Established in 1862, Laings is proud to be one of the largest independent retailers of luxury kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms in the UK.
Laings was established in 1862, by James Laing (pictured), a plumber local to Inverurie, aged 24. At that time, very few people had a plumbed-in water supply to their home. Much of the work undertaken by James Laing & Sons, was installing new water supplies.
Navvies were employed to hand dig tracks for new water supplies. This was called ‘Cutting & Filling in track’, as described in the sales ledgers below from the late 1800s. This was often for several miles.
Call Bell systems were invented in 1744 and common in large homes throughout the 18th century. The above photo was taken at Balbithan House, Kintore. James Laing & Sons installed this system, which was, at the time, a ‘Smart’ home system
James Laing was a member of Inverurie Council for 15 years. He died in 1890 aged 53. His son Patrick Laing (pictured) ran the company for many years. Patrick Laing passed away in 1942, aged 74, leaving the business to his son Andrew Laing."
A Laing day out at Monymusk House. Around 85 years later, Laings are awarded the contract to replace the lead roof at the same house.
The above image is an example of luxury showering in 1907. Product books like these are still held today within the Laings library.
The above is a page from the Shanks & Co Ltd catalogue from 1915 showing a modern bathroom layout.
Andrew Laing served his time as plumber at John Dean, Queen Street in Aberdeen, before joining the family firm. Andrew saw great changes in the plumbing business. There was less emphasis on large contracts and more attention paid to the domestic side of plumbing.
Laings expanded its services to include a wider range of home improvement offerings, setting the stage for future growth.
Rope Yarn was used to make cast iron joints. One of Andy’s first journeymen, Mac MacGregor, told stories of how plumbers used the rope yarn to tie a WC to their back and then cycle to the job. The example he used was Inverurie to Cluny (10 miles)
After World War II, Laings played a vital role in rebuilding and modernising homes throughout Scotland.
Andrew Laing starts Andy Walker as a 15-year-old apprentice plumber. Andy himself had grown up in a rural home with no internal WC until the age of 15.
Partnership with Calor Gas. Andy Walker wins an award for installing the most Calor Gas tanks into residences, bringing affordable central heating to hundreds of homes in the north east.
Laings began to specialise in bathrooms in the late 1970s. By the mid-1980s Laings were beginning to be well known for luxury bathrooms and a quality installation. The ‘two-tone’ bathroom in the image above became Laings’ ‘signature’ range for many years.
Laings expands its showroom at 84 High Street and opens the new home improvement centre.
Pictured above is Ian Charles (top right) who joined the company in 1973 and Terry Charles (bottom right) who joined the company in 1976.
The new showroom opens at Oldmeldrum road Inverurie, purpose built and the first of its kind attracting visitors from all over the UK. Pictured is Andy Walker (right) and 4th generation Laing, Douglas Laing (left). Douglas retired in 2007.
Laings became kitchen specialists when the new showroom opened in 1994. By 2019, the kitchen business has grown to become 60% of the company’s turnover.
Andy and LG Von Boch, launch the new House of Villeroy and Boch, which was the first in the UK.
Laings form a dedicated team to focus on contract work, which grows to become 40% of the business by 2019.
Pictured above is Claire McKay (Director) who joined the business in 2002.
Laings Directline opens, a new showroom to cater for affordable bathrooms and kitchens as well as trade accounts.
Laings win prestigious KBB national awards in 2017 and 2018. In addition, Laings also win the commitment to people in 2017 and Family Business of the Year in 2018 for AGCC.
Pictured left are Darren Walker (Director), Jim Gifford (Presenter), Kelly Abel (Director), and Andy Walker (Managing Director).
Showroom refurbishment takes place to celebrate 25 years at Oldmeldrum Road, Inverurie.
Established in 1862, today Laings is one of the largest independent retailers of luxury Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Bedrooms in the UK.
