Linlithgow, Avon Paper Mill

NS07NE 145 9829 7760

Avon Print Works: A large and extensive assemblage of buildings standing on the E bank of the River Avon, 1/2 mile N of Linlithgow Bridge. It was first established about 70 years ago, but has been extended considerably since then. The building are of different heights, ranging from one to three storeys high, and built for the most part without order or regularity. It consists of the different departments forming a calico printing establishment such as colour houses, block cutting shop, painting shop, engine and mill house, press house, desgning, bleaching, dyeing and finishing houses and drying sheds. The majority of the buildings are in but indifferent repair. It is worked both by steam and water power. There are two water wheels, one 16ft by 4ft and the other 12ft in diameter by 4ft in breadth, the engine being of 9 horse power. The greater portion of the buildings are in middling repair. It is at present in the hands of Mr James Stewart, Glasgow, but who has a dwelling house at the works, a neat, stone-built, slated dwelling two storeys high and a modern erection. The property of Col. Hamilton, Cathlaw near Torphichen. It is told of Burns, the Scottish poet, that he ordered a dress and shawl of a peculiar pattern to be manufactured at this print works as a present to his "Bonnie Jean". This told in the locality and also at the works by the manager and others.

Name Book (Linlithgowshire), 1856