A stitch in time: Heritage Centre appeals for town’s factory memories
Campbeltown Heritage Centre is appealing for photographs, stories and memorabilia relating to the town’s former clothing factories as it prepares a new exhibition for the upcoming season.
Volunteers at the centre are seeking items connected to Andrew Douglas Ltd and Jaeger, two companies that provided an economic lifeline to the town following the decline of the area’s whisky and coal mining industries.
The garment industry became a major employer in Campbeltown during the mid-20th century and, at its peak, was the largest in the area.
Andrew Douglas Ltd operated out of the former gas works from the 1950s to the 1970s. The facility was subsequently acquired by Coats Viyella – then owners of the Jaeger brand – which maintained operations until 2001.
While the Heritage Centre has secured some items, including a tailored Andrew Douglas coat, and photographs of staff hard at work, they are eager to locate more garments and documentation from this era.
They are also seeking information about any clothing companies that predated Andrew Douglas, of which little is currently known.
The upcoming exhibition aims to highlight the “lived history” of the workforce. Existing records include a notable 1968 report from the Courier detailing a charity football match at Kinloch Green.
The “Ceannloch Factory girls” defeated the Campbeltown Town Council team of councillors 7-4, raising £31 for the Salvation Army Building Fund.
According to the report, which will form part of the exhibition: “Anne, Jean, Mary and Gladys were giving Provost Daniel McKinven a very harassing time in the Council goal... while dashing Bailie Archibald McCallum and debonair Councillor William Campbell just couldn’t get past the girls’ keeper.”
The Heritage Centre is also searching for photographs of community events, specifically the elaborate gala floats produced by Jaeger featuring employees in various themed costumes.
The Heritage Centre’s volunteers work hard to update exhibitions but, as it is a charitable organisation, they rely on community contributions to achieve this. The new display is scheduled to launch when the centre reopens in May for the 2026 season.
As well as photographs and physical items, organisers are keen to hear the personal stories and memories of the social life and daily operations within the factories.
Anyone with information or items to contribute is encouraged to email marlynmo@btinternet.com to pass them on.
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