MILNATHORT, or Mills-of-Forth, a village, in the
parish of Orwell, county of Kinross, 1 mile (N.) '
from Kinross; containing 1605 inhabitants. This is a
considerable village, pleasantly seated in the south-eastern
part of the parish, about three-quarters of a mile northwest
of Loch Leven, and on the high road between
Kinross and Perth; it is of very neat appearance, and i.s
lighted with gas. Its inhabitants are partly engaged in
weaving cotton goods for the Glasgow manufacturers.
The chief manufacture, however, is that of tartan shawls
and plaids, which has in a measure superseded that of
cotton goods; and spacious workshops have been erected,
adapted to the use of larger looms, and the more constant
employment of a greater number of persons. Some
of the tartan weavers obtain work from Tillicoultry, but
the majority are employed by resident manufacturers.
A market is held weekly, and is well attended by the
agents of distilleries in distant places for the purchase
of grain, this being the only grain-market in the county:
an attempt was made to establish also a market for
cheese, butter, and poultry, but without success. Fairs
for cattle are held on the Thursday before Christmas,
and the second Thursday in February; and for cattle,
sheep, and horses in the beginning of May, July, and
November, and the end of August. This place has
latterly much increased in population, and has now,
among other institutions, a post-office; a public library
of 1 .500 volumes, supported by subscription, under the
management of a proprietary of forty members; a parochial
library of about 500 volumes, in connexion with
the Established Church; and two other libraries, in
connexion with dissenting congregations. The members
of the Free Church have a place of worship in the village
of Milnathort.