Help Restore the Oldest Newspaper Press in Britain

The oldest newspaper press in Britain

The Scottish Printing Archival Trust is launching a campaign to preserve and restore a unique, 105-year-old newspaper printing machine. The Cossar, a 10-ton reel-fed flatbed newspaper printing press, is thought to be the only one of its kind left in the world. It was built into the premises of David Philips Printers, Crieff, under the supervision of its Scottish designer, Tom Cossar, in 1907.

Tom Cossar's invention, a development of the widely used 'Wharfedale' press, revolutionised the production of small circulation local papers. The flatbed cylinder press utilised the skills and equipment generally available in small printing shops, whilst the web-fed configuration allowed in-line production (from reel to folded copy in one pass) thus enabling low cost and  rapid publication.

This press ran complete editions of the 'Strathearn Herald' every single week from its original installation until 28 March 1991, when the title was transferred to Scottish and Universal Newspapers.

David Philips in Crieff has generously donated this magnificent example of early 20th century printing engineering and media history to the National Museum of Scotland, which put forward funding to move the press from Crieff to storage in Clydeside. It had to be removed as it was installed – in pieces and therefore there is a funding shortfall of approximately £15,000 needed to ensure its re-instatement and restoration to full working order. The Scottish Printing Archival Trust is spearheading the fundraising effort to raise this sum. All donations of whatever size would be welcome.

 Help Restore the Oldest Newspaper Press in Britain