T P Niven

The firm of TP Niven was founded in 1926 by Thomas Paisley Niven. It was during the General Strike of 1926 that he used his life savings to purchase a petrol lorry and the firm was born.

His first main contract was for the haulage of raw materials used in the manufacture of fertilizer from Palnackie harbour to Biggars Mill in Dalbeattie.

In 1927 the firm won a contract with Dalbeattie district farmers to collect milk from farms and deliver to Dalbeattie Creamery. This led to the purchase of a second vehicle.

Following the creation of the Milk Marketing Board in 1933, which gave farmers a guaranteed price for milk, Tom continued to build the business up specialising in the haulage of milk whilst also diversifying into timber and livestock.

After WW2 sons Jim and John and daughter Doreen became involved in the business. Tom senior died in1948 and the business partnership continued with Jim at the helm and Doreen in charge of administration. John played a significant role in the milk haulage side, whilst Tom junior, who was pursuing a career in farming became more involved in the business.
 

Seen on the M6 at Todhills.
Photo courtesy of and copyrighted to Dave O'Neill.
 

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