"The Soldiers of Knock Hill"

During the Second World War, Knockdhu Distillery ceased production due to restrictions on the supply of barley. However, like a number of other distilleries at this time, the buildings took on a new role as a military barracks, with some rather exotic visitors in the shape of an Indian Army unit being stationed there from 1940 to 1945. A slaughterhouse was built on site to feed the troops, while stables were also constructed to house their horses. Skilled riders, the soldiers provided a colourful attraction for local people when they trained on the slopes of Knock Hill. Among those who watched these stirring displays was one of our very own anCnoc ambassadors, Albert Christie, who recalls: "On Sundays the soldiers gave demonstrations on Knock Hill and locals came to watch the tricks with horses."

"It's a Horses' Life!"

Until the late 1960s and the closure of the branch line, the distillery received most of its supplies, including coal, by rail. The coal would be tipped off in the siding behind the still, and from there it was transported by horse and cart to the distillery's storage bunkers. The distillery manager of the time, however, was something of an animal lover and former employees recall how on rainy days the horse would remain tucked up in its stable while staff would be forced to cart the coal to the distillery by wheelbarrow. When, in 1960, a tractor was brought in to replace the horse and cart, some regarded the move as a sad end to an established tradition. It's unlikely, however, that the workers who had hauled the coal-laden wheelbarrows were as sorry to see the pampered horse put out to pasture!