George and John Maclachlan, two brothers from Strathallan who both had their own wine and spirits businesses in Glasgow, joined forces in 1888 to form the partnership of G. & J. Maclachlan.
The brothers gradually built up a significant drinks business as brewers, distillers, maltsters, blenders, bottlers, restaurateurs, and owners of licensed premises
The market for the firm's beers extended as far as South Africa, India and Australia.
Amongst the beers produced by the firm was Castle Pale Ale.
The company’s trademark was a castle with three turrets, and their motto was Fortis et Fidus (strong and trustworthy).
After John died in 1903 his interests in the business were bought by George, and in 1907 the firm was converted into a limited company - G. & J. Maclachlan Ltd.
Location: Glasgow
Active: 1888 - 1907
Status: Converted
In 1889 the partnership established the Castle Brewery in a former linen and cotton factory in Wyndford Street, Maryhill, Glasgow.
When the brewery became too small to cope with demand, the brothers commissioned a new Castle Brewery in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, which opened in 1901.
The company's offices were initially located at 25 and 27 St Enoch Square, but in 1900 they moved to Castle Chambers, a magnificent five-storey red sandstone ashlar office block at 57 West Regent Street.
Archives
The University of Glasgow Archive Services holds some family papers relating to G & J Maclachlan.
Books and Journals
Dean, P. Maclachlan’s Castle Ales. Scottish Brewing Archive Newsletter, 1995, 26, pp.12-13.
Donnachie, I. A history of the brewing industry in Scotland. Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers, 1979.
G & J Machlachlan. The rise and progress of G & J Maclachlan, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast and London. Glasgow: G & J Maclachlan, 1905.
