Long and winding tracks of

It’s 65 years since the removal of a stone camel statue that was a proud symbol of the jute industry. As reports, it left enduring mystery in its

Mystery still surrounds what happened to the stone camel that looked down upon generations of Dundee jute workers.

The ageing camel and its ninefoot high attendant were eventually dismantled 65 years ago to make way for a wider road.

There were completely conflicting accounts of its origin and completely conflicting accounts of what became of the camel and rider after it was taken down from Bowbridge Works.

Dundee had developed into the world centre of the jute trade in the 19th Century.

At that time, manufacturers were obtaining their supplies from London and Liverpool, but in 1840 the first consignment arrived direct from Calcutta when the barque Selma sailed into Dundee harbour with 850 bales as part of her cargo.

India’s jute brought prosperity to the city.

Bowbridge Works was built by Joseph Grimond and his younger brother, Alexander Dick Grimond.

On the completion of their apprenticeship with David Martin & Company, Joseph went to Manchester in 1844 and started business as a merchant and manufacturer of oilcloth and tarpaulins.

Alexander remained in Dundee, acting as the local representative for the Manchester business which was situated in Holt Town Works.

The brothers were determined to set up business on their own account in the city and J & A D Grimond was formed.

Maxwelltown Works was acquired and a few handlooms introduced with half a dozen workers engaged.

Bowbridge Works started in 1857 and the factory began to supplement the Maxwelltown Carpet Factory works in James Street in the 1860s.

Messrs Grimond concentrated on the finer jute products like carpeting and other lines popular in the domestic market.

They devoted considerable attention to the manufacture of these carpets and, gradually, as steam displaced hand-weaving, better classes of goods were produced.

They were among the early pioneers of the jute carpet trade and instituted the manufacture of tapestry and Brussels carpeting, also jute plushes, the richness of colouring and handsome design of which speedily won them a high place in public favour.

There were 600 spindles at Bowbridge Works giving employment to 100 people before it was extended in 1885.

The firm had a camel’s head as its