Johnstons Of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin was founded in 1797 by Alexander Johnston on the banks of the River Lossie, Newmill, Elgin. The original mill was situated there for the availability of skilled workforce, proximity to the sea and the river itself, which would power the mill. By 1810 Johnstons of Elgin had quickly and firmly established itself as a leader in the Wool Industry. At the time of the second world war all territorial employees were called to war. Considerable reorganisation was required with the chronic shortage of labour. Wool supplies were rationed. The mill continued to function with the ingenuity of the employees present & cloth was produced for the war effort, export (USA) & home market. By the 1970s Johnstons had expanded considerably with investment into a knitwear mill in the Border town of Hawick, the heart of the Scottish knitwear industry. In 1997 disaster struck Johnston’s when four feet of flood water swept through the Mill in Elgin. Nothing escaped devastation, with damage running to more than £20 million. A vast clean up operation swung into action, with staff rallying round. In 2011 Johnston’s invested into two Karl Meyer warping machines into both the Elgin and Hawick Mills. This means Johnstons of Elgin now have one of the most sophisticated weaving and knitting plants in the world. Their design team are constantly pushing the frontiers of innovation & creativity. As well as design their own collections, each year Johnstons of Elgin produces cashmere for the world's biggest luxury brands and fashion houses.