Towards an Oral History of the Stanley Mills, Luncarty Bleachworks and Ordie Shuttle Mill, Perthshire

This paper focuses on the textile industry in Perthshire from the 1730s to the 1990s, in particular Stanley Mills (1786–1989), Luncarty Bleachworks (c.1730–1998) and the Ordie Shuttle Mill (1844–1953). Though the history of the industry has been widely researched and documented via the Statistical Accounts of Scotland, estate papers, company records and other manuscripts, few publications have given voice to people who worked in these industries. Since the closure of the industries, there
has been an increased interest in local history among residents of the area, resulting in the formation of the West Stormont Historical Society. Members include former workers who agreed to be recorded while sharing their work experiences and expertise in textile operations and bleaching. This paper uses the ‘interplay of the written word and the spoken word’ to illuminate aspects of the industry and the community, giving a more balanced view of the history.