Galashiels, Wilderhaugh Street, Wilderbank Mill

NT43NE 52 4868 3661

Wilderbank Mill occupies the site of Wilderhaugh mill, built in 1790 by George Mercer. The foundations of Wilderhaugh Mill, which Craig-Brown suggests was the first woollen mill for machine carding erected in Scotland, were still traceable outside the walls of the modern factory. It was twice burned.

Information taken from Craig-Brown, 1886

The original building was 65 feet long and 27 feet wide and 16 feet high. The exact date of erection is unknown, but is likely to have been 1780, when it was occupied by George Mercer, Clothier, Wilderhaugh near Galashiels.

The introduction of mechanised carding machinery required an addition to the existing waulkmill and willow-house.

In 1811 the factory was destroyed by fire. In 1819 another fire occured which one more destroyed the factory. It was again rebuilt.

In 1862 the building was acquired by William Brown, who demolished the old building and erected a new factory. The old name of Wilderhaugh was changed to Wilderbank.

Information taken from Hall, 1898

Built 1862-90 for William Brown and Sons. The largest building is a 5 storey 4 by 7 block. The 2 storey block was built in 1883.

Information taken from Hume, 1976

Wilderbank mill has been demolished. The site is now occupied by Cochranes garage.

Information taken from Lawson, 199-?