Key Industries

Since prehistoric times man has used horn, antler and bone implements as tools, household objects, jewellery and weapons. A little later horn from livestock was being heated and moulded. This versatile material could also be cut into such thin pieces that they could become almost transparent and be used almost like glass.

In south west Scotland, much horn work was originally undertaken by travelling folk or 'tinkers’. Later master horners set themselves up with small businesses within all the major towns.