94 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF ABERDEEN AND DISTRICT 
which were thenceforth used for the preparation of rags. About the 
same time, Union Works, Aberdeen, were acquired for the making of 
envelopes. Both works are still being used for these respective purposes. 
Meantime the main works at Stoneywood continued to grow, and 
almost each decade saw the installation of an additional machine. The 
discovery of the paper potentialities of esparto grass and, later, the 
introduction of wood-pulp gave new impetus to the output, although 
rags continued to be the main basis in the extensive range of qualities. 
Messrs. Pirie were not slow to recognise the value of International 
Exhibitions, and they gained medals at Paris, Philadelphia, Sydney, 
Melbourne, etc. 
The number of making machines in operation to-day is eight, enabling 
the mill to rank as one of the largest in the kingdom. The qualities 
manufactured consist of tub-sized rag papers, esparto grass and wood- 
pulp papers, coated papers and numerous specialties. 
In 1922 the Company was affiliated with that of Messrs. Wiggins, 
Teape & Co., Ltd., and it is now one of the leading partners in the 
large combine which has since been established. Captain J. S. Allan, 
F.I.C., Director of Alex. Pirie & Sons, Ltd., and Wiggins, Teape & Co., 
is in charge of the works. 
Muciemoss Worxs—C. Davipson & Sons, Ltp.—The founder of 
Mugiemoss Works was Mr. Charles Davidson, and the business has 
since been carried on by his descendants, down to the fifth generation. 
Early in life his connection with paper-making began, as partner in 
1796 of a mill about two miles higher up the river Don; but, after a 
number of years, he branched off on his own account, and finally estab- 
lished his paper mill at Mugiemoss in 1821. The site offered a good 
many advantages, as about this point the river makes a considerable 
fall, and the Bucks burn joins the river near by. 
For the first few years he confined himself to papers made by hand, 
but in 1827 he decided to erect a machine of his own devising, after 
the type of the ‘ Fourdrinier,’ and thereafter the production increased 
rapidly. But two years later he was to share in the disastrous flood that 
had affected so many of his neighbours, the buildings were destroyed 
and the stock carried away. He set himself without hesitation to retrieve 
the loss and in a short time was at work again on a larger scale than before. 
After the death of Mr. Davidson, his sons, who in 1831 had been 
assumed as partners, continued the work of their father, and in 1844 
erected a second machine. They too suffered misfortune, this time by 
a fire in 1854 which destroyed a large part of the mill, but it was soon 
rebuilt and continued to grow. 
The Mugiemoss Mills to-day concentrate on kraft and sulphite 
Wrapping papers, and they specialise in cedar felt, roofing felt and 
creped papers. They also devote much attention to the making of 
paper bags. 
There are three making machines in operation and there are also 
extensive printing and lithographic works. 
The present Managing Director is Colonel T. Davidson, D.S.O., with 
whom is now joined his son, Mr. D. P. Davidson. 
