Rosefield Mills, Dumfries - An Exceptionally Nice Old Building

A late-nineteenth century tweed mill on the banks of the River Nith in Dumfries, the Rosefield Mills stand alone as both a reminder of the town's industrial past, and of the architectural beauty of much of Scotland's Victorian heritage. There were once a number of mills in this area: in addition to the Rosefield Mills there was the adjacent Troqueer Mills, also making tweed, located between Troqueer Road and the river. On the other side of Troqueer Road used to be the Ryedale Woollen Mill, and across the river was the Nithsdale Mills, also manufacturing woollen goods. The Rosefield Mills is now the only remaining mill in the area, and although derelict and no longer in use, it stands as a stunning architectural example of a Victorian factory that was not only functional, but stunning to look at. These were buildings that enhanced people's lives, and very far-removed from the concrete boxes with windows of later architecture. The mill is now in the hands of Dumfries Historic Buildings Trust, but there is a long way to go before the main structure by the river is made structurally sound and able to once again serve the community in some way. Standing on the banks of the River Nith with all the architectural grandness of a Venetian palace, this is one industrial building that we cannot afford to lose.