Preston Mill, a 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 at least the 16th century, the current building was constructed in the 18th century.
The mill operated commercially until 1959, mainly producing oatmeal. It was the last commercial water mill in the Lothians, and the first industrial building cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
The River Tyne still powers the water wheel, and visitors can see the milling machinery in action during tours. There is also an exhibition in the visitor centre, and a beautiful mill pond and a walk to Phantassie Doocot to enjoy.
In the 18th century, engineer and millwright Andrew Meikle was associated with the mill, as was civil engineer John Rennie. After a major 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 in the 1960s.
Preston Mill includes a kiln, the mill building and a granary. The mill wheel was last replaced in 1909. Visitors, artists, filmmakers and photographers are particularly drawn to the kiln’s unique conical red pantile roof.
