Arthur Bell bought Criterion Mill in 1888 and renamed it ‘Buccleuch Mill’, marked by the red X in the photos below. It was located next to the River Esk, between Kilncleuch Mill and the terraced houses of Caroline Street.

It was also next to the railway station, convenient for logistics.

Arthur Bell was born in nearby Canonbie and worked with his father as a tweed merchant in the High Street before moving into manufacturing.

His son Edward Bell joined him in his manufacturing business but was away for part of 1914 and 1915 on military service as a major in the Territorials. There were 17 names in the Buccleuch Mill’s roll of honour, headed by Major Bell. The phrase at the bottom is taken from the Common Riding’s crying of the fair: ‘This day we hae dune a guid thing’ (Today we have done a good thing).

Fire was a constant threat in the mills and in January 1914 Buccleuch Mills had a major fire in its carding and spinning department, although the premises were quickly rebuilt.