Larbert Black Mill

The first mention of this mill comes in 1859 when William Clark of Black Mill, Larbert, obtained a game certificate.  By 1881 the lease was held by A & W Cumming.  It seems that the works occupied a part of the Larbert Grinding Mill.

FORENAMES	SURNAME	RELATION	STATUS	AGE	OCCUPATION	WHERE BORN
Alexr.	CUMMING	Head	Widower	50	Blacking Miller	Edinburgh
James	CUMMING	Son	Unmarrried	20	Blacking Miller	Helensburgh
Margaret	PATTERSON	Servant	Widow	52	Domestic Servant	Campsie, Stirling
David	FREW	Servant	Unmarried	46	Blacking Miller	Denny
Robert	PENDER	Servant	Unmarried	25	Carter	Denny

The blacking mill was partially destroyed by fire on 10 November 1882.  The fire originated in the building nearest to the River Carron and was confined to it by the firefighters using the plentiful supply of water available.  The material manufactured continued to smoulder all day and the damage done was estimated at £250; the buildings were insured (Falkirk Herald 16 November 1882, 5).  The firm of A & W Cumming was dissolved by mutual agreement in January 1883; all debts contracted being paid by William Cumming, Auchencloch Black Mills, near Denny.  The business at Larbert thereafter was be carried on by Alexander Cumming and James Cumming.  The date of closure is not known but it was around 1890.

G.B. Bailey, 2022