Carse companies

“In 1931, the 44th (Dundee) Company, The Boys’ Brigade became defunct and its number passed to the BB company attached to St Columba’s Church in Invergowrie,” says a regular contributor.

“This company formed in 1931 and its captain was the church minister, Rev Alan Bell. The Life Boy leader was Miss A. Macdonald of Millburn. In 1939, the captaincy passed to Frank Hay of Inverbay and then in 1940 to Mr A.M. Newlands of Invergowrie schoolhouse.

“In 1941 and 1942 the captaincy was held by George Sellars. Then, arising from the war, that company too became defunct. St Columba’s Church is known today as Invergowrie Parish Church. Just a few years ago, the company colour was found stored in the church tower. I believe that the 44th today is a Broughty Ferry Company.

“A vibrant BB company also existed in Inchture as an early integral part of the Dundee Battalion of the BB and this was the 17th Company, attached to the Inchture Christian Association. In 1895, the captain of this company was Duncan B. Stewart, Rossie Estate Office. From 1896-97, the captain was T.S. Nicholson, Schoolhouse, Inchture and during 189798 the captain was Rev G.Innes Smith of Abernyte.

“In 1904, the captaincy was held by William Prain, Inchture assisted by Mr G.D. Wighton of the 18th (Dundee) Company attached to St Peter’s Church, Dundee. Not long after this, the 17th at Inchture disbanded and the company number passed elsewhere within Dundee.

“The BB companies based outwith the city and affiliated to Dundee Battalion were required to bear Dundee Battalion numbers.”

“It was nice to see our first young blackbird exploring the garden today,” says reader Ken Morris.