On the 10th August 1999 at 7.00pm we unveiled a plaque
on what was once the West Spinning Mill (or Hendry's Mill ) in the
Linktown area of Kirkcaldy. Mr. Hendry originally owned a water-powered
mill but he had the West Spinning Mill specially built in order
to house a beam engine. In 1930 the mill was sold to Messrs. Renton
and began producing string & twine. Six years later the Fife
& Clyde Roperie took over the business and in 1960 it was
sold to a Belfast company. The mill closed in 1972 and lay empty
until 1995.
Mrs. Watters opened the ceremony and the Black Watch
Pipes & Drums Band played a selection of tunes. Mr. Alan Lockhart
unveiled the plaque and gave a short speech on the history of the
weaving & spinning industry in Kirkcaldy. The next speaker was
Mr. Craig Sanderson (Chief Executive, Links Housing) who spoke of
the present use of the mill which provides accomodation and support
for young homeless people and conference facilities are also available
for businesses to use.
Mr. Galloway then gave the vote of thanks and the Pipes
& Drums played another selection of tunes to close the event.
Everyone then enjoyed the refreshments provided in the reception area
of the mill.
Click on a picture below
to Enlarge.
The exterior of the West Spinning Mill has not been
changed to a great extent. The mill has what is called a mansard
roof and there was once a bell at the top of the building to call
workers to work. It is said to have been the first mill in Scotland
to employ a woman clerk. Inside the building can be seen the decorative
framework of the structure.
LISTED C, BUILT 1855-1856
THE BLACK WATCH, ARMY CADET FORCE, PIPES
& DRUMS BAND, Kirkcaldy
This web site was designed
by Neil McCallum and Colin Bell. Last updated July 2002.
