There were two unionist organisations: the Eskdale Unionist Association and the Eskdale Women’s Unionist and Tariff Reform Association, both associated with the national Conservative and Unionist party. They were in favour of making the British Empire a free trade bloc and imposing tariffs on non-Empire imports, whereas the Liberal party advocated free trade. Although Scotland was a Liberal stronghold, Langholm mill owners exposed to international trade tended to side with the Conservative and Unionist position.

The Eskdale Unionist Association had a membership of 240, of whom 66 were in military service in January 1915. The president was Arthur Bell, owner of Buccleuch Mill. John Cairns, owner of the Ford Mill, was also a member. Membership was free for military volunteers during the war and the association’s club rooms in the High Street were made available to wounded soldiers recuperating in the Red Cross hospital.

The Eskdale Women’s Unionist and Tariff Reform Association was headed by Miss Margaret Graham, sister of Richard and Fred Graham, owners of the Reid & Taylor mill. However, she resigned in 1915 to move to London. Another prominent member was Charlotte Cairns, wife of Bailie John Cairns.