Anchor Mill Paisley

The domestic finishing mill stands in a prominent and picturesque location in the centre of Paisley and is a proud reminder of the town's industrial heritage. It was part of a larger complex known collectively as the 'Anchor Mills'. The mill was built in 1886, and is of red brick with a sandstone balustrade. It occupies an area of 36,000 square feet.

Internally, the mill has a central well topped with an unusual glass lantern light. This allowed light in, and also provided space for the drive belts from the engine on the ground floor to reach the machines on the upper floors. The mill was one of the earliest buildings in Paisley to have electric light.

The mill was built for John Clark, of the Clark family of Paisley. The Clark family were successful thread manufacturers who, together with the Coats family, played a key role in achieving Paisley's status as a world leader in the manufacture of thread. The Clark company logo was an anchor.

The Anchor Mills complex employed many hundreds of local people. When the finishing mill was built the complex filled 9 acres. By 1914 it covered 28 acres and by 1952 it had spread to 51 acres. Work in the domestic finishing mill finished in the 1980s, and the mill lay empty and neglected for twenty years until a regeneration project saved this landmark building. It now contains businesses and private apartments.

Production finally ended on the site in 1993. Many of the buildings have been demolished, but as well as the domestic finishing mill, those buildings still standing include the Mile End mill, the embroidery mill, two gatehouses and the Anchor recreation club.
Campbell