Weaver's Cottage, Kilbarchan
Step back into 18th-century Kilbarchan to explore the last working handloom and rich weaving heritage at Weaver’s Cottage.
Weaver's Cottage in Kilbarchan is a beautifully preserved 18th-century handloom weaver's home and workshop. Built in 1723, it offers an immersive glimpse into Scotland's rich textile heritage, featuring the last working handloom in the village and a traditional garden with dye plants. This atmospheric museum vividly recreates the living and working conditions of weavers before the Industrial Revolution, making it a unique cultural and historical experience.
A brief summary to Weaver's Cottage
- The Cross, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, PA10 2JG, GB
- +441505705588
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during open days Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, to experience the full museum and garden.
- Take time to explore the traditional dye garden, where plants like woad and madder were used for fabric colors.
- Engage with the hands-on tabletop looms to try weaving yourself, ideal for families and craft enthusiasts.
- Listen for stories about the Christie sisters and other female weavers who shaped the cottage’s history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach bus service from Paisley town center to Kilbarchan, with a journey time of approximately 25-35 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for weekend variations. Kilbarchan village center is a short walk from the bus stop to Weaver’s Cottage.
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Car
Driving from Glasgow or Paisley takes about 20-30 minutes via the A737. There is limited street parking near The Cross in Kilbarchan; visitors should allow extra time to find parking. The village streets are narrow, so cautious driving is advised.
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Train and Walk
Travel by train to Johnstone station from Glasgow or Edinburgh, then take a local taxi or a 30-minute walk to Kilbarchan village. The walk is on paved roads but involves some gentle inclines.
Weaver's Cottage location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Weaver's Cottage
A Living Testament to Scotland’s Textile Heritage
Weaver's Cottage stands prominently in Kilbarchan, a village once bustling with handloom weavers. Constructed in 1723 by the Bryden family, the cottage housed multiple families and combined living quarters with a large loomshop on the lower ground floor. This building is a rare survivor from a time when Kilbarchan was at the heart of Scotland’s thriving handloom industry, which peaked at around 900 looms in the mid-19th century. The cottage preserves the authentic atmosphere of a working weaver’s home, with original architectural features such as a cruck frame and stone-flagged passage, reflecting centuries of adaptation and use.Immersive Insights into Weaver Life and Craft
Visitors step back into the early 1800s, experiencing the cramped but industrious conditions of a handloom weaver’s daily life. Low ceiling beams, period furniture, and the presence of the last working handloom in Kilbarchan bring history vividly to life. The cottage’s loomshop contains the restored loom of William Meikle, one of the last handloom weavers of the area, whose work connects the site to Scotland’s broader industrial and social heritage. The cottage also highlights the significant role of female weavers, including the Christie sisters, who contributed to the local textile tradition.The Traditional Weaver’s Garden and Dye Plants
Outside, the cottage garden is a long, traditional weaver’s garden, planted with a variety of cottage garden plants alongside dye plants such as woad, madder, and weld. These plants were historically used to produce natural dyes for fabrics, underscoring the self-sufficiency and craft knowledge of the weaving community. The garden offers a tranquil space to reflect on the cottage’s history and the natural resources integral to textile production.Architectural and Historical Preservation
The National Trust for Scotland has cared for Weaver’s Cottage since the 1950s, following the death of the last resident weaver. A detailed architectural survey conducted in 2018 helped deepen understanding of the cottage’s development and informed conservation efforts. The building’s blend of original 18th-century features and 19th-century extensions illustrates the evolving needs of its inhabitants and the weaving industry itself.Cultural Significance and Community Connection
Weaver's Cottage is more than a museum; it is a cultural landmark that connects visitors to the social fabric of Kilbarchan’s weaving past. The cottage evokes memories of a vibrant community where weaving was a way of life, with sounds of looms once filling the village. The site also celebrates the artistry and resilience of the weavers, preserving their stories and traditions for future generations.Engaging Experiences and Educational Opportunities
The cottage offers hands-on experiences with tabletop looms, making it an engaging destination for visitors of all ages. The atmosphere, enhanced by knowledgeable staff, inspires an appreciation for traditional crafts. Exhibitions and collaborations, such as with the V&A Dundee’s Tartan exhibition, further highlight the cottage’s role in Scotland’s textile heritage and its ongoing cultural relevance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
