A water-powered mill in Angus is set to grind grain once again after receiving a record-breaking donation to fund its restoration.

The National Trust for Scotland has announced that a long-time member of the conservation charity has gifted an incredible £2.4 million, one of the largest single donations from a living individual in the Trust's history, to support projects across the North East, including the revitalisation of Barry Mill.

The mill, in its current form dating back to 1814 following a rebuild after a fire, boasts a rich history of over 800 years as a vital source of food and trade for the local community, with milling activities documented as far back as the 1600s. The recent restoration work has focused on the mill's intricate mechanical system, forming part of a comprehensive 10-year maintenance and repair plan.

The initial phase of the repairs, which commenced in October 2023, was carried out by the Trust's building conservation team in collaboration with specialist contractors. This crucial stage involved the replacement of the water wheel shaft, the repair of its bearings, a complete overhaul of the water wheel and the "teeth" of the internal gear mechanism and its supporting structure, as well as the replacement of the water buckets and the mill's sluice gate.


Iain Hawkins, Regional Director for the North East, expressed his delight at the progress: "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."

He acknowledged the complexities of working on such a historic structure, adding: "Working on a building of this age presented 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."

Mr Hawkins also highlighted the pivotal role of the donation: "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, which saw a long-standing member of our charity, who wishes to remain anonymous, donate £2.4 million to support our projects across the North East. Contributions like this allow us to continue our vital conservation work, to care for, protect and share Scotland's natural and cultural heritage for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future."

Barry Mill is now considered one of only a few remaining water-powered mills still operational and is recognised as a significant and well-preserved example of its kind. While such mills were once commonplace for various industrial purposes before the Industrial Revolution, Barry Mill continued to produce oatmeal and other foods, providing local employment until 1982. It was subsequently taken into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1990.

For 2025, the mill is offering new special milling tours on Fridays at 11 am, midday, and 2 pm, lasting approximately one hour. During these tours, the milling team will operate the original French burr millstones to grind grain. The water wheel and machinery will also be running every day the mill is open. Visitors do not need to pre-book and are welcome to attend.