Arthur Kinmond Bell
| Arthur K. Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 October 1868 Craigie, Perth |
| Died | 26 April 1942 (aged 73) Campsie Hill, Perth |
| Residence | Kincarrathie House, Perth |
| Other names | AK Bell |
| Occupation | Distiller |
| Years active | 1895–1942 |
| Known for | Former owner of Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd, and founder of the Gannochy Trust. |
| Spouse(s) | Cammilla Bruce (married 1899–1942) |
| Parent(s) | Arthur Bell |
Arthur Kinmond Bell, also known as AK Bell, (1868–1942) was a noted Scottish distiller, working as a partner of Arthur Bell & Sons Ltd, and as a philanthropist, founding the Gannochy Trust to help support the people of his home city.
Throughout his life he resided in Perth, born on 4 October 1868 at Moncreife Terrace, Craigie, Perth. Educated first at Perth Academy he later moved to Edinburgh continuing his studies at Craigmount School.
In 1899 AK Bell married Miss Cammilla Bruce. The ceremony was conducted in her native city of Edinburgh, but with both in their late 30s at the time of the marriage, a life without children seemed probable. It has been speculated that this contributed to his desire to make a lasting mark, leading to his philanthropy.
AK Bell joined the family business as a partner in 1895, following in the path of his father and grandfather. AK quickly made his mark, and along with his brother, Robert, succeeded in doubling the company's profits before his fathers death in 1900. At this time AK, as the eldest son, became managing director, and continued to expand the business despite the setbacks of the Great Depression and Prohibition in the United States, becoming governor director in 1921 when the company became a limited company. This expansion was achieved in large part through the use of advertising and agents, many of whom were members of his extended family living throughout the empire, and included the friendly takeover of three distilleries between 1933–1936. By the time of AK's death, Bell's profit were in excess of £100,000 per annum.
Later in his life, AK saved the Perth linen industry by financially backing the one remaining company, John Shields and Co. intervening at the request of the Lord Provost Robert Nimmo. The apparent and imminent closure of this company came as a shock to the local Council, and the loss of 300 jobs would have been a sore blow to the city, a fact remembered on the occasion of AK Bell receiving the freedom of Perth, when the workers of the company presented him with a parchment tribute as a thanks for his part in turning the company into a successful and growing enterprise. Following his purchase of the company, AK reconstructed the firm and re-equipped it for artificial fibre production, helping to secure the business into the future.
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