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Forest Mill: Low Mill
Date 7 May 2009
Event ID 912096
Category Management
Type Site Management
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/912096
Part of a complex of single and multi-storey mill buildings, whinstone rubble with sandstone ashlar dressings. Slate roofs. 4-pane fixed and casement windows. EXTENSION TO N-E OF HAND-LOOM & PATTERN WEAVING SHOP: 3-storey reinforced concrete framed extension added to right angles, 1927, adjacent to dyehouse.
For George Roberts and Co, who pioneered cheviot cloth and, it is claimed by Bremner, were the first in the area to adopt the self-acting mule. The reputation for quality was outstanding. George Roberts and his brother Tom, both of Galashiels, visited the USA and returned with the first condensers. George became provost of Selkirk and chairman of the Selkirk-Galashiels Railway Company. Sons John and Tom Roberts pioneered the import of Australian and New Zealand wool to the Borders. Forest Mill served as the wool store, dyehouse and weaving mill for the firm. Spinning was conducted at St Ronan's Mill, Innerleithen, Philiphaugh Mill, Selkirk (from 1872), and Earlston Mill. Merged 1962 with Robert Noble of Hawick and Walter Thorburn of Peebles. Weaving mill closed 1967, and the remainder in 1973. Weaving was since been restarted by S Elliot and the remainder of the complex is used for a variety of small industrial and retail purposes. (Historic Environment Scotland)
