There’s no lack of fast flowing rivers in Moray and by the 16th century, watermills were the largest source of motive power. Watermills were established across the country as early as the 12th Century to drive the wheels of industry including sawmilling, grain milling, producing cloth and even grinding ingredients for gunpowder and providing the power for huge bellows to keep furnaces roaring.
The River Lossie, which meanders some 31 miles from source to sea, was dotted with mills of various kinds, mainly for grain milling. Mills were considered an important element in the community as a source of livelihood and food production. Wealthy landowners ensured that their tenant farmers and local residents used their mills which in turn generated income for the estate. No-one was allowed to grind their own grain and had to pay a hefty fee for the privilege. This was the norm right up until the early 1800s.
We have constant reminders of Elgin’s industrial past in these very early milling ventures … Kingsmill, Bishopsmill, Deanshaugh, Lossiebank mill, Newmill … all dependent on the driving force of the river. Lint, snuff, corn, barley and timber were all milled along a short stretch of water. But like so many, not all could survive the changes in fortune brought about by the introduction of steam power and the new era of industrial revolution. One local milling business at Newmill learned how to adapt to change.
The founder, Alexander Johnston, was something of an entrepreneur, dabbling in quite a few business interests before settling on weaving linen from flax imports, phasing this out to weave woollen cloth. Having several irons in the fire certainly made for a diverse business portfolio – from running a meal mill, selling herring and trying his hand in the tobacco and snuff trade, it was his shares in shipping which would open up exciting markets for this new textile business.
His drive to succeed when he started operations in 1797 was inherited by generations that followed and has brought the business national and eventually international status in the industry. By constantly investing in the most efficient machinery and investigating the popular world of fashion and design, they began producing a range of bold new products which caught the imagination of customers across the world.
From the inception of fine estate tweeds, basic cloth to make military uniforms to stylish cashmere rugs, Johnstons of Elgin on the banks of the River Lossie can take a proud stance in our rich industrial history.
Today’s local industrial scene no longer depends on waterpower to keep the wheels of enterprise turning. Just along the river from Johnstons, a variety of business ventures have been putting down roots over the last few decades. Our local industrial estates reflect a buzz of activity which is reassuring for the continued economic growth of Moray. From the restoration and refurbishment of historic buildings within the town, Gairland has expanded its local rental portfolio to include a prime collection of light industrial units at Chanonry Court, providing affordable storage and work spaces. Although a different venture for Gairland, our ethos remains the same … to provide quality spaces for people to work, live and thrive.
Thanks to our friends at Johnstons for sharing some of their archival photographs with us. You can discover more about this distinctive family business by visiting www.johnstonsofelgin.com
