Munro & Co Knitwear Factory

Category

Library Item

Item no

38508

Title

Munro & Co Knitwear Factory, Restalrig

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1920

Size

9.0 x 14.1 cm

Type

Postcard

Established in 1880 (as Munro and Company) by William Munro to manufacture homespun tweeds, Shetland knitwear, and fancy hosiery. The world-famous Argyle Sock was originated by this firm in 1895.

Between 1939 -1945 over a million yards of cloth by (Galashiels) and 3 million knitted garments were made at Restalrig. In 1950 the firm joined up with the Thistle Foundation for disabled ex-servicemen in an interesting experiment, and today these men produce hosiery and tartan hose for Scottish regiments.

Munro spun ceased their operations there in 1970. The buildings were taken over by Kinloch Anderson who made kilts and tartan accessories there until 1989. It was converted into flats shortly after.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Gates

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Manufacturing Industry > Manufacturing facilities > Factories

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Pavements

Transport > Infrastructure > Roads

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