Charles Gilbert Duncan Sandison (i)
| Born | 29 December 1856, Cullivoe |
|---|---|
| Died | 10 November 1931, Baltasound, Unst |
| Elections | 14 (13 won) |
| Bayanne | Genealogy page |
Charles Gilbert Duncan Sandison son of Alexander Sandison was a County Councillor for Unst North for 36 years, first representing between 1892 and 1910, then again from 1911 until 1929. His long tenure as a Councillor earned him the title of 'Grandfather of the Council'. His son, Charles was also a councillor, first elected for Unst North in 1929. Charles unsuccessfully stood in the inaugural Zetland County Council election in 1890.
Biography
Hailing from Yell, Charles' family relocated to Uyeasound where Charles was educated. After leaving school, he moved to Lerwick and worked under George R. Tait in his drapery business for a few years. He eventually returned to Unst and, in 1873, became a partner in his father's business, which then became Alexander Sandison & Sons in 1895 in Baltasound. The business's primary trade was in fishcuring, stockbreeding, farming in general merchandise, but expanded to include engineering, baking and hosiery.
Charles' main focus early on in the business was in the buying, selling and curing of fish. As the white fish industry began to fail, Charles's focus was shifted to herring. He managed a herring station, cooperate and the fleet of boats owned by the firm. Later, he helped to develop the knitwear arm of the business and was responsible for adding a bakery to the business.
