James was born at Westshore,Burray. He served on the minesweeper Agnes Nutten during the Great War and married Margaret Bruce from the neighbouring island. James and his wife and son went to Edinburgh in 1920 when he passed the exam to join the Leith Police. He rose to become Sergeant, but was invalided out after 18 years. At this point, he started a business with capital from his wife Margaret, which is why the company was called Bruce-Laird Ltd. The business became very successful and was later run by his son, Andrew until he retired. James never retired but went to the business everyday he was in Edinburgh. As eldest son James inherited the family home Eastview on Burray, though other family members, including his brother John and his sister Sarah continued to live there. In early days, the family returned to Orkney regularly during the summer. They say that there was great excitement, getting the house ready for their visit. Later, James travelled back almost every year from Edinburgh to visit. He sometimes arrived unannounced, with not even his wife knowing where he had gone. He was visiting them when he passed away at Eastview, which is why he is buried in Burray.
James was born at Westshore,Burray. He served on the minesweeper Agnes Nutten during the Great War and married Margaret Bruce from the neighbouring island. James and his wife and son went to Edinburgh in 1920 when he passed the exam to join the Leith Police. He rose to become Sergeant, but was invalided out after 18 years. At this point, he started a business with capital from his wife Margaret, which is why the company was called Bruce-Laird Ltd. The business became very successful and was later run by his son, Andrew until he retired. James never retired but went to the business everyday he was in Edinburgh. As eldest son James inherited the family home Eastview on Burray, though other family members, including his brother John and his sister Sarah continued to live there. In early days, the family returned to Orkney regularly during the summer. They say that there was great excitement, getting the house ready for their visit. Later, James travelled back almost every year from Edinburgh to visit. He sometimes arrived unannounced, with not even his wife knowing where he had gone. He was visiting them when he passed away at Eastview, which is why he is buried in Burray.
Inscription
Erected by ANDREW & ROBINA LAIRD in loving memory of their daughter WILLIAMINA LAIRD...aged 11 years. Also the above ANDREW LAIRD...aged 74 years. Also the above ROBINA JOHNSTON or LAIRD...aged 74 years. Also their son JAMES WILLIAM LAIRD... aged 81 years. And his son ANDREW SWANSON BRUCE LAIRD... aged 76 years. [Book at foot of Headstone] In loving memory of Grandfather and Father. NEIL and ALISON MCMLXXV.
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