W & M Duncan and Company facts for kids

Duncan's of Edinburgh was a famous Scottish company that made sweets and chocolates. They were most famous for creating the delicious Walnut Whip, which is still made today by Nestlé Rowntree's.

History of Duncan's Sweets

How Duncan's Started

The company started in Dundee, Scotland, in 1861. A woman named Mary Duncan and her oldest son, William, began by making cakes. They worked hard to grow their business.

Moving to Edinburgh

In 1884, Duncan's moved their business to Edinburgh. This was a big step! In Edinburgh, they started making chocolates and other sweets, not just cakes. They moved again in 1896 to a larger factory called the Regent Confectionery Works.

The Famous Walnut Whip

One of Duncan's most exciting creations was the Walnut Whip. This tasty treat was first made in 1910. It quickly became very popular. By 1916, their factory was much bigger because so many people loved their sweets.

Changes Over the Years

In 1927, a larger company called Rowntree bought Duncan's. However, they kept the "Duncan's" name because it was so well-known. Later, in 1967, the Edinburgh factory focused only on making the Walnut Whip.

The factory closed in 1987, but it didn't stay closed for long! A group of managers bought the company and reopened it right away. They called it "Duncans of Scotland." In 1991, the business moved to Bellshill, Lanarkshire.

Chocolate for Soldiers

From 1991 to 2003, Duncan's had a special job. They made chocolate bars for the British military! These bars were part of the soldiers' food packs. Duncan's supplied over 4 million chocolate bars during this time. They made different flavors, like plain milk chocolate and raisin and cereal bars.

The End of Duncan's

After many years and different owners, Duncan's of Scotland eventually stopped making sweets. The company officially closed down in February 2003. While the company no longer exists, the famous Walnut Whip continues to be enjoyed by many people today.