Stoneywood Papermill

Papermaking in Aberdeen is first recorded around 1694. Within two decades a mill had been established at Stoneywood on an island in the River Don. There are records of several mills of varying duration in the city during the 18th and 19th centuries five sites these rose to become a major element of the local economy. It has been estimated that in the mid-late 19th century papermaking enterprises were directly employing almost 7% of the entire local population.

Stoneywood Mill and its products was represented at many of the national and international Trade and Industry Fairs (including that which was behind the founding of Aberdeen Industrial Museum & Art Gallery) throughout the 1800s and into the 21st century. Early innovations implemented at the mill included production of paper from Esparto Grass (and other non-typical materials such as sawdust), which allowed the production of high-quality paper much cheaper than rag or pure rag. Stoneywood was the location where the Corliss valve engine, which became the standard power source of much industry, was first introduced to this country. This allowed greater efficiency and ensure Stoneywood could far outstrip production of other papermills. These and other innovations and developments were regularly exhibited and were given awards which only further enhanced the reputation of Stoneywood as a mark of quality. Throughout its production the mill continually expanded its product range to fit the individual requirements of its customers.