"Scotch impudence and perserverance is beyond all"
Samuel Oldknow

History tells us that it was the ability to adapt and improve machinery and processes that saw the change from linen to cotton manufacture in the Paisley and Glasgow areas during the 1800s.

With this grew a strong competition in the market place for so long enjoyed by the Lancashire cotton manufacturers. It was this competition that caused Samuel Oldknow, a Lancashire textile magnate, to utter the above comment.

Concomitants of the industrial growth were more and better roads, and canals for the carriage of raw materials for the new iron works. These developments meant more employment, urban growth, higher standards of living and a demand for the conveniences of life - the consumer society and service industries began to emerge.

I decided to have a look for Scottish Orrs who were innovative in some way and found the following example. It was against the background of a demand from the middle classes for the "elegancies of life" that a niche market for a carpet cleaning service was found and exploited by Alexander Orr (1839 - 1919 ) of Edinburgh. I am indebted to his grandson Alexander C. Orr of Scone, Perthshire, for the information on his ancestor and the business.

Go to Famous Scots at the Gathering of the Clans to read about Alexander Orr's contribution to the world of leisure living.

Back to Scottish Industry and Inventors.