Alexander (Sandy) Blaikie was born at Dull near Aberfeldy in 1876. The 1891 Census records that, aged 14, he was working as a Telegraph Messenger. By the 1901 Census he was employed as a Rural Postman in the Aberfeldy area.

In 1909 Sandy married Agnes Williamson, whose father John Williamson had a Blacksmith's business at 36/37 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie.

Sandy Blaikie had been a keen cyclist since the days of the Boneshaker, and when, in 1928, he had to retire due to ill health from his work as a Postman, he started a business at 37 Wellmeadow as a Cycle Agent and started his collection of early bicycles.

His collection, which included a Boneshaker and a Penny Farthing, became well known and cycling enthusiasts would come to Blairgowrie to visit his small museum.

This photo shows Sandy Blaikie outside his shop in the Wellmeadow

 

Sandy Blaikie died at 39 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie, in 1956 aged 80.

For more info:

https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/science-and-technology/bicycles-at-national-museums-scotland/