POTTED HISTORY No. 1:
JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN
The place
The family (with granny Johnston, knitting)
In 1797 it was thought prudent to start a mill on the River Lossie, which is right at the top of Scotland. The local town was Elgin, which had a ready work force and was situated by the North Sea, allowing for easy transportation. The man with the idea was barely more than a lad; his name was Alexander Johnston and he was twenty three. For the first few years, the mill produced linen, flax, tobacco and oatmeal until it was all replaced by wool in 1801. By 1810 Johnstons had become a major force in all things wool. Alexander's son James took over in 1846 and with the industrial revolution, Johnstons became the first company in Scotland to weave cashmere. Charles came next in 1868, and he brought more new innovations and expanded foreign markets. His son, Ernest, was killed in the trenches so ownership was then passed on to the Harrison family.
Johnstons is known as the last "vertical" mill in Britain, meaning that it is the only mill to transform raw fibre to finished article. The reason is simple: consistent quality is thus ensured.
Despite having suffered major floods and fire, the mill has grown into one of the most sophisticated weaving and knitting plants in the world. Johnstons is now the manufacturer of wool and cashmere for Hermes, Burberry, Paul Smith, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Brora and more. They are proud to have remained true to their motto "only the best is good enough".
This is all by way of saying that Ancient Industries are very honoured to be the purveyors of Johnstons of Elgin lambswool tartan throws and scarves.
