Pillans & Wilson
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Printing |
| Founded | 1775 |
| Founder | James Pillans |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Fate | Merged with Waddies of Livingston to form Pillans & Waddies; ceased operations due to industry decline |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh , Scotland, United Kingdom |
Key people | Robert Wilson FRSE (manager, President of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce 1932–1934) |
| Products | Printing services, legal documentation, corporate records |
Number of employees | 240 (at closure) |
Pillans and Wilson was a printing enterprise based in Edinburgh that operated from 1775 until 2002, catering to distinguished clients over its extensive history.
History
The business was established in 1775 by James Pillans (born 1745) and initially operated in Edinburgh's South Side. It subsequently moved to Hastie's Close, then to Riddles Court located on the Lawnmarket near the Royal Mile. In 1788, the firm adopted the name Pillans and Son following the addition of Hugh Pillans (1783–1852). Upon James Pillans' passing, Hugh assumed control and, in 1827, partnered with his brother John Pillans, relocating to James Court and trading as H and J Pillans. After a fire in 1857, the company continued at James Court until its move to 18 Thistle Street in the New Town, Edinburgh in 1877. At this time, leadership was under Hugh Scott Pillans (1824–1894).
The year 1890 marked the arrival of W. Scott Wilson, leading to the creation of Pillans & Wilson. An expansion of their Thistle Street premises followed in 1892. By the time of the First World War, they also operated a stationery outlet at 86 Hanover Street and relocated their main operations to Newington Works at 20 Bernard Terrace in 1918. Despite the change in company name, many publications continued to be issued under "H & J Pillans."
During the twentieth century, Robert Wilson FRSE (1876–1952) took over management and notably served as President of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce from 1932 to 1934.
The company was formally incorporated as Pillans & Wilson Ltd in 1996. In 2002, it merged with Waddies of Livingston, West Lothian, creating Pillans & Waddies. However, due to industry decline driven by digital transformation, the firm ceased operations in 2006, resulting in 240 job losses. The brand continues today as Pillans & Wilson Greenaway, functioning from a modest office located on Leith Walk.
Publications
- Under H & J Pillans
- Works by James Pillans
- Publications produced for the Bannatyne Club
- The Hydra
- Under Pillans & Wilson
- Legal documentation for the High Court and Edinburgh’s legal community
- Corporate records for firms based in Edinburgh