In 1793 he went into business as a muslin manufacturer, and in 1800 became a partner with his brother John as a wholesale mahogany dealer.

His shop was at 93 Stockwell Street, east of St Enoch Square and his house was at Kingston Place.

[2] During the last years of his life Reid resided at Strahoun Lodge on the island of Cumbrae, where he died on 7 June 1865.

[2] Under the pseudonym "Senex", Reid contributed for many years articles on local memorabilia to the Glasgow Herald.

[3] Reid married, in 1809, a daughter of Robert Ewing, a merchant of London, and they had three sons.