Scotland's Brick and Tile Manufacturing Industry

Carty Tileworks, Carty Port, Penninghame, Wigtownshire

Canmore

Carty Tile Works, Wigtownshire Carty Tileworks was a typical small rural tileworks, making clay drainage tiles for local markets. When built it probably shipped some of its products to market, as there were the remains of a wood-piled quay beside the works.

This view (below) shows the single kiln in the centre, with the chimney which provided the draught for it. Behind it are the single-storey wooden sheds in which the tiles were moulded and dried before being fired in the kiln.

This was one of the last ceramic drainage tile works to operate in Scotland, as flexible plastic pipes were already taking over in the 1970s.

1845 – 1849 – ScotlandsPlaces – Carty Port. A new harbour constructed on the Wigtonshire side of the River Cree by the Earl of Galloway in the year 1828. Situated 2 1/2 miles from N. [Newton] Stewart 4 1/2 up the river. Boats of 40 tons may put in with safety on ordinary tides. There are two dwelling houses and a brick and tile works at it.

Below – 1846 – Carty Tileworks.

Below – 14/12/1858 – Headed notepaper – Carty, Baldoon and Millisle Tile and Brickworks – Robert Picken.

Below – 10/02/1883 – Glasgow Herald – Tile plant for sale at Carty. Apply William McGill, Carty Tileworks.

29/07/1886 – Ayr Advertiser – Quoiting – Mr Crawford, Carty Tileworks was the winner of a pair of vases presented by Mr John Hannah to the Newton Stewart Quoiting Club.

Below – 1894 – Carty Tileworks

1903 – David Crawford, Brick and Tile Maker, Corty (Carty?), Newton Stewart.

Below – 1907 – Carty Tileworks

13/08/1938 – The Scotsman – Two hour fight to save mare –  Embedded in Clayhole –  Fourteen men had a hard two hours struggle to save a Clydesdale mare which became deeply embedded in a treacherous clayhole on a marsh between High Baltersan and Low Baltersan Farms, Newton-Stewart, yesterday morning. The animal was discovered by Sergeant G . Nicholson, of Glasgow Police, at present holidaying at Carty, Newton-Stewart, while out for a walk. Seeing the animal, with only the head, neck, and part of back visible, he ran for assistance to workmen at Carty Tileworks. Ropes and shovels were brought, and after some time the men were able to pass ropes underneath the body of the animal and haul it to safety. The mare was the property, of Mr Robert Currie, Moorpark of Barr, Newton-Stewart.

13/03/1943 – Dumfries and Galloway Standard – For sale, The old established brick and tile works known as Carty Brick and Tile Works situated about two miles from the Market Town of Newton-Stewart.  The Works are fully equipped and are in active production.  There are ample Clay Reserves of first-class quality, Works Railway Siding, Dwelling-Houses, etc.  The Clay is suitable for Pottery. The Works are the only ones in Southern Scotland and have always been producing to full capacity.  They have been carried on successfully for nearly 60 years by the present owner, who is retiring from business. For further particulars apply to David Breckenridge, Solicitor, Newton-Stewart.

1961 – 1962 – A directory of British clay products and manufacturers – Carty Tileworks. Head office c/o Allan Howie, Harbour Street, Ardrossan, Ayrshire. Tel – Ardrossan/Saltcoats 468. Works – Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire. Tel Newton Stewart 116. Agricultural drain tiles.

Below – A fantastic article on the Carty Tileworks as compiled by Craig Gordon for a school project in 1987.

Carty Tile Works

Carty tile works  – (unknown date) Important little Galloway industry.

Carty tile works 2

Below – examples of products believed to have been manufactured at the Carty Brick and Tile Works. They were found on site.

Below – 18 cored brick

Below – Drainage tile – 14½” x 3″

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Below – Drainage tile – This tile is broken so the original length is unknown. Height 4″ x width 3¾” x base 2½”

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Below – Drainage tile – 13″ x 3 1/4″. There is some unusual stippling on the outside of the tile  – this resembles marks left by material or sacking perhaps.

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