William Whitelaw & Son Round Copper

William Whitelaw & Son copper tray dating from the 1880s.

Foundation of the Fisherrow Brewery

The Fisherrow Brewery was founded in Fisherrow, Musselburgh by David Vernor in 1740.
David Whitelaw purchased the lease in 1820 and later control passed to David's son, William, who traded as William Whitelaw's Fisherrow Brewery.
The Company's Coat of Arms trade mark, which included three mussels and three anchors, was introduced in 1865.
When William died in 1868, his wife Katherine, carried on the business under the same name until their son, David, took control and traded as William Whitelaw and Son from 1871.

Sykes Purchase of the Fisherrow Brewery

In 1911 the Fisherrow Brewery was purchased by William, Alexander, and John Nicolas Morrison Sykes who were partners of Sykes & Co., the Company's Glasgow agents.
David Whitelaw remained a partner of the business which continued to trade as William Whitelaw & Son.

William Whitelaw & Sons Ltd Registration

In 1929 the Company was registered to acquire the businesses of Sykes & Co. and William Whitelaw & Son, becoming William Whitelaw & Son Ltd, with John Nicolas Morrison Sykes as the sole owner of the business.
Among the beers produced by the firm were Brown Stout, Mild Ale and Pale Ale.
The Fisherrow Brewery was closed in 1941 and the brewery buildings were redeveloped after the Second World War.