A-Z of Secret Dundee: Jute

By Gayle Anderson -

It’s fair to say that the history of Dundee was pretty much woven out of this raw material.

In the late 19th century there were around 60 jute mills in the city employing more than 50,000 workers. You can learn about the hard working conditions of these weavers and spinners in an interactive real mill setting. The award-winning Verdant Works jute museum is just a bobbin’s throw away from the city centre.

Stepping through its doors transports you back a 100 years

You can smell the raw jute and hear the deafening roar of the machinery and sound of the “bummer” which signalled the start and end of working shifts. Stepping through its doors transports you back a 100 years. Many of the guides are ex mill workers and you can even learn some of the unique mill sign language that was needed to communicate over the almost unbearable noise. There’s a cafe and a gift shop for jute-based souvenirs.

Verdant Works, West Henderson’s Wynd, Dundee, DD1 5BT.

Winter Opening: November-March Wed-Sat, 10.30am-4.30pm (Sun, 11am) Closed Mondays and Tuesdays from November to March

Summer Opening: April-October Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm (Sun, 11am)

NB: Last admission is 1 hour prior to closing