Kilbagie Mills, Fife - May 2009

[BenCooper]

Another Sunday, another paper mill



Kilbagie Distillery was founded in 1720, and was visited by Rabbie Burns, but the increasing popularity of gin made it unprofitable, so in 1875 it was converted to a paper mill. It passed through various owners, the last to run it as a paper mill was Inveresk, who own the Inverkeithing and Carrongrove mills I've reported on before, and it closed in 2002. The site is now owned by the Oran waste group who use the modern water-treatment plant installed by Inveresk, but are trying to sell the rest of the site.

 

[Conchords]

Nice work! Thought that the full site was still operational so this is now on my list of places to visit!

 

[Mr Sam]

some epic shots there!!!!

 

[wolfism]

Looks good – I guess Inveresk were quick off the mark in selling all the machinery. Liking the sign in the last photo: Kilbagie was owned by Gestetner at one point and made carbonless papers, AFAIK.

 

[BenCooper]

Aye, compared even to Caldwells, this place is totally stripped. Still good to see, though. That makes sense about Gestetner - one office had stacks and stacks of rubber Gestetner stamps...

 

[spacepunk]

ooh...likey.
I've put that on my list to visit as well.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[Seahorse]

At this rate, we'll all be bumping into each other. On my list too.

 

[foz101]

As bare as expected, but I'd still like to see inside myself. How to get in though? Maybe bike? Or helicopter?

 

[Pincheck]

I actually visited hear a few times repairing computer equitment when the place was owned by wier paper products back in the late 80's was a busy place and the guys where ok to talk to sad at the way things have changed

 

[escortmad79]

At this rate, we'll all be bumping into each other. On my list too.

Going on my list too!

 

[the_historian]

Good stuff- didn't even know the place was empty.

 

[Dieter_Schmidt]

Wtf, i reccy'd this place like a month ago, it was totally active!!!

 

[BenCooper]

Oh, it's hoachin' on a weekday...

 

[mr_bones]

Nice looking place Ben, am I right in assuming this is on a smaller scale than most the others you've been to?

 

[BenCooper]

Yes, it's definitely smaller - two paper machines I think, compared to three at Caldwells and 5 or 6 at Guardbridge...

 

[spacepunk]

At my work we are told, when there is a fire, to use a code word and at no time to mention the word 'fire'.
So how I howled at point No.1 on that sign.