PEOPLE in Johnstone launched a bid to save the town’s Paton’s Mill in 2003 and turn it into a top tourist attraction.
They called for the historic building on High Street to be turned into a museum along the lines of New Lanark and believed the project could draw thousands of visitors.
Built in 1782, Patons in Johnstone was the first machine factory in the world and some of the buildings in the grounds date back to the late 1700’s, with the original lathe still in place.
The six-storey mill was put up for sale after shoelace manufacturer William Paton Ltd announced a move to Linwood and plans were lodged to convert the A-listed buildings into flats when the business moved out.
But the community council was opposing any housing development amidst fears it could increase congestion, and called on Historic Scotland to step in and preserve the mill for the nation.
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