History

History of Nevin of Edinburgh Limited
(A Division of MacKay Decorators (Perth) Limited)

Founded in 1977 by John Nevin at the age of twenty from his mother’s livingroom in Leith, Edinburgh, John who is now Managing Director of Mackay Decorators (Perth) Ltd soon realised that bigger premises were required and moved to Morningside where further expansion and success required another move to premises at Swanfield in Leith where Nevin of Edinburgh still operate from today.

The company, have in a short time scale won three Painter of the Year awards for the UK region and Scottish Supreme Decorator - awarded by the Scottish Decorators Federation. The company have decorated many of the UK’s finest buildings including Mount Stuart, Kenwood House, Hopetoun House and Amunsidhe Castle.

The specialist division does in-house Pigment Analysis and Stereo Microposy for Cross Section Paint Analysis. John Nevin can also manufacture historical paints on site suitable for National Trust and Historic Scotland’s specific requirements. Nevin of Edinburgh is included on the Conservation Register with Historic Scotland. They have advised the Forensic Laboratory at Lothian and Borders Police Force on paint sample analysis and demonstrated at Hampton Court Palace for the Traditional Paint Forum, they have also worked for the Historic Palace Agency.

John Nevin acquired Mackay Decorators in 1991 in Perth, J C Ness in Perth and J S Duncan in Leith. The merging of all these units to form one company gives us unrivalled experience in all aspects of the decorating industry with a unique skill base that sets us apart from rival companies.

History of MacKay Decorators

Founded by Hugh MacKay, in 1857 at premises in Main Street, Bridgend, Perth, they soon became the largest painting company in Perth and acquired additional premises in the basements of Kinnoull Church halls in 1913.

Since the formation of MacKay Decorators Ltd it has been a private company with only four previous owners - Hugh Mackay, Alexander Ness, John Ness and Alexander Henderson. John Nevin (presently Managing Directors acquired the company in 1991.

Over the years the company have decorated many prestigious buildings throughout the UK – including the Perth Concert Hall, Perth Museum, Perth Horsecross Theatre, Old City Chambers, Perth, Taymouth Castle, The Grange, Ramsgate, Bank of Scotland Headquarters, The Mound, Edinburgh, Saddell Estates, National Trust Headquarters, Edinburgh, The Regal Cinema in Marble Arch and Holborn Restaurant, London.

On the 9th of September 1930 they employed T H Peddie as Art Director. Peddie had two paintings accepted for exhibition by the RSA. His work can still be seen today in the Royal George Hotel, Perth in the shape of hand painted ceiling panels. He married Hugh Mackay’s, daughter Mary Kennedy MacKay. Hugh Mackay died on 28th December 1943.

In the General Minute Book of the Company dated 30th May 1944, Mr A Ness was appointed Chairman.

Many examples of the company’s earlier works can still be seen in places such as the Upper Hall at 3 Tay Street where stencilled gold leaf and hand painted ornament were applied in 1991 and The City Hall where gilding was applied.

The Company still operates from the basement of Kinnoul Church Hall at 1 Riverside, Perth, John Nevin has now made these premises its Head Office employing in the region of 40 painters carrying out works throughout the whole of the UK.