In the heart of Dundee’s Hawkhill once stood Ashton Works — a building that quietly powered an empire.

Established in 1832 by Edward Caird, it began with just twelve looms and a vision. Over time, Ashton Works would become a symbol of the city’s industrial might, evolving from a humble jute shed into one of the most technologically advanced mills in the country. 

The real transformation came under Edward’s son, James Caird. Taking over in 1870, James didn’t just expand — he reimagined. He rebuilt Ashton Works, filled it with the latest machinery, and turned it into a model of efficiency. By 1905, Caird’s acquisition of Craigie Works expanded his operations further, cementing his firm as a powerhouse in the textile world.  

At its height, the mill employed hundreds and operated 14,000 spindles and 1,000 looms. The constant thrum of machinery could be heard along Hawkhill, and the scent of oil and fibre hung in the air. It was more than just a workplace — it was a living, breathing part of Dundee’s industrial soul. Ashton Works stood as a testament to Caird’s belief in innovation and scale, regularly cited as one of the best-equipped mills in the city. 

Within its walls, jute was not only spun and woven, but transformed — into sacks, cloth, webbing, and ropes that travelled the world. The mill’s efficiency and reputation placed it at the forefront of Dundee’s global jute trade, and the Caird name became synonymous with progress. 

James Caird was more than an industrialist; he was a philanthropist. In 1913, he was knighted for his contributions to Dundee. Just a year later, the Ashton Works became part of a moment unlike any other in British history: on a summer day in July 1914, King George V and Queen Mary laid the foundation stones of Caird Hall — not with their hands, but through an electronic signal sent from Ashton Works. The King pressed an emerald, the Queen, a jade stone. The emerald now sits proudly in the Lord Provost’s chain. 

The story of Ashton Works intersects in a quiet but poignant way with another piece of Dundee’s heritage: the Caird Drinking Fountain. Proposed by Edward Caird — the same man who founded Ashton Works — the fountain was intended to provide clean drinking water during a time when cholera outbreaks plagued the city. Though initially dismissed by city authorities in 1861 due to concerns over traffic obstruction, Caird persisted, and the ornate structure was finally erected in 1879. 

Over time, however, the fountain fell into disrepair and was dismantled in 1927 with plans to relocate it to Caird Park. Instead, it found a temporary home at Ashton Works, where it sat in storage for more than a decade.  

In a sense, the mill became a caretaker of Caird’s legacy — not only through industry and innovation but by sheltering one of his most civic-minded contributions. Though the fountain was eventually reassembled elsewhere and later removed again, its brief chapter at Ashton underscores the enduring thread between Edward Caird’s industrial vision and his commitment to public welfare. 

With the decline of Dundee’s jute trade becoming evident in the 20th century, Ashton Works pivoted to carpet manufacturing. The transition, while a sign of resilience, was also a reflection of changing times. In 1981, the site was bought by Belgian firm Beaulieu Tapis. A year later, it was shuttered for good; eighty jobs lost, machinery stilled, the end of an era. 

Then, on the evening of September 2, 1983, came the fire. First reported at 6.45pm, the blaze tore through the old structure. Flames reached 50 feet. Glass exploded. Gutters melted. Metal doors buckled under intense heat. Firefighters battled for hours, but it was a losing fight. One clock on the second floor — hands frozen at 7.50pm — would mark the moment Ashton Works was lost. 

By morning, all that remained was a fractured shell. Cracked walls, charred beams, and the silent end of one of Dundee’s most storied buildings.