Tour Scotland photograph of the David Rattray gravestone in the graveyard in Rattray by Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland. David was a Flax Spinner at Bramble Bank Mill, who died 23rd of November, 1860. From the frequent mention of linen in the history of Scotland, it is evident that the inhabitants were acquainted with the processes of making cloth from flax six hundred years ago at least. It is related that, at the battle of Bannockburn, fought in the year 1314, " the carters, wainmen, lackeys, and women put on shirts, smocks, and other white linens, aloft upon their usual garments, and bound towels and napkins on their spears and staves. Then placing themselves in battle array, and making a great show, they came down the hillside in face of the enemy with much noise and clamour. The English, supposing them to be a reinforcement coming to the Scots, turned and fled. " There is good reason for concluding that the linen so successfully displayed on this memorable occasion was home made. At first the flax was grown, dressed, spun, and woven by the people for their own use; but towards the close of the sixteenth century linen goods formed the chief part of the exports from Scotland to England and many foreign countries.
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