Ayrshire Tour

MYB Textiles & Lamlash House

‘Tradition, Style, Innovation, Lace & Madras.’

Next Date: Thursday 16th May 2024

Tasting History Ayrshire Tours (THAT co.) presents the Millers and Merchants Tour - an opportunity to obtain a unique glimpse into the fascinating history of Ayrshire's textile and lace production and to visit a current lace manufacturer who is still utilising original Victorian methods. It is also an opportunity to visit a Grade B Historic Building, formerly an operational bank for 124 years and adjoining bank manager’s house which has links with the lace industry.

This tour allows you to step back in time to see how the textile and lace manufacturing industry of the past influenced fashion, trade and benefitted other local businesses. You will also be able to see lace being manufactured today, still utilising traditional methods.

This tour will appeal to those interested in local history, the development of Scottish textiles and lace production and the people behind its production, both the manual and white-collar workers.

2 Stage Tour

This two stage half day tour commences at MYB Textiles in Newmilns at 10.30am and then goes to Lamlash House, Newmilns for an animated light luncheon and tour until around 3.00pm.

MYB Textiles is now the only producer in the world manufacturing patterned lace with original Nottingham Lace Looms, some of which are over 90 years old. This is a unique opportunity to see a fully functioning lace mill in operation and to learn about the history of the business.

The second stop on the tour is to Lamlash House in Newmilns, built in 1890. It is a former bank manager’s house, which provided a banking service to local businesses and to the lace mills further down the road. The original owner of Lamlash House had a family connection to Joseph Hood, a pioneer of the mechanisation of the lace looms. Lamlash House showcases Stephen Adam stained glass panels.

At luncheon, served in the former banking hall, you will meet Annie Currie, house maid at Lamlash House in 1901 and will learn of the events in the house in that year. You will also get the opportunity to see the Stephen Adam stained glass panels which are not normally open to public viewing, get an opportunity to see the various design schemes on the ground floor inspired by William Morris, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Art Deco designs.

Ticket includes entry to both establishments on the selected date and a three course light lunch in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh inspired Banking Hall or the Victorian Parlour of Lamlash House. A sample menu is provided below.

£49pp

Own transport is necessary.

Dietary requirements must be known in advance at the time of booking.