Mr Gordon Robertson, wool broker, King Street, Castle Douglas was 74 years of age and came from an old Castle Douglas family who were engaged in the tanning trade for over a century, Mr Robertson being the last to follow that now defunct calling.
As far back as 1770 his grandfather had a tannery on the site now occupied by Mr D McLeod, engineer, while his uncle, Mr Robert Robertson, opened a tannery at Lochside in 1820.
When Mr Martin Milligan retired, Mr Samuel Robertson started a similar business, which was afterwards carried on by Mr Gordon Robertson.
Tanning was then all done with bark, which was afterwards gathered from the old Common and dried for kindling. Mr Robertson disposed of his business over 15 years ago to Mr Peter Thomson, the present proprietor, who has largely increased the business, and now puts 50,000 pelts through his hands yearly.
After selling the business Mr Robertson went to reside in Liverpool for a time, but returned to his native town and represented well-known wool broking firms.
He is survived by a grown up family, and a sister is Mrs McMorran, Forglen, Castle Douglas.