Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
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A Highlander on Gateshead High Street

Posted by George on 10/12/2025, 4:15 pm

Hunter's Tobacconist was situated near the very bottom of Gateshead High Street on right hand side. Standing just outside the shop doorway stood a life size wooden image of a Scottish Highlander. I can remember seeing this character during the 1940s. Often wonder what happened to him.

Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street

Posted by Liz Dance on 10/12/2025, 7:27 pm, in reply to "A Highlander on Gateshead High Street"

More to the point George I wonder what the connection was?

Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street

Posted by Sheila on 10/12/2025, 8:39 pm, in reply to "Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street"

Liz, I think there was a tobacco called highlander.

Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street

Posted by Liz Dance on 10/12/2025, 9:47 pm, in reply to "Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street"

I never knew that, thanks Sheila.

Re: A Highlander for Liz

Posted by George on 10/12/2025, 10:52 pm, in reply to "Re: A Highlander on Gateshead High Street"

Looks like Sheila has the answer.
I have this from the web:
Visual Trade Signs: During the 18th and 19th centuries, literacy rates were generally low and many immigrants did not share a common language. Large, carved figures served as an effective visual emblem to indicate that tobacco products were sold inside.
Association with Snuff: Highlanders were often depicted holding a pinch of snuff or a snuff mull (a container for snuff). This was a direct nod to the Scottish invention of a mill that ground tobacco into snuff, and the common stereotype that Highlanders were avid snuff-takers.

Re: A Highlander for George & Sheila

Posted by Liz Dance on 11/12/2025, 2:35 pm, in reply to "Re: A Highlander for Liz"

Thank you George and Sheila, amazing what information you discover so fast on this site

Re: A Highlander for George & Sheila

Posted by Norman Dunn on 12/12/2025, 9:04 pm, in reply to "Re: A Highlander for George & Sheila"

Loads of Pitmen used Snuff underground because they couldn't take cigarettes down there.

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