Joseph Mitchell

ID: AB_INVTOWNHOUSE07_21 DESCRIPTION: This marble bust of Joseph Mitchell, by Alexander Munro, is on display in the Main Hall of Inverness Town House. The inscription reads 'Joseph Mitchell C.E of Viewhill. Presented by his son Very Reverend Dr Mitford Mitchell. 26 November 1883.' Joseph Mitchell was born in Forres in 1803. The family moved to Inverness in 1810 and Mitchell attended Inverness Royal Academy. He continued his studies in Aberdeen. In 1820 he went to work on the construction of the Caledonian Canal where he came to the attention of Thomas Telford, becoming his assistant. From 1824 until his retirement in 1867 Mitchell held the post of Inspector of Highland Roads and Bridges. He also acted as engineer for the Scottish Fisheries Board. He carried out surveys for the railways and was involved in the construction of much of the rail network in the Highlands including the Perth to Inverness line. Mitchell was the author of several books including 'Reminiscences of my Life in the Highlands'. He died at his London home on 26 November 1883. In recent years Mitchell's home in Inverness, Viewhill House, at the top of Castle Street, was used as a youth hostel. In October 2007, after lying empty for some time, it was severely damaged by fire. PLACENAME: Inverness CREATOR (AV): Alexander Munro DATE OF IMAGE: 1883 PERIOD: 1880s SOURCE: Am Baile COLLECTION: Inverness Town House 2007 Asset ID: 396 KEYWORDS:

• Inverness Town House
• busts
• Alexander Munro
• engineers
• Inverness Royal Academy
• Caledonian Canal
• Thomas Telford
• Highland Roads and Bridges
• Scottish Fisheries Board
• Highland Railways
• Viewhill