Basic Biographical Details

Name: Peter MacBey
Designation:  
Born: 1821
Died: 18 March 1877
Bio Notes: Peter MacBey was born in Keith in 1821, the son of John MacBey and Marjory MacDonald. At school MacBey showed a talent for writing drawing and mathematics. He trained with the valuator and surveyor George McWilliam. McWilliam won the contract for taking the levels for the Banffshire railway (from Buckie to Tomintoul via Keith and Dufftown) and MacBey was in charge of part of the route.

He began business on his won account in Elgin as a surveyor and land evaluator rather than an architect. He combined this with the tenancy of Woodside Farm where he was regarded as an iimproving tenant. After the retirement of George McWilliam and the death of Alexander Brown Murdoch, much of their work passed to him. He was the superintendent in charge of the designs for the drainage of Loch Spynie (which involved fact-finding trips to Morecombe Bay, the Lincolnshire Fens and the Roiver Thames in London. He was also responsible for the water systems in Buckie, Rothes and Kingussie and assisted in the design of the waterworks in Elgin. He also drew up various maps and plans - including that of Bishopmill on the Seafield Estates north of Elgin in 1865. He acted as arbitrater in disputes and was frequently called upon by the Court of Session.

In the mid-1870s he obtained some very large contracts including work relating to the Dochfour Estate, the valuation of a property in Buckinghamshire and a survey of the extensive estates of the Earl of Fife.

He moved to Elgin after the destruction of Woodside by fire. Initially he worked from an address in North Street. In 1871 he purchased Darliston Cottage which he renovated.

Peter MacBey married Jessie Janet Christie, niece of Elgin architect William Munro, and they had thirteen children. Peter died in Elgin on 18 March 1877.

It appears that the practice was continued by George Gordon, who may have been made a partner before MacBey's death, under the title of MacBey & Gordon, until c.1888 when it became Gordon & MacBey. This change presumably reflected the taking into partnership of one of MacBey's sons, probably William Monro MacBey. Gordon may also have been a relative, as Peter MacBey's mother's family was related to a family of that name.

Private and Business Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 3Elgin, Morayshire, ScotlandBusiness   
Item 2 of 3North Street, Elgin, Morayshire, ScotlandBusinessc. 1870  
Item 3 of 3Darliston Cottage, Elgin, Morayshire, ScotlandPrivate1871  

Employment and Training

Employers

The following individuals or organisations employed or trained this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 2George McWilliam1838 Apprentice 
Item 2 of 2MacBey & GordonAfter 1874(?)1877(?)Partner 

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 11874Portree HousePortreeSkyeInverness-shireScotlandRepairs

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Scotlands People Website Wills & Testaments  Elgin Sheriff Court Inventories SC26/39/13 and Elgin Sheriff Court Wills SC26/39/12

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Scottish Local History201591 Spring-Summer issue

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 1Professor David M Walker personal archiveProfessor David M Walker, notes and collection of archive material Information from Madge Skinner, great granddaughter of Peter MacBey.