Sir John Auld Mactaggart (1867-1956), house builder and co-founder of the building firm Mactaggart & Mickel.
Born in Glasgow, Mactaggart served an apprenticeship in the construction industry before setting up in business on his own in 1897. He became known as a reliable builder of good quality sandstone tenements, mainly in Hyndland, Broomhill, Alexandra Park and Shawlands. He was an acknowledged expert in housing, often lecturing on the subject and giving evidence to government committees.
In the years following the First World War, Mactaggart successfully linked up with local authorities to build council houses. In partnership with Andrew Mickel & Co, he won the contract for 1,502 houses in Mosspark, the first major Glasgow Corporation housing scheme. The combined firm of Mactaggart & Mickel was established in 1925. Mactaggart was also chairman of the Western Heritable Investment Co. He was created a baronet in 1938.
The Mactaggart family severed its connection with Mactaggart & Mickel in 1943. The company continues to trade as "builders of fine homes" in the 21st century.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 052 BAI
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
Andrew Mickel & Co, construction companies, contractors, council houses, Glasgow Corporation, house builders, housing estates, housing schemes, Mactaggart & Mickel, tenements, Western Heritable Investment Co