The Dundee mill with a giant camel guarding its gates.

Bowbridge Works, located in the Hilltown, was one of the city’s most fascinating jute mills. Built in 1856, its imposing five-storey main building housed an expansive operation, but it was the mill’s distinctive features—especially its links to Egyptian-inspired design—that made it truly remarkable. 

Among these features was a grand statue of a camel with Lawrence of Arabia leaning casually against it, standing proudly at the entrance to Bowbridge Works. The camel was no mere decoration; it was the emblem of the Grimond family, who owned the mill.  

This striking landmark quickly became synonymous with Bowbridge and captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its mysterious disappearance in later years gave rise to a host of local legends, only for the truth to be uncovered much later by The Courier. 

While Bowbridge Works was a symbol of Dundee’s thriving jute industry, it was also prone to devastating fires. The flammable jute and oils used in production made mills like Bowbridge vulnerable, and its history is punctuated by incidents that tested the resilience of the workforce and owners alike. 

One significant fire occurred in March 1883, breaking out in one of the warehouses. At the time of the outbreak, workmen were busy removing jute from the affected area. Damage was estimated between £3,000 and £4,000—a major setback for the time. 

In October 1886, a blaze erupted in one of the multi-storey warehouses on Mains Road. Firefighters fought to prevent further destruction, but the fire left heavy damage in its wake. 

Another disastrous fire occurred in April 1895, resulting in the destruction of a large quantity of jute. This incident dealt a heavy financial blow to Bowbridge Works, but the mill managed to recover and resume its operations. 

These fires showed the inherent dangers of working in jute production during Dundee’s industrial peak, as well as the determination of those who worked to keep the mills running despite the risks. 

Beyond its industrial operations, Bowbridge Works had a vibrant social culture. One unique example was its girls’ gymnastics team, which gained media coverage for its displays. In March 1927, the team was featured in The Evening Telegraph, showcasing the strength and skill of the mill’s workforce. Events like these underscored Bowbridge’s role as more than just a workplace — it was a community where employees shared both work and camaraderie. 

Though Bowbridge Works eventually succumbed to the decline of the jute industry, its story remains an integral part of Dundee’s heritage. By 1984, the main building had been demolished, and most of the remaining structures followed in 1987.  

Today, the site has been transformed into a mix of housing and businesses, with streets like Bowbridge Place and Bowbridge Court keeping the name alive.