A COMMEMORATION of one of Alloa’s most famous sons took place in the town over the weekend.

Crowds attended the memorial service to mark the 200th anniversary of John Jameson, an Alloa-born lawyer who went on to found the famous self-titled whiskey brand in Ireland.

Jameson has been the subject of considerable focus in Clackmannanshire recently, as his life in Alloa has been brought to light through books and talks from his grandson Brian Jameson.

Held at the St John’s Episcopal Church on Broad Street, a sizeable crowd turned up to pay their respects to the whiskey maker, with Provost Donald Balsillie opening the service with a speech before passing onto John Lamond, who provided a short history of whisky in the Wee County.

Brian then detailed his grandfather’s life in Alloa before carol singing was led by the Sauchie Choir.

The service moved outside and was led to Greenside Cemetery by Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band, where a prayer was held and a wreath was laid at Jameson’s grave.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Provost Balsillie said it was an honour to be involved in such a special occasion.

He said: “On Saturday, December 2, 2023, exactly 200 years after his recorded death in Alloa 1823, I was delighted to welcome family members from the Jameson, Haig and Stein family as well as representatives of the community to celebrate the life of John Jameson, born in Alloa on October 5, 1740.

“John was the sheriff-clerk of Clackmannan for 59 years and maintained this position until his death.

“He achieved much for Alloa being Baillie of the Harbour of Alloa as well as being more famously the founder of Jamesons Whiskey Company of Ireland.

“The heavy snow fall on Saturday morning added a special atmosphere to the occasion and St John’s Church and Greenside Cemetery were carpeted in snow. It was a beautiful venue for the event.

“Bell ringers wrung a quarter eight bell peel to welcome visitors, later the Sauchie Community Choir sung carols and the Alloa Bowmar Pipe Band provided a guard of honour lament at the graveside whilst a wreath was laid.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in particular our speakers John Lamond, Rev Stuart Gray and Brian Jameson.

“Brian, a relative of John Jameson, provided new information and insights into John’s Alloa life. These are available in a recently published book, JJ for sale in the Alloa Hub.

“Modest hospitality was provided by Clackmannanshire Whisky Festival, Tesco and St John’s Church. Donations were made to The Gate food bank and Love in a Box.”