News

A historic mill is producing flour for the first time in 4o years after restoration work was made possible by a £2.4 million donation from a mystery donor.

The water-powered Barry Mill, near Carnoustie, operated as a mill for nearly 800 years until 1982.  It is now milling flour again after restoration work on the mechanical system was completed.

The work was made possible thanks to the support of a long-time member of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) who was inspired by the work the team at Barry Mill are doing to save the pre-industrial building for future generations.

He donated £2.4 million to support the charity’s projects across the north-east of Scotland, including the restoration of Barry Mill, which was rebuilt in its current form in 1814 following a fire.

The charity said it is one of the largest single gifts by a living donor in the history of the NTS.

Iain Hawkins, NTS regional director for the north-east, said: “It is fantastic to see the mill back in working order after the completion of the first phase of our 10-year plan to restore it.

“The first phase has seen important parts of the mill’s internal mechanics restored, such as the installation of a new water wheel shaft, repairs to its bearings and replacement of the water wheel’s teeth and its water buckets to enable the water-powered mill to be fully operational once again.

“Working on a building this age presents some complex challenges and it is testament to the hard work of our highly-skilled team and the specialist contractors they commissioned that they were able to bring this amazing example of our pre-industrial heritage back to life to share with our visitors.”

He added: “This work wouldn’t have been possible without one of the largest single gifts by a living donor in the National Trust for Scotland’s history, that saw a long-standing member of our charity, who wishes to remain anonymous, donate £2.4 million to support our projects.

“Contributions like this allow us to contribute our vital conservation work, to care for, protect and share, Scotland’s national and cultural heritage.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 10 April 2025.