Rodger McAslan

Rodger McAslan was born in 1931. He worked in the family paint business, Smith and Rodger Ltd. which was created by his grandfather on his mother’s side in 1877. Ownership of the company has always stayed in the family with it being run by Rodger for many years, and now his son.

Rodger and his family owned several boats which they used to go racing in the Clyde. He competed in world sailing championships, going as far as Norway and Sweden to compete. He did well in these competitions, despite being at a disadvantage as the wealthier boat owners he was against were able to do constant competitions while Rodger was only able to attend one or two a year.

Just after the end of the Second World War, he began his national service, serving around the world including a year in Hong Kong. He served for 15 years, ending as a Major in the Territorial Army.

After leaving the army, he married his beloved wife, Pam. Shortly after this they opened up their own antique shop, becoming the first amateur antiques dealer in Glasgow. The antiques trade was built up by a show called Going for a Song. The shop was closed in the 1980’s giving more time to spend on Smith and Rodger’s.

In 2001, Rodger and Pam decided they wanted to be closer to their eldest daughter, a teacher in St Andrews. They were already planning on retiring so immediately started looking at houses in Cellardyke. When they came to look at their house, they walked up the stairs and instantly knew it was the one, due to the beautiful view out the window. Rodger has been a stalwart of the Scottish Fisheries Museum Boats club. His sailing experience being invaluable aboard the Reaper. He also researched the history of the vessel and wrote the Reaper book for the museum.

                Photo by Adryan  Firnhaber, Research by Sophie Palmer