1872

Meet my grand grand ... parents

George Campbell opened his first shop on the south side of Edinburgh

In 1872 a young man by the name of George Campbell, aged 33, opened his door's for business. His ambition was to create a reputation for providing the finest fresh fish, shellfish and smoked fish in Scotland. Four generations of Campbells have followed the same ideals. Today you’ve only to ask anywhere in Scotland to find that George Campbell’s ambition has been more than realised.

1874

Winston Churchill was born

1878

Alexander Graham Bell demonstrates the telephone to the Queen

1879

The Tay Bridge Disaster

1885

Tom Campbell 1885-1964

Tom Campbell is born.

1890

Forth Bridge Opens

1895

HP Sauce first regisitered

1896

Newhaven Fish Market in Edinburgh Opened

1897

Queen victoria celebrates her Diamond Jubilee

1901

Delivering fish in the streets of Edinburgh

Move to the West End of Edinburgh

George Campbell & Sons moved to the West End of Edinburgh, retailing in fish, game and poultry

1901

Queen Victoria dies, Edward V11 becomes King

1902

Marmite first produced in Burton Upon Trent

1903

Typhoo Tips Tea first marketed

1908

Bisto Gravy powder is first marketed

1909

First Woolworth's store opens in Liverpool

1910

Edward V11 dies, George V succeeds to the throne

1914

World War 1 begins

1915

Alastair Campbell, grandson of George Campbell

Alastair Campbell (grandson of founder) is born

1918

Word War 1 ends.

1922

Production of Branston Pickle by Crosse & Blackwell begins at Branston

1923

George Campbell

George Campbell dies

His son Tom (aged 38) took over the reins of the business.

1924

Gleneagles Hotel Opens in Perthshire, Scotland

1925

Thomas Campbell 1925 - 2010

Thomas Campbell (grandson of founder) was born in Edinburgh

1926

The introduction of Michelin Stars

1928

Heinz Baked Bean manufactured in the UK for the first time

1933

FIrst modern "sighting" of the Loch Ness Monster

1937

First issue of Dandy comic

1939

Petrol rationing

1939

World War 2 begins

1940

Food Rationing began

1945

World War 2 ends

1947

NATO was established

1950

Tom Campbell in Stafford in 1964

Fish was in high demand during the rationing

Although rationing did not come to a complete end until 1954, Fish was still readily available.

1952

Queen Elizabeth II's reign begins

1953

The discovery of DNA Structure

1954

Food Rationing Ended

1958

Iain looking after Fish Counter

Iain Campbell (great-grandson of founder) was born

1961

The first man in Space.

1962

Painting of the Edinburgh Shop on Stafford Street

Painting of Stafford Street

1964

Tom Campbell 1885-1964

Tom Campbell dies

Tom Campbell died, his son Alastair, 3rd Generation, aged 49 took over.

1967

Mr Kipling was founded

1977

Iain Campbell standing in the window display

Iain George Campbell, (current Managing Director) joins the business

The emphasis moves from retail to supplying hotels and restaurants.

1977

Yorkshire Tea was founded

1979

Highland Spring was founded

1982

Delivery Van for George Campbell and sons in the 1970's

Stafford Street Deliveries

In the early 70's, fish deliveries became popular, departing from the George Campbell & Sons shop located on Stafford Street in Edinburgh.

1983

Supplier Showcase - George Campbell and sons

Supplier showcase in the Ballroom in Caledonia hotel - Edinburgh

Promoting the business and the supply to hotels and restaurants around Scotland.

1983

Stafford Street shop with Iain and Team 1983

Stafford Street - Iain

Iain Campbell proudly stands with the dedicated team of George Campbell & Sons in the Edinburgh shop.

1983

Alastair Campbell, grandson of George Campbell

Alastair Campbell died

1984

George Campbell and Sons event in 1970 with Iain Campbell.

Roxburgh Hotel Event

Left to right: Robert Thompson, Iain Campbell, Bill Marshall (Chef), Tom Campbell (Father). Robert Thompson worked as a manager for George Campbell & Sons for 45 years.

1988

Processing Plant, George Campbell and sons, Granton in Edinburgh 1988

New production facility in Edinburgh

George Campbell & Sons built a production facility in Edinburgh for smoking and filleting for the food service sector supplying nationally and internationally.

1989

Granton Delivery Vans

Delivery Vans from Granton

Upgraded vans in order to meet the demands in production and deliveries from George Campbell & Sons processing factory in Granton.

1989

Award Certificate from 1989

Award Winning

Sea fish Industry Authority grant the 1989 quality award to George Campbell & Sons.

1990

Processing Export in 1990

Exporting internationally

Exporting salmon to America, Hong Kong, Monaco and Italy began.

1992

Industry Award Win for George Campbell and sons in 1992

George Campbell & Sons win an Industry Award

A second triumph in being awarded for quality by the Sea Fish Industry Authority in 1992.

1995

Factory Processing close up 1990

Fish preparation continues

Delicate preparations continue to maintain the reputation of George Campbell & Sons.

1998

Factory Process 1990's

Factory processing grows bigger

The factory processing team grows as the demand for supplies continues to rise.

2004

Ronnie Wilson

Ronnie Wilson at Ferry Road in Edinburgh

This year, Ronnie Wilson celebrates 36 Years with George Campbell & Sons

2005

Scott Street Shop in Perth 1984

Relocate to Perth

George Campbell & Sons relocate to Perth, a central position for Scotland, (as 90% of the population of Scotland can get to Perth in 90 minutes).

2007

Liz Taylor - employee at deli counter 1985

Liz Taylor Starts working in the Deli

Liz Taylor became a staple part in the daily running of the Perth shop.

2010

Thomas Campbell 1925 - 2010

Thomas Campbell dies.

2013

Demonstration and food tasting at George Campbell and sons

The George Campbell & Sons story is heading back to the beginning

The George Campbell & Sons story is heading back to the beginning, extending the shop in order to expand our retail offering. Development for a demonstration & production kitchen suitable for filleting, slicing experiences & visits for new chefs.

2014

Ryder Cup behind the scenes

The Ryder Cup - Gleneagles

Its all hands on deck for George Campbell & Sons. Iain Campbell & Gordon Paterson portioning & slicing​ for the The Ryder Cup 2014 caterers.

2016

Fish monger and chef at the great picnic

The Great Picnic Event in Perth City

Mitch Reid smiles and demonstrates the process of preparing the fish at The Great Picnic event in Perthshire.

2017

Queensferry Crossing Opens

2022

Iain Campbell in the Perth Retail shop at the 150 years Anniversary

Celebrating 150 years in business

This year marks the incredible milestone of 150 years in business for George Campbell & Sons, that is still today operated by Iain and Rachael Campbell. A successful family business.