Caledonia Timber is based on the former J & J Law sawmill in Lilliesleaf in the Scottish Borders, sustaining a long tradition of timber processing on the site.

The sawmill dates back to the 1890s and has been in constant use throughout the changing times. It was a valued source of employment for the local community and was part of a network of sawmills suppling timber across the region.

The sawmill holds a place in the heart of the locals, and is often referred to in accounts of life in the Scottish Borders, notably due to the taxing work, often undertaken against the harsh Borders climate.

Following the purchase of the mill in 2020, Caledonia Timber has continually invested to modernise the facility, installing state of the art processing and handling equipment.

Although now leading the way in timber processing, our approach to our locality and sustainability remains the same as it was when the sawmill was founded – Caledonia Timber are passionate about championing our unrivalled local timbers, and source all of our stock from local estates within a 30 mile radius.

This passion for local underpins all that we do, ensuring we can bring you the best of Scottish Timber.

Lilliesleaf sawmill through the ages

The Lilliesfeaf sawmill has been a constant in the area for generations, supllying local timbers and sustaining the local economy.

Former owners Jack and Bertie processing timbers for industrial and agricultural use.

Accounts of life at the sawmill feature in many local texts including Voices from Lilliesleaf, Ian McDougall.

Oh, there’s been a sawmill there for a long time… there wis an auld sawdust heap there and we raised tae go along there and dig into it and play in it at nights. The sawmill must have been there in the 1890’s, somethin’ like that…

Tam Borthwick
Born 1907, Lilliesleaf

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When I started wi’ Jones in the Lilliesleaf Sawmill in 1951 there’d be about a dozen men in the sawmill itself. There’d probably be six carting the wood and six cutting the trees down – so there’d be approximately two dozen. It wis quite a big enterprise for Lilliesleaf, a big help for this area.

Andrew Shortreed
Born 1931, Lilliesleaf

A new era begins

We have invested heavily in state of the art processing equipment to offer a wide range of timber products. Overseen by our sawmill mangaer Chloe and our capable team.