 Not only did he own some of Glasgow's most famous pubs, but successful hotels, nightclubs and off-sales too.A former president of both the Strathclyde and Scottish Licensed Trade Associations, John was also very active in trade politics.He was a past director of The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society, a member of The Incorporation of Maltmen in Glasgow, a past chair of Strathclyde Youth and formerly a member of the Children's Panel in Glasgow.