FIFTY years after setting up a family trust with the goal of enhancing the lives of the people of Perth and Kinross, retired whisky director Michael Thomson is passing on the baton to the next generation.
Since the Thomson Charitable Trust was founded in 1975 by Michael and his uncle David, hundreds of individuals and organisations have benefited from grant support, with more than £2 million distributed locally over the last half century.
Michael’s sons Stuart and Andrew, and grandson Simon, are among the trustees continuing the Trust’s community support.
Chairman Stuart paid tribute to the sterling work done by his father at a celebratory lunch held at Murrayshall Hotel, highlighting the array of good causes supported by the Trust.
Michael admitted: “When uncle David and I established the Trust all those years ago not for a minute would we have thought that more than £2 million would be distributed.
“This is a legacy uncle David left for Perth and I suppose it is my legacy as well, having helped build a small local business set-up in 1909 into Scotland’s leading whisky, wine and spirits distributor.”
Peter Thomson (Perth) was best known for its Beneagles blended whisky and as exclusive agents for brands like The Macallan and Beefeater Gin.
“The aim of the Trust was to give something back to the local community, at a time when Perth could be regarded as the whisky capital of the world. It is so pleasing that we have been able to do that,” said Michael.
“While the Trust has supported various organisations with substantial grants, including nearly £600,000 towards projects at St John’s Kirk, and the Perth Festival of the Arts, which my uncle helped found, even modest grants have made a huge difference to many local groups and individuals.
“Now, at the age of 87, the time is right to bow out and I know the Trust is in safe hands going forward.
“It’s reassuring to know that Stuart, Andrew and my daughter Catriona, along with my grandson Simon, are supportive of the Trust and it’s wonderful that another grandson, Finn, has established a successful specialist whisky business.”
When the family business Peter Thomson (Perth) was bought by Sir Reo Stakis, one-time prisoner of war and Lord Provost David set aside 2500 shares, with Michael adding another 500 to establish the Trust.
Upon his death in 1993, in his will David bequeathed the rest of his substantial shareholding to the Trust.
Accounts record the first grant was for £600.
Village halls, arts and sports groups and youth organisations are among the causes boosted by Thomson Charitable Trust grants.
The latest beneficiaries include Perth Autism Support, musical group Chansons and the Perth Amateur Operatic Society.