Grinding Grain at Preston Mill

Tuesday 24 March 2026

Join us at Preston Mill to see this watermill grind grain for the first time in nearly 40 years. Meet the mill supervisor to learn about the history, machinery and skills involved. This event is run with the National Trust for Scotland and the North UK Mills Group. There has been a mill on site since the 16th century and the current structure dates to the 18th century.
A unique behind-the-scenes look at how the mill was brought back to working order: Fraser MacDonald of the National Trust for Scotland will explain the labour, skill, and technical work necessary to bring the millstones back to life.
You’ll be able to ask questions of him and the NTS team, exploring both the historical and modern-day aspects of milling.

There will also be opportunities to meet and learn from North UK Mills Group members.

You will need

Please wear warm, comfortable layers and sturdy and closed-toed shoes. We recommend bringing a raincoat or umbrella as part of the event will be outdoors.
We will supply tea, coffee, biscuits. You may wish to bring your own packed lunch to eat in the mill grounds.

How to get there

Preston Mill
East Linton
EH40 3DS

By car: Preston Mill is located in East Linton, 23 miles east of Edinburgh off the A1. Follow brown signposts/directions marked NTS Preston Mill.

By bus: East Coast buses #106 or the X7, or Borders Buses # 253. Please check local bus timetables for up-to-date information.

By train: the nearest train station is East Linton station which is a 15-minute walk from the mill.

Accessibility

Visitors with disabilities may drive up to the exhibition room entrance.
The ground floor of the mill is partly accessible.
There are steep stairs to the upper floor.
The exhibition and shop are fully accessible. 
The grounds of the mill are partially accessible.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

Photos and filming: We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: Preston Mill © NTS, courtesy Fraser MacDonald