MANY Scots sailed across the sea to Canada, but only one Scot managed a shipping line which then brought millions more. Not just those leaving Scotland for a new life, but also from elsewhere in Britain, Ireland and beyond.
This is the story of Hugh Allan, shipping magnate, financier and all-round business mogul who would become embroiled in a major Canadian railway scandal which brought down a government.
Born into a seafaring family in Saltcoats, Ayrshire in 1810, it's suggested that his father was a cousin of Robert Burns. The family was well-to-do but Hugh would take the wealth to unparalleled levels.
He was educated locally in the parish school before commencing work for his father, Alexander Allan, at the family's business premises in Greenock in 1823. His father had established the Allan Shipping Line several years before, but was also involved in more general trade.
In 1826, Hugh embarked for Montreal. It was the city he would make his home, where he would become a major business tycoon. Although assisted by family finance, he achieved his success by working his way up, and increased the investment exponentially.
Initially working for a grain merchant known to his father, he then took a year out to return to Scotland and travel there before returning through London, New York and Upper Canada.
By 1831 Hugh had returned to Montreal and started work for a major merchandising firm with significant shipping interests.
His rise there was meteoric, as by 1839 he had become the senior partner and was joined by his younger brother, Andrew. The business had by then the largest shipping capacity in the city. And it was only going to grow from there.
Esta historia es de la edición June 2024 de The Scots Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2024 de The Scots Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Unst To Orbit
Shetland's spaceport is set to take Europe by storm, launching rockets to the stratosphere
Just Passing Through
A tale of the unexpected unfolds at dawn in a Stirlingshire glen as a rare, shy creature slips out of the shadows
Brigadoon Revisited
An affectionate look back at the low budget \"synthetic Scotch\" movie that still sparkles in the mist, 70 years on
The Story & The Song
With a soundtrack to a Shetland tale, author and musician Malachy Tallack blends his artistic passions in his latest venture
A Rebirth From The Earth
Erland Cooper's intriguing project has given nature and two determined fans a hand in shaping and bringing his new album to light
Nip Of Champions
Whisky has long been associated with moments of triumph, including a recent example of clever sporting motivation
The Waterside Hotel
A spectacular spot on the stunning Ayrshire coast
Mushroom Magic
Fungi can be deadly dangers or marvels of medicine, but all are fundamental to the balance of life
A Modern Island Life
Isle of May nature reserve manager David Steel describes his unusual existence amidst the Firth of Forth's wildlife - and its weather
Meall Dearg
The first part of our superb new hillwalking series takes on the challenging Glen Coe Munro