1841 census - what could this be: "Sp Dealer"?

[PrueM]

Hello all,
Hope you can help me...I've accessed a transcription of the 1841 Scotland census online, and found my g-g-g-grandfather John MILNE living at Tynet in Banffshire.  His occupation has been transcribed as "Sp Dealer". 
Does anyone know what this might mean?  I don't have him on any later census to be able to compare anything.
Any help appreciated 
Prue

[kerryb]

What about Scrap dealer?

Kerry

[PrueM]

Hi Kerry,
I suppose it could be that.  I wish I could have a look at the original  - I hate these online transcriptions, I never know whether to trust them or not.
Thank you for your input, Kerry 
Prue

[ADP]

Sp. Deal(er)  - Spirit Dealer

It is one of the "standard abbreviations" given in the Enumerators' Instructions for the 1841 census and can be found on the census microfilms, which has been transcribed online at http://www.talkingscot.com/censuses/census-1841.htm

ADP

[PrueM]

Great!  Thank you, ADP   
Not  having anyone in scotland who has ever been anything but an Ag Lab or Fisherman, I wasn't aware of any of the standard abbreviations, so thank you 

Thanks also Kerry - as good a guess as any of mine   

Prue

[kerryb]

Well I've learnt something too! I rather fancy a Spirit Dealer in my tree, sounds rather grand!!

Kerry

[PrueM]

I wish the family business had continued Kerry ... hic! 

[Gadget]

Well I've learnt something too! I rather fancy a Spirit Dealer in my tree, sounds rather grand!!

Kerry

I had one too in Castle Douglas. I think they had a few places there Not direct line but a great x N uncle.

Oh dear, alcies on both sides 

It is highly liklely that he left a will Prue. Mine did  and there were some very interesting items. Worth a try.

Gadget

[ADP]

As far as I can make out, Spirit Dealers were not only wholesalers of spirits. Publicans and grocers selling spirits were also sometimes described as Spirit Dealers.

ADP