Joseph Mitchell

Who was Joseph Mitchell?

Joseph Mitchell FRSE FGS MWS was a Scottish civil engineer. He was born in Forres, although the family moved to Inverness in 1810 where 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.