A reflection on the closure of Scotland’s last linen mill

In 2021, Scotland sadly bid farewell to its last standing linen mill, Scottish Linen (Peter Greig & Co) a historic establishment with nearly two centuries of textiles manufacturing under their belt. Recently, the mill has been torn down and the site is being readied for the construction of a new frozen food store. The closure has prompted introspection and reflection from us about the state of the textile industry in Scotland and the challenges it faces, particularly in the wake of Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis. While acknowledging the adversity brought about by these factors, there remains a determined spirit to revive and sustain Scotland's rich textile heritage.                                                 

Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have cast a shadow over industries worldwide, there’s no denying it. The textile sector being no exception. But the closure of a mill of such historical significance serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by manufacturers in this day and age. The utilisation of Scottish linen in our Assemble products reflects our commitment to preserving the unique history of textile manufacturing in Scotland.

Now we’re asking for the same commitment from you when it comes to preserving product manufacturing. Whatever you’re having made, think first, could I have this Made in Scotland? After all, everything you own, from clothing to technology and home furnishings, has been made by someone in a factory somewhere. Support the people who live close to you and choose to work with them. Let’s use this as an opportunity to turn tough times into a catalyst for building local partnerships and working together on shared initiatives.

 As a social enterprise, our mission extends beyond profit-making to actively contributing to the community. In the quest to keep textiles manufacturing alive, we propose collaboration with both local and larger businesses to assist in achieving sustainability goals. We believe that the focus should not only be on creating new products but also on transforming unused or old textiles into new and sustainable items.

We want to challenge the conventional notion of sustainability by encouraging creativity in repurposing old, used or worn textiles. Rather than always starting from scratch, the emphasis is on taking existing materials and breathing new life into them. For instance, did you know that a single average-sized jumper can be transformed into multiple scrunchies, or four mini eclipse bags by us?

Get in touch to find out how we can work with you now and you will get a 10% discount on your first order. Just add code INTEOJTTOS (ends today!).

By supporting local businesses and embracing a more mindful approach to consumption, we can all play a crucial role in ensuring that Scotland's textiles sector continue to thrive and evolve.