Warehouse No 40 Bonded Warehouse, Seagate, Dundee - Ref: WC4220
Photograph from Andrew Wilson collection. Photograph shows the south side of the Seagate with a horse coming out of an entrance. There is a bus stop on the opposite side of the road
There was a most destructive fire on 19/20 July 1908. The fire raged for more than 12 hours fanned by a strong constantly changing wind. It originated in the bonded store of J Watson& Co Ltd. This bond held approx 1 million gallons of spirits.
The fire was so great that approximately 7 business were either totally destroyed or suffered severe damage at an estimated cost of £400,000.00. A river of burning whisky ran down Trades Lane. This was described as a wondrous sight of purple, blue and red.
Alexander Wilson who took this photograph, was a supervisor in a Dundee jute mill for over 20 years. He bequeathed much of his collection and £50, to cover the costs involved, to the Free Library Committee of Dundee in 1923.