John Inglis left school at the age of 14 years and entered Glasgow University where, although his objective was engineering science, he studied the Arts. On completion of his academic studies he then was apprenticed as an engineer in the shipyard of his father and uncle, just like any other candidate for an engineering profession.
He gained high distinctions in Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Engineering Science. To prepare himself for the foreseeable managing role he moved from department to department, from machine shop to drawing office, from moulding loft to building yard, and gained experience in all aspects of the business. In 1884 after the death of his father he took over the management of the family owned shipyard A. Inglis.
He was skilled and very keen yachtsman and applied his knowledge to the company"s yacht design.
The yachts designed and built by A. Inglis were leading the field Glasgow University gave him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, and the Institution of Engineers & Shipbuilders in Scotland elected him as their President in 1893.
In 1900 the Institute of Marine Engineers conferred upon him the same honour. He was also selected of Lord Goschen’s Naval Boilers Committee and was a Director of the North British Railway Company along with several other honorable appointments.
