People of Angus
Thomas Molison: the Provost of Brechin who ‘wanted an arm’
Thomas Molison was the third generation of his family to serve as Brechin chief magistrate. Like his father and grandfather before him he combined a career in local politics with extensive mercantile interests.
He had not always intended to be a merchant. Thomas started his working life as a clerk to a writer in Forfar. This did not last long. Instead he joined the marines where he rose to the rank of captain. He served with them until the death of his father John around 1781. Thomas returned to Brechin to take over the family business. He inherited an interest in a distilling partnership with Alexander Durie, senior and junior. He gave this up when the Napoleonic war duties made this business unprofitable. He also had a share in linen spinning at the West Mill with wright Thomas Jamieson. He later sold this and formed a new partnership at the Meickle Mill for spinning and manufacturing flour. Another partnership was formed with David Rid and Town Clerk, Alexander Ritchie to spin flax and manufacture canvas for the navy.
On one occasion one of his maltmen was enjoying a drink in a public house and ignoring his duties with the malt kiln. The kiln caught fire and Provost Molison assisted in fire fighting despite wanting an arm. He had reputedly lost his arm in a duel.
Molison continued his association with the military through his involvement with the Volunteers. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Forfarshire Militia.
He died on 27 July 1815. Obituaries in the Montrose Review praised his great-energy of mind and suave manner. He was declared to be universally loved and respected.
He was buried in Brechin Cathedral.
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