Alexander Morton was a textile manufacturer and pioneer in the lace curtain industry and founded the successful business Alexander Moton and Company.

1860 – Alexander set up his first hand loom in his family’s small cottage in Darvel. At this point, non-mechanised weaving was the main cottage industry in Ayrshire.

1875 – Morton bought his first mechanical lace machine. This big investment was funded by family members and friends and led to the creation of Alexander Morton and Co.

1886 – His number of mechanical lave machines had grown to 40.

1890s – His company, Alexander Morton and Company, was doing very well and employed nearly 600 employees.

1915 – in his later life, Alexander was more interested in growing fruit and tending cattle on his farms than getting involved with his growing firm which he handed down to his son, James.