In 1794 there was recorded in Monifieth 38 weavers of coarse linen, Osnaburg cloth, the name derived from Osnaburg in Germany, where the brown coloured linen cloth was first produced. Those weavers worked from home on a part time basis as they also farmed land.
At the start of the nineteenth century a partnership was formed by Robert Baxter & Robert Fairweather, establishing a spinning mill, driven by the Dighty water at what was then to be known as Milton of Monifieth.
At one period of time the number of employees reached one hundred. Still to be seen today is what was the mill manager`s house, very much part of the community, after several owners and renovation programmes including a change of name from Grange cottage, it is well known as Milton House Hotel.
Sadly in August 1813, Robert Baxter when returning home to Monifieth, late one August evening, became caught by the incoming tide and was drowned on the Ladybank sands in the river Tay.

At Kirkton of Monifieth there had been industrial premises in existence prior to 1801, where wooden ploughs and other agricultural implements were manufactured..
In St Rules Parish Church, the kirkyard monumental stones , give us some clues regarding the Foundry by the Sea.
One stone names David Low, Wright of Monifieth who was in business prior to 1820.
Another names William Low, machine maker & Ironfounders, who died 2nd January 1840, age 47 years husband of Jean Fairweather.
Also James Low, manager Monifieth Foundry, died 17th December 1871 age 57 years.
To understand the engineering firm’s beginnings we must go back to the birth of William Low about 1791. Records show a William Low born 8th May 1791 to parents James Low and his wife Margaret Lorimer, who married on 17th January 1778 in Monifieth.

Charles Malcolm in his book Monifieth in Modern times, published 1910, states that James Low & Robert Fairweather formed a partnership about 1801 to produce machinery for the flax industry. By 1806 in a single shed in a Monifieth meadow, with four other men, James Low had made his start to what was to become a firm of world wide fame.
By 1813 it is recorded that the first ever carding machine for the spinning industry was produced by the Monifieth firm.
William Low, son of James became a bobbin maker, supplying the Dundee spinners.
Being mindful of the business connections between the Low & Fairweather families it is not surprising that Jane, born 12th June 1793, daughter of Robert Fairweather, in 1820 married William Low. Jane had at least two brothers, George born 23rd August 1795 and Robert, born 1st April 1798.
Robert, junior, for sometime carried on the running of the Milton Mill, living in the manager’s house.
David McRae`s `Rambles Around Monifieth`, makes reference to a Robert Fairweather, mill manager, being more interested in fishing and catching rabbits, than running the family mill.
On the death of Jane`s father about 1820 the spinning operation was closed down. William Low was the sole beneficiary of Jane`s father`s will and being a charitable man he welcomed her brother George into their family home.
What was being done with his father`s fortune did not disturb George so long as he had plenty of good things to eat and fine clothes to wear. However, he did prove to be of great help to the expansion of the business.
Under strict instruction by William and his sister Jane, he was sent to seek work in Leeds at the factory of Sir Peter Fairbairn. Jane had already prepared for him a special silk hat, lined in the crown with drawing paper.

Totally unskilled he was appointed floor sweeper and was so enthusiastic; he did not even take a meal break. He would though, sit down for a spell, with his hat on his lap, moving and adjusting the inside lining. His fellow workers gave him a wide berth thinking he was searching for lice in his hat