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Down Memory Lane: Former Inverness Provost who changed the landscape of the city





What would former provost Dr James Robertson have made of the barriers on Bridge Street?
What would former provost Dr James Robertson have made of the barriers on Bridge Street?

Dr James Robertson of Aultnaskiach might not approve of the "ski poles" now narrowing Bridge Street – in the 205th anniversary year of his having the street widened, writes Bill McAllister.

The good doctor, who served four separate terms as Provost of Inverness, directed the construction of new roads north and south of the old Stone Bridge and, at his own expense, widened the west end of Bridge Street, removing the turnpike stairs in front of his wine-selling premises there for the work.

These works took place in winter 1816-17 at a time of great local hardship, and there was gratitude for the jobs created. A writer referred to the project as "creating elegant and commodious roads on both banks of the river".

Included in the Provost’s endeavour was the creation of Ladies Walk between the Infirmary Bridge and Ness Islands. Apparently, Robertson prevailed on several wealthy local women to make donations to pay for it.

Robertson, born in 1765, the son of an excise collector, qualified in medicine and began as a general practitioner in Inverness by the age of 22.

From Captain Davidson of Cantray, he feued the lands of Aultnaskiach which, although just at the top of Castle Brae, were open moorland. It takes its name from Allt na Sgitheach burn, or Hawthorn burn, which was also known as Glen Burn, from which Glenburn Drive is derived.

He built Aultnaskiach House in 1808 and in the grounds laid out landscaped walks and rustic bridges. In digging the mansion’s founds, workmen uncovered stone coffins and later, in 1819, urns containing human bones and a flint arrowhead were uncovered near the house.

The estate was entered via Godsman’s Walk, named after the Duke of Gordon’s factor and constable of Inverness Castle, who used to stroll home cutting through the mansion’s grounds.

Locals began taking the same route so Robertson erected gates, but irate Invernessians tore them down. He then built a wall, which ended the shortcut but generated local anger.

In addition to his medical duties and wine business Robertson also owned a grocery shop on High Street. He married Catherine Inglis, a relative of William Inglis, the provost who led the fundraising for Inverness Royal Academy and the Royal Northern Infirmary.

Robertson supported the infirmary, including providing free consultations, and became a director of both the academy and the Caledonian Bank.

He was first elected provost from 1816-18 and then from 1822 for a year, returning from 1824-27 and 1829-31.

The Inverness Courier of February 20, 1833, announced: "As a mark of respect to Dr Robertson of Aultnaskiach, long the chief magistrate in the burgh, it is proposed to request that this gentleman to sit for his portrait to ornament our Town Hall. A subscription for this purpose was opened yesterday afternoon, and the amount already subscribed evinces the general estimation in which the worthy Provost is held by his fellow townsmen of all parties."

Edinburgh portrait artist John Sime, who had been assistant to Sir Henry Raeburn, was commissioned and the September 25 issue of the Courier stated that the painting was recently finished.

Dr Robertson died in January 1847, a man who enhanced Inverness as well as helping so many of its people. Aultnaskiach House has been flats for some 70 years, but the portrait of the man who built it still graces the town hall, a provost to remember.

Sponsored by Ness Castle Lodges.

Related article: A building at the heart of city life for almost two centuries


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