Innerleithen, Damside, Caerlee Mills, Ballantyne's Offices

History: 1788 Alexander Brodie, funded as philanthropic gesture. In 1811 passed to nieces and let to 5 or 6 tenents including Henry Ballantyne, who moved to Galashiels in 1829 and Walkerburn in 1853.

1839 - Robert Gill of Galashiels: added steam power and had 100 employees by 1861 ansd by 1868 was Walker, Gill and Co.

George Henry and James Ballantyne sons of Henry Ballantyne of Walkerburn took over Caerlee after 1871.

1901 was owned by D Ballantyne Brosthers and Co. Ltd.

1936: Ballantyne Brothers redistributed functions: spinning at Waverley Mill, Innerleithen, weaving at March Street Mill, Peebles and hosiery at Caerlee Mill.

Late 20th century: Ballantyne Sportwear Co. Ltd., now Ballantyne Cashmere Co. Ltd (part of Dawson International).

Brodie's Mill of 1788: highly significant as first woollen mill of the industrial revolution in Scotland and raison d'etre for Innerleithen. 8 bays between stacks (one cut down; the other removed since 1960 [as mentioned in 1959 RCAHMS inventory article (RCAHMS, 1967, 331-2)]. 4 storeys and attic, altered to 3 storeys in the 1960s.

Windows: were originally sash and case, widened at ground floor level for c.1930 metal windows. These have been unified as 4-pane cross types, panited black to contrast with the white render. The row of separate roof lights have been slated.

North Wing: added to 1788 mill and contains cast-iron columns so early 19th century. Likewise the two bays under a peinded roof to the east. Gable stack has been taken down. This straddles the ashlar lined lade that contains the two 19th century turbines (one by Laidlaw, Glasgow and one by Gilkes of Kendal). The low-headed Laidlaw turbine (R Laidlaw and Sons were at Alliance Foundry, Milton Street, Glasgow, 1853-1931) is an apparently early example of the type (high significance)and forms a linear group with the other water-powered intes, the NTS Smail's Printing Works, Hogg and Robertson's Wheel and turbine and Meikle's Sawmill further down the same lade).

West Wing: 3 storey but higher ceilings and bigger windows bring it up to the same roofline. c.1839-1856 (the Robert Gill perios). The low bearing pad brackets tie in the the earlier [1788] building. Medium significance.

Milling and Boarding: unusual wrought iron and patent glazed roof of medium significance.

Possible tenter house [for drying and stretching woollen cloth] Stone and slate of medium significance.

Boiler House: c. 1858-1880: two blocked up boiler arches, and drying store on I section cast iron beams - flooring replaced by timber boards in place of cast iron grid floor with two ridge ventilators. High significance (except modern boiler plant). Altered 1904 by Thomas Aimer (SBA). 3 bay binding and and seaming shed to the north, stone extended in brick. Medium significance. Circular section brick chimney: top modified but still a landmark (high significance). The engine house for a Petrie tandem compound engine, 1910, has been demolished).

Weaving Shed (now frame knitting) oldset part (hand framing) c. 1858-64 (where ther 30 power and 20 hand looms). 6 by 6 bays north-lit roofs on slim columns. Further 8 bays and thicker columns, 1910, extended by 2 bays with broader spans to north a little later stil. In 1910 the carding shed was extended and a new weaving shed built by Thomas Aimer (SBA). Medium significance.

Finishing: possible originall carding or weaving, one of those addedin 1910. Simiar to knitting frame shed, but of 4 bays aigned N[orth] S[outh], with zinc ventilators. Medium significance.

Yarn store, hand knitting, passing and pressing to south of Weaving Shed, c.1920-5, steel framed. Low significance, relates to the transfer of by D Ballantyne Bros of weaving to March Street Mill, Peebles and concentration at Caerlee of hosiery. Similar shed fitted out as offices with 1st floor link to High Mill (1788 section).

Offices, later 1930s, flat roof, bay window, steel glazing of Crittal type. Low significance.

Information from Mark Watson, Historic Scotland, March 2007.