William Halley and Sons Dundee

Hottest day of the year so far. After Bible Study went round to see one of the old landmarks of Dundee. The Building is clearly empty but it represents a famous tradition in the City.

The company was founded by William Halley, a flax manufacturer who became part owner of Wallace Craigie Works spinning mill, which was built in 1836. The shortage of cotton during the American Civil War resulted in a huge boom in the jute industry and by 1865 Wallace Craigie Works had doubled in size. William Halley's sons became partners in the firm at this time, and the firm became William Halley & Sons. In 1874 William Halley died, his elder son retired, and George Halley became sole proprietor.

This was the last functioning textile works in the city to be owned by the original firm, William Halley and Sons Ltd.

The William Halley firm moved to new (smaller) premises in Wester Gourdie in 2004, signalling the end for Wallace Craigie Works after 168 years of production.

Although long since emptied of machinery and valuables the buildings in pretty good condition overall and an impressive size. The Works may now be just a big old empty warehouse but it stands as a monument to Scotland's rapidly disappearing industrial heritage.

The latest news is that Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the restoration and conversion of the former mill into 24 flats with demolition of 2 structures, were conditionally approved Oct/ Nov 2012.