People of Angus
John O’Arnha - Tam O’Shanter’s rival
John Findlay was a Montrose Town Officer for 40 years during the late 18th and early 19th century. He has gained immortality as the John O’Arnha, the hero of George Beattie’s poem by the same name. Findlay was commonly referred to as John O’Arnha, as he may have come from Arnhall, near Edzell. Many rate Beattie’s epic alongside Robert Burns’ Tam O’Shanter. Beattie and Findlay were near neighbours in New Wynd.
Findlay had a reputation as a very authoritative figure. He had a very high opinion of himself which he reinforced by carrying an oak cudgel which he brandished freely. He never had a friendly word to say to anyone. Despite this he married five times, his last wife, Maidie Jack, being much younger than him. Unlike most of his colleagues he abstained from the alcohol which resulted in so many Town Officers being deprived of their duties.
The work of the Town Officers was varied, ranging from ceremonially carrying in the minute books to Town Council meetings, escorting the Council to Church on Sundays, guarding the jail, attending functions such as the inauguration of burgesses and the Riding of the Marches to catching criminals and enforcing Burgh Statutes. The work was varied and the steady salary and perks ensured it was a desirable job.
Findlay is best remembered for telling many fanciful and boastful stories about his adventures. He was often to be found with George Beattie in New Wynd’s Star Inn where he was happy to relate his stories to a large audience. His tales inspired George Beattie's comic poem. The poem features witches and monsters and other fanciful creatures. It was intended as a "mere folic".
The poem was translated into a play in 1826 and staged at the Theatre-Royal on Bridge Street. Findlay was persuaded by one of the actors to lend his Officer’s red coat. Findlay attended the first night but disliked the performance so much that he set about attacking the audience before storming out. He uttered a curse that none of those involved would die a natural death. It may be only a coincidence but Beattie took his own life after a love affair turned sour, James Watt the printer drowned on a voyage to London and Robert Munro, the Academy art master who painted the scenery, was found washed up on the shores of the Basin.
Findlay himself died aged 91 on 11 October 1828. His funeral was attended by the Magistrates, Town Councillors, and many citizens of the burgh.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2008