Johnstons of Elgin, Hawick

Hawick’s reputation for knitwear reaches far beyond the Scottish Borders. In 1771, the town was making around 2,000 pairs of stockings a year; by 1838, that figure had passed one million. The mills helped shape the town, its skills and its identity.

Eastfield Mill is part of that living story. Textiles have been made on this site for more than 140 years, and Johnstons of Elgin has produced knitwear in Hawick since 1980. Today, cashmere and merino garments are made here using modern knitting technology alongside skilled hand finishing. This is a working mill, where visitors can see people and processes behind the finished garment.

The guided Discovery Experience follows the journey from yarn towards finished knitwear and introduces the craft that made Hawick famous. Afterwards, there is time for the mill store and coffee shop. It is an especially good stop for a group with mixed interests: a golfer can play Hawick Golf Club while a companion explores the town, or everyone can visit the mill together before heading to the course.