The Invergordon Archive

MacPuff was the mascot of the campaign to oppose the cuts to the Highland Railway proposed by the infamous Beeching report of 1963.

Was it designed by art teacher Donald Shearer? Think there may have been a campaign office on the High Street opposite the Town House.

Correct, it was designed by art teacher Dolan Shearer.

The campaign group was titled The Highland Vigilantes and had their office in the shop within the Rhua Hotel building. Phil Durham was a leading light in the Group.

At the age of 14 I remember this. I used to babysit for Mr. Shearer and his lovely wife. I was terrified at the thought of Invergordon Station getting closed and if my Dad had to go into Raigmore it would takes hours on the Bus. I would be sick going and sick coming back. I was so happy when it stayed open. I remember Macpuff very well indeed.

My father and I did a lot of work in Dolan and Doris house, and as far as I know they did not have a family.

My father was a great friend of Dolan's, he and Dolan used to have the odd lunch together back in the early 1960's his name was Frank G Thomson, ex Managing Director of Invergordon Distillery, Lord Rector of Aberdeen University and Chairman of the Board Ross County FC

HE WAS BETTER KNOWN AS "MACPUFF"
He was the public figure head of the Vigilantes from the Highlands.

I have several original paints from Dolan Shearer's early days.

i have the original Distillery Cartoon drawn by Dolan, inspired by the fun and games it took the builders to build Invergordon Distillery

i live in Australia , my contact number is +61 447 181881

I am delighted to see this wee mascot as I am trying to find information about the Highland Vigilantes. I live in Dalwhinnie and I was told by someone that our station was saved by a well run campaign to stop the closure proposed by Dr Beeching. Can anybody help me please?

I just came across this archive and noticed Frank Thomson's name, he and my mother were cousins. I first met him in 1957 and several times soon after and before he had Invergordon distillery.

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