In Memoriam

THE SCOTTISH BAKER IN MEMORIAM

MURDOCH MCQUEEN ALLAN & KENNETH GAVIN MCGHEE

MURDOCH MCQUEEN ALLAN

Sadly, in early January we were informed of the death of our member Murdoch McQueen Allan of Murdoch Allan Bakers.

Murdoch was born in Aberdeen to James and Janet Allan on the 25th April 1951. Murdoch’s father Jimmy Allan worked as a baker for Forbes Simmers Bakery in Hatton for 45 years, Murdoch was to follow in his father’s footsteps. He started his apprenticeship at 15, learning all aspects on how to be a good baker. Murdoch made great friendships at the bakery and was a very well liked young man. After serving his time as a baker he decided to continue his career as a baker but in the Merchant Navy. He spent most of his time on the Union Castle, travelling the world. Murdoch then came back to Scotland, working for many bakeries but mainly for Millers of New Deer. Whilst working in the bakeries around the Northeast Murdoch made many friends and was an extremely well respected baker. In 1991 he opened his own bakery alongside his wife Caroline, and sons Paul and Neil, in Cross Street Fraserburgh. Renowned for their late night opening for butteries and pies on a Friday night. Bingo wasn’t the same if you hadn’t been into Murdoch Allans for your butteries on your way home, or a pie after a night out. Murdoch worked at Cross Street nightshift building up the business. A very hardworking man often working more than 12 hour shifts. He was a master at all parts of the bakery. The business grew with the purchase of Robbs Bakery in Strichen and then taking over the Simmers of Hatton site in 2002. Murdoch was also a devoted father in law to Lorna and Katrina, Granda to Danielle, Philippa, Glenn and Jenny. He will be missed by many.

KENNETH GAVIN MCGHEE

It is with great sadness that the Directors of The McGhee Group announce the death of Kenneth Gavin McGhee on 14 February 2021.

Kenneth was the son of Gavin and brother to Stuart, cousin of Gordon and Ian. Kenneth was 58 and had been enjoying his retirement out in Spain for the last two years. Kenneth started as an apprentice bakery engineer with Melvin and Gillespie and enjoyed four years working with them, working on many varied projects not confined to the bakery world including refurbishing the Glasgow subway and renewing the Weir on the River Clyde. He then joined the family business after stints at Chalmers and Carricks of Newcastle and progressed through the ranks of the bakery before concentrating on the retail arm of the business as retail director. Kenneth left McGhees in 1997 to pursue his own path and owned Chardons in Ingram Street and Ken & Co in West George Street, Glasgow. Kenneth leaves behind his wife Jackie and is survived by his children Barry and Kimberley. We extend our sincere condolences to the McGhee family.