The mill

Preston Mill (Category A listed building) is a historic watermill on the River Tyne at the eastern edge of East Linton in East Lothian. Although a mill has existed on this site since the 16th century, the current building was constructed in the 18th century.

It operated commercially until 1959, mainly producing oatmeal. The River Tyne still powers the water wheel, and visitors can see the machinery in action during tours. There is also an exhibition about milling and a beautiful mill pond to enjoy.

In the 18th century, engineer and millwright Andrew Meikle managed the mill. After a flood in 1948, a local landowner donated the mill to the Trust in 1950. The milling company Rank Hovis McDougall helped with renovations and shared their expertise when we restored the mill.

Preston Mill includes a kiln, the primary mill and the miller’s house. The mill wheel was added in 1909. Visitors, artists and photographers are particularly drawn to the kiln’s unique conical red pantile roof.

The waterwheel of an old watermill next to a red sandstone building with blue flowers in the foreground.

A view of the exterior of Preston Mill on a sunny day, showing the water wheel at the edge of the brick building. The mill has an unusual Dutch-style conical roof.

A view of an old stone mill with a large water wheel at the side. The walls have exposed brickwork and the roof is made of orange tiles.

A view of Preston Mill from across the mill pond. It is a sunny day; the sky is blue and the water very calm, meaning there is an almost perfection reflection of the mill.

The terracotta-colour tiles of the conical roof of Preston Mill can be seen from across a summer meadow.