Published on:
20
April 2009
The Friends of Clackmannanshire Museum and Heritage Service will host a spring lecture at 7.30pm on Wednesday 22nd April in the Tommy Downs Room, Alloa Town Hall.
Andrew Skelton and Graeme Cairns will give a joint talk about the Paton family of Kilncraigs wool-spinning mill. John Paton, the founder, came to Alloa from Easter Pitgober and set up his first mill on the Brathie Burn in 1814. From that small business developed a world-famous brand which became a household name and with mills as far afield as China and Tasmania. From John Paton's children grew a dynasty of Thomsons, Thomson Patons, Forrester-Patons and Procters. As the family business in which they were all involved grew more successful, they became wealthier and their homes grander. Most of their splendid mansions have survived today, though what became the Patons & Baldwins empire eventually declined and ended when Kilncraigs closed in 1999.
Andrew Skelton spent most of his working life at Patons & Baldwins and has a considerable knowledge of Kilncraigs and the family. Graeme Cairns' family were stonemasons and helped to build Gean House, constructed in 1912 as a wedding present from his parents for Alexander Forrester-Paton and his new bride. He also knows Greenfield, built by David Thomson in 1892 - 94 for his family, very well indeed. Together they will present a very interesting and entertaining talk.
Refreshments and a fundraising raffle will follow the talk. The Friends want to encourage more people to join them, so would like to welcome anyone who has never attended one of these events before.
If you would like to come along to this event but are not a member, please contact Susan Mills at Clackmannanshire Council Museum and Heritage Service, Speirs Centre, Primrose Street, Alloa, telephon 01259 216913.