The Sandemans of Springland
PERTH
ENTREPRENEURS: THE SANDEMANS OF SPRINGLAND
by Dr Charles D Waterston
In 1755 George Sandeman (1724-1803) feued approximately 10 acres of land, now known as Springland and Holmwood. Lying south of the Annaty Burn between Isla Road and the River Tay he constructed a water-powered saw mill. Having earlier witnessed the occupation of Perth by the Jacobite army, Sandeman left his family?s successful linen business to become a wright and merchant in the town. He is known to art historians as a notable Scottish furniture maker.
This book brings him to life as a risk taking entrepreneur with many interests and influential connections. He and his immediate successors were typical of the enterprising men found in many towns in Scotland prior to the industrial revolution who were a driving force in the nation?s economy. They were often related to one another and mutually supportive in ever changing partnerships.
The Sandemans of Springland gives a glimpse of the complexity of the commercial network in Perth. For the next four generations Springland was owned by Sandemans, many of whom inherited the entrepreneurial flair of their forefather George, but exercised it in ways which reflected the changing commercial and political circumstances of the United Kingdom. One of George?s children took a leading part in the foundation of the Commercial Bank of Scotland, one founded the ?House of Sandeman?, port and sherry shippers in London and Oporto, and another, an exceptional woman, carried on a successful business in Edinburgh. As Britain?s imperial commitments grew, later generations went further afield serving in the Honourable East India Company, the Indian Army, or the mission field.
The Sandemans had hearts as well as heads and experienced the joys, sorrows and occasional tragedies of family life, but were supported by the fellowship and ideals of the independent religious sect to which they belonged. Ideals which were inherited by AK Bell who later bought Springland, and by the Gannochy Trust which has continued that generous spirit by assisting the development of Springland to its present uses. In that same spirit Dr Waterston has generously assigned all the royalties coming from the sale of this book to Capability Scotland.
The Sandemans of Springland (ISBN: 978-0-905452-52-4) is available for £9.99 at the AK Bell Library Shop
