Thomas Johnston (i)

Despite not having much financial opportunity for further education, Thomas was determined to pursue a career in law. He worked for a short period with The Shetland Times, and at age 18 he was a law apprentice with Alexander Bain, the sole partner of Sievwright & Macgregor. He completed his five year apprenticeship and moved to Edinburgh to work for Mack and Grant W.S., before returning home to work with John Bruce, as a factor.

Alongside his job in Sumburgh, he was the Clerk to the School Board of Dunrossness and to the Parish Council. After his wife, a teacher, was placed in a school in Belhelvie, the family moved to Aberdeenshire, where he joined the clerical staff of John Duthie Sons & Coy Ltd, shipbuilders based in Footdee. Some five years later, the family moved back to Shetland after his with Jessie took on a teaching job in Trondra. He stayed with the shipbuilders until 1925. Thomas succeeded Alexander C. Hay as Chamberlain for the Marquis of Zetland and also as factor for the Hayfield estate. He held both offices until his death. In Shetland, he eventually had his own firm, Thomas Johnston & Company, in partnership with FG Heddell. Eventually, this firm was amalgamated with J Small B.L. to form J. Small, Johnston & Cowie. In 1936, he withdrew from the partnership and began his own firm again.