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High Street, 1955
High Street, 1955

R S McColl

Mitchell Library, The Bailie

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R S McColl

R S McColl (1876-1958), footballer and confectioner.

McColl is regarded as one of Scotland's greatest footballers. Born in Glasgow, he joined Queen's Park at 17 years of age and later played for Newcastle United and Rangers before rejoining Queen's Park. He won fifteen caps for Scotland at centre forward, the highlight being a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over England in 1900. In 1910 he scored a record six goals for Queen's Park in a league match against Port Glasgow Athletic.

In 1901 the R S McColl name appeared above a sweet shop which he opened with his brother Tom in Albert Drive. The business expanded quickly and in 1916 they opened a factory in North Woodside Road to supply thirty branches with confectionery. A limited company was formed in 1925 and in 1933 the brothers sold a controlling interest to the Cadbury group, staying on as salaried employees. Branches were opened in England, and the shops diversified into selling ice cream, cigarettes and newspapers. By 1935, the firm employed over 800 people in 180 branches. The brothers retired in 1946, although the business continues today.

Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 052 BAI

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning

Keywords:
Cadbury, cigarettes, confectioners, footballers, Glasgow Rangers FC, ice cream, newsagents, Queen's Park FC, R S McColl, shops, sweets, tobacconists



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