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THE BRAND STORY
The Story of Margaret and George
Early Years and Family Life
Margaret Hamilton and George Morris formed their union on New Year’s Eve in 1909, beginning their married life in the company of Maggie’s widowed father. This arrangement was common for working-class families in early twentieth-century Scotland, where space was limited and households often crowded.
By the onset of World War I in 1914, Maggie and Geordie had welcomed three children: John, born in 1911; Elizabeth, born in 1912; and Thomas, born just before war broke out.
George’s Service and Sacrifice
Although George’s role as a miner technically exempted him from military service, he chose to enlist and serve his country. He spent three years on the front lines and, on 31 July 1917, participated in the first day of the Battle of Pilkem Ridge at Ypres. Sadly, George never returned; his body was not recovered, and his final resting place remains among the Flanders Fields.
Maggie’s Resilience
Widowed with three young children and limited resources, Maggie faced great adversity. She remarried and had four more children, enduring the heartbreak of losing one in infancy. Life’s challenges continued when her second husband died young, leaving her once again to support her family on her own. Despite these hardships, Maggie eventually found companionship in a third marriage and lived into old age, exemplifying dignity, perseverance, and resilience throughout her life.
George, far right, with members of his regiment.
An elderly Margaret, second right, at a family wedding.
The Branding
The brand’s industrial aesthetic pays tribute to Scotland’s coal mining legacy. The stamp logo and turn-of-the-century fonts recall that era. Candles are wrapped in brown paper, emulating the straightforward and utilitarian packaging methods of the past. The product photography is intentionally plain and unembellished, designed to foster transparency and authenticity—showing simply the item itself.
Why Gaelic?
Gaelic, Scotland’s native language, forms an essential part of its cultural heritage. Just as the nation’s industrial history stands at risk of fading, so too does the language. By featuring Gaelic on the labels, the brand encourages curiosity and engagement, prompting customers to pause, ask about pronunciation, and perhaps take a small step toward preserving this vital element of Scotland’s identity.
