Johnstons of Elgin: 216 years in the making
Cashmere, the finest fibre in existence, has been prized throughout the centuries for its warmth and softness. As popular with climbers scaling Everest as it is with those simply following the latest fashion trends, cashmere is a true luxury product - and one that will be irrevocably associated with the Johnstons of Elgin name.
The process begins in the farthest reaches of Mongolia, where the raw material is combed by hand from the downy undercoat of the rare cashmere goat. From there, the fibre is shipped to the Johnstons of Elgin mill, on the banks of the River Lossie. Here, on the same site that the company has occupied since 1797, the cashmere is dyed, teased, carded, spun and hand-finished by the latest generation of Elgin craftsmen. And, though the enterprise now covers 20 acres, employs 790 people and utilises some of the most advanced textile equipment in the world, the basic production process - and the superior quality of the end product - has changed very little since the company's founding.
Visitors are welcome to find out more about the production process on one of our popular free mill tours.
Free mill tours are available daily in Elgin and Hawick
Monday - Thursday: from 10.30 - 15.00
Friday: Please phone to enquire
Visit our shop in Hawick
From fashionistas to foodies, the Johnstons of Elgin 5*Cashmere Visitor Centre in Hawick caters for everyone.
On the banks of the River Teviot, Eastfield Mill has been a centre of the textile manufacturing for over 140 years. The visitor centre tells the unique and proud story of Johnstons of Elgin, with the chance to touch and feel the different fibres used in production, as well as showcasing the iconic machines used over the mill’s history.
Enjoy a tour of the factory and see first hand the talent and special skills used in the manufacture of our luxury knitted cashmere and lambswool. Then take time to browse our latest collections of menswear, ladieswear children and homeware available in our shop
Our Eastmill Café boasts the best in locally sourced foods with delicious cakes and scones baked daily. It is open 7 days, serving morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.
