Current Programme · RTS
Return to Source
A structured programme to reconnect Dundee Mills’ American history with Dundee, Scotland, and determine whether that connection can support useful work today.
Corporate description
The name crossed the Atlantic. The acknowledgement did not.
Reason for return
The source was a city, not a label.
Dundee’s international textile reputation was created by mills, engineers, merchants and, above all, generations of workers. The American company’s historical account associates its name with that reputation.
Return to Source does not transfer ownership of Dundee’s history to Dundee Mills. It recognises a connection, places it on the record and asks whether a responsible modern relationship can be established.
Work programme
Three workstreams. No assumed conclusion.
RTS-01
Historical record
Consolidate films, packaging, photographs, product records, public filings and employee accounts relating to Dundee Mills.
Output: a sourced corporate chronology with corrections clearly recorded.
RTS-02
Product study
Examine current needs in personal care, comfort, durability, material use and dignified adult products.
Output: a decision on whether any concept merits technical development.
RTS-03
Dundee engagement
Invite local memories, objections, knowledge, technical advice, partnership interest and proposals for public activity.
Output: a public findings record maintained independently by Dundee Baby.
Programme sequence
Work proceeds in the filed order.
Phase 01
Establish the record
Identify what is documented, what is reported and what remains unknown.
Phase 02
Consult Dundee
Place the connection before the city and receive the local record.
Phase 03
Test proposals
Assess technical, social and commercial usefulness without presuming production.
Phase 04
Publish a decision
Proceed, revise or close the programme, with reasons stated.
Status at opening
The programme has begun. Its outcomes have not.
Historical and public-engagement work is active. Product, employment, property, manufacturing and commercial proposals remain unapproved unless a later notice states otherwise.
Historical files under review: active
Public inquiry: open
Products approved: 0
Dundee facilities committed: 0
Commercial launch dates: 0
Public participation
Dundee Baby maintains the public side of the file.
Residents, former textile workers, historians, businesses, researchers and organisations may submit memories, records, criticism, technical knowledge or expressions of interest through the independent inquiry.
