A Skilled Craftsman at the Macnaughton Mill, Pitlochry
As we reflect on Scotland’s rich weaving heritage, we remember Jimmy Robb, who worked at the historic Macnaughton Mill when it was located in Pitlochry throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
In the early 20th century, Jimmy worked at the Macnaughton Mill, photographed here operating the warping machine - a precise and essential task within the weaving process. Warping prepares the threads for the loom, carefully aligning and tensioning hundreds of yarns to form the structural foundation of the cloth. Without this stage, woven textiles would not be possible.
His work represents the quiet craftsmanship that underpinned Scotland’s textile industry.
More Than Cloth: Community and Craft
Scottish weaving has always been about more than fabric. It reflects:
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Generations of skill passed down from skilled craftsperson to the next
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Mills that sustained often rural communities
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Craft traditions rooted in precision and pride
Like many young men across Scotland, Jimmy left his trade to serve during the First World War. Mills such as those in Pitlochry felt the loss deeply, as skilled craftsmen stepped away from their looms - many never to return. Jimmy perished in the First World War, but his photograph still hangs in our head office today.
Weaving Continues in Scotland Today
Though the Macnaughton Mill later moved from Pitlochry (1983), weaving continues across Scotland - including in the eventual new home of our mill in Keith, where traditional craftsmanship remains central to textile production.
Modern Scottish weaving still honours:
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Precision in preparation and weaving
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High-quality natural fibres
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Techniques refined over generations
Jimmy Robb’s contribution forms part of a wider legacy - one woven through time that we are proud to uphold to this day.
FAQ
What is warping in weaving?
Warping is the preparation of threads before weaving, ensuring correct tension and alignment for accurate and durable cloth. These threads, the warp, become the very foundation of each and every cloth. The weft is then built upon this.
Why is Scottish weaving important?
Scottish weaving is internationally recognised for its tartans and fine wool textiles, built on centuries of skilled craftsmanship and undeniable quality.
In remembering Jimmy Robb, we honour not only one craftsman, but the generations whose skill shaped not only our mill and roots but Scotland’s textile heritage.
