Brian Whittle MSP has been learning more about Ayrshire’s great textile legacy during a visit to MYB Textiles in Newmilns. Since 1900, Morton Young and Borland have been producing Scottish Leno Gauze, known more commonly as Scottish Madras, and lace.
Today, MYB Textiles are the only company in the world still manufacturing high quality lace textiles on the same Nottingham Lace Looms that were originally installed in 1913. Although these machines are more labour intensive than more modern alternatives, the lace they produce is of such high quality that it’s still highly sought after. At over twelve metres wide, these looms are so large that the company is able to produce huge pieces of continuous fabric for use in the theatrical industry as stage curtains and backdrops.
When the machines were first used, lace patterns were stored on enormous racks of cardboard punch cards, but today the company has invested to create digital models of their design archive, allowing the machines to be set up more quickly and designs to be altered in a fraction of the time.
After sitting down for a chat with Managing Director Scott Davidson and Design Director Margo Graham, Brian was shown the various stages of the production process from preparing the thread for weaving to the final quality control and repair, which is done entirely by hand. He also visited the company’s new shop, which sells a wide range of fabrics, cushions and other products made by the firm. MYB have even taken some of their classic lace patterns and turned them into chic wallpaper designs.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was a pleasure to visit MYB Textiles and see how the business is taking its unique blend of traditional skills and machines and creating products that are in demand around the world today. While much of Ayrshire’s textile industry has been lost, I’m delighted that Scott and his team are making the most of the area’s history and traditions to create some of the finest quality lace and textile products out there.”
Comment from Scott Davidson, Managing Director of MYB Textiles:
“I enjoyed welcoming Brian Whittle MSP to the Mill to learn more about the business and discuss the challenges faced in very difficult trading conditions. Brian was very positive about the skills and high quality products we produce and left with a much better knowledge of our 120 year old business and the challenges we face.”
