Timber Trade
Local History
In 1850 Mr David Spencer established a sawmill and woodyard in Tayport, driven by water and partly by steam. These works were situated in Mill Place. The woodyard was then on that piece of ground now occupied by the Tayport Arms, and where a dam used to be.
At this time there was a duty on imported timber, the premises were enclosed by a fence, 10ft high, to prevent the removal of timber while in bond.
In 1860 Mr James Donaldson came to Tayport and purchased the ground at the bottom of mill lane, where he erected a sawmill, and afterwards added from time to time sawing, planning, and moulding machinery, etc., to enable him to supply every requisite necessary for joiners, cabinetmakers, wheel-wrights, etc.
This he carried on successfully until 1888 when the firm changed to James Donaldson & Sons, the works being further extended and a number of drying sheds erected for storing and seasoning the timber. About this time the business was extended to Leven, were large works were put up to meet the demands of customers in the coast towns and mining centres. In this manner, the business grew until James Donaldson & Son were the largest timber merchants in the county.
When Mr James Donaldson died in 1890, his sons carried on the business.
sources:
- History of Tayport, by Sir James Scott, Kt. (at the age of 87), printed in Cupar by J. & G. Innes Ltd., 1927.