairn timber business celebrates 160th anniversary
Gordon Timber was founded during a time when Queen Victoria reigned and the American Civil War raged.
Last updated 11th Feb 2022
One of Scotland's oldest family run firms is celebrating its 160th anniversary.
Nairn based Gordon Timber was founded during a time when Queen Victoria was on the throne and the American Civil War raged on.
Formerly known as John Gordon & Son, current Managing Directors and brothers Scott and Rod Gordon are the fourth generation of the family to have run the company since their ancestors, John and James Gordon, joined founder Hugh Mackintosh in the 1870s.
They went on to take over steward-ship of the company under their own name in 1908.
Despite operations changing throughout the years, Rod and Scott say the firm's principles remain the same.
"Fundamentals remain the same"
Initially starting as a small coal and timber business, Gordon Timber has become one of the UK’s most progressive timber companies.
Speaking about marking the milestone Joint Managing Director, Scott Gordon said the firm's come a "long way" since being founded in 1862.
He said: "People, quality and service – nothing’s really changed, the fundamentals remain the same.
"And yet everything’s changed - through an ongoing intensive program of investment, we have progressed from our fleet of schooners and Burrell steam traction engine of the 1800s to the excitement of our first foray into 21st century robotics in our 160th year."
Fellow Joint Managing Director, Rod Gordon says they're "thrilled" to have reached 160 years in business
He said: "Throughout the long history of our company we have been very fortunate to have had many fantastic people working with us, like John Cruikshank.
"John recently marked 40 years with the company typifying the loyalty and experience we have been lucky to benefit from.
"As we continue looking to the future, we are keen to identify the next group of people who will share our enthusiasm for working in this family business and want to make a difference.”
Unusual job interview
Founder Hugh Mackintosh’s, granddaughter Eileen, retains a keen interest in the firm’s progress.
She commented: "Since my grandfather founded a very small coal and timber business in 1862, the Mackintosh/Gordon partnership has flourished both in business and friendship.
"How thrilled my grandfather would have been to see the outstanding and expanding firm that John Gordon & Son has now become."
Already employing 81 people at its offices and state-of-the-art sawmill, Gordon Timber has plans to expand its workforce.
For those thinking about applying for a job, present day interviews are likely to be more rigorous than when the current directors’ grandfather, RJR Gordon, interviewed Nairn woman, Florence Kennedy.
He merely asked did she know when the Battle of Hastings was? Upon correctly replying ‘1066’ she was hired on the spot.