At the same time as establishing the quoiting green in the Inns back garden, Struthers went about restoring the Auchentibber Inn. This must have happened between 1900 and 1908 at the time of this photo. Zooming in, there are multiple signs of his renovation work. New chimneys added to the gables, whereas there were no previously. Certainly an indication of new heating inside. The pristine concrete skews not the gables, complete with anti-climb security ironwork. The plaster around the chimneys looking brand new, as does the pointing work. The immaculate slates. The pristine and excellent main sign board above the doorway, all showing off the renovation and being a building fit for the 20th Century. The sign is noted as “Auchintibber”, an older spelling of the name, and one less commonly used today. Modern street signs refer to the area as “Auchentibber” as do recent maps. Amazing clarity to the photos. I could have zoomed in even further on them!
Struthers was a successful innkeeper and is certainly the Inn’s most famous proprietor. This is no disservice to Miss Flora McIntyre, the previous owner, for having researched her life in detail, she was certainly an accomplished businesswoman. Struthers landlord/barman was Bob Souter. Struthers passed away in January 1938.