The Walker Family – A Family Of Millers On The Water Of Leith
From a collection of photographs provided by Lawrence Walker.
Lawrence Walker was the fifth generation miller in his family to own and run Bell’s Mill in the Dean Village. By the time Lawrence was working there, the mill produced sawdust, which was used in the production of linoleum and thicker types of cardboard.
Production ceased at Bell’s Mill in 1971 after an explosion burst through the mill, causing a fire, and leaving it in ruins. It was the build-up of the dust from the sawdust that was the cause.
The Walker Family also ran the mill at Redhall, and a mill at Blantyre in Lanarkshire, Lawrence’s brother operating one of them.
The Dragonara Hotel, which was a favoured location to many visiting celebrities, was built on the site of the mill. It is currently the Britannia Edinburgh Hotel.