The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Closure of the last linen mill
Scotland’s last surviving linen mill has closed, ending almost 200 years of production at its factory in Kirkcaldy.
Peter Greig & Co, which trades as Scottish Linen, despatched the last of its remaining orders yesterday as a clear-out of its premises on St Clair Street in the Lang Toun continues.
With the last of the firm’s production completed earlier this week, much of the company’s 30 looms and other machinery has been removed from the mill, which has operated at the site since 1825.
The family-owned firm, which at its peak operated 15 mills in Kirkcaldy alone, employed around 20 people. A small number will stay on next week as the final clearance of the mill is completed.
A statement announcing the closure said: “We have some very sad news to share.
“We are going to be shutting our doors next week, so we are having an everything must go sale.
“Thank you for all of your support over the years, it’s been wonderful seeing our fabric brighten up so many homes.”
One worker at the nearempty premises said the closure had been brought on by the impact of the pandemic and continuing economic uncertainties.
He added that the decision to close after so long had been a “difficult but unavoidable one”.
News of the closure saw the firm flooded with more than 400 last-minute orders.
Scores of people also posted messages of support on the company’s social media pages.
Laura Norder, wrote: “Absolutely gutted to hear this. It’s absolutely my most favourite fabric in the world.”
Peter Greig & Co had continued to weave bespoke linens and natural fibres for the furnishing, industrial and clothing markets, with around 25,000 metres of linen being produced each week shipped to customers in the US, Europe and the Far East as well as those in the UK.
In 2019 its products featured in an exclusive fashion show at Edinburgh Castle as part of a special tribute to Mary Queen of Scots.
Historic Environment Scotland worked with American fashion designer Jeff Garner, from fashion label Prophetik, in the catwalk show Women of the Crown.