Flax weaving in Scotland in the early 19th century

Abstract

Abstract The reports of the Assistant Hand‐Loom Weavers’ Commissioners and Censuses of Population allow analysis to be made of the organization of hand‐loom weaving in the linen industry of Scotland at a time when it was experiencing a series of transitions in the early 19th century. Factory organization in towns coexisted with cottage weaving and in some cases was well established before the use of power‐looms. Scale of activity generally accorded with population size, but the nature of towns and their location relative to others influenced status. The centralizing role of seaports in contemporary commerce led to interest focusing more on coastal than on inland centres. Specialization in weaving was more conspicuous in inland places where other opportunities were lacking.