Tormiston Mill
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Tormiston Mill | |
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Type | Watermill (1882–1962) Visitor Centre (1989–2016) |
Location | Stenness |
Area | Mainland, Orkney |
Built | 1882 |
Owner | Historic Environment Scotland |
Tormiston Mill is a Category B listed watermill located on the Mainland of Orkney, in Scotland, owned by Historic Scotland since 1989. The mill sits adjacent to Maeshowe Chambered Cairn.
History
Watermill (1882–1962)
Tormiston Mill was built in 1882 by Colonel Balfour of Shapinsay, and became operational shortly after. Many of the original mill mechanisms have been preserved inside. The mill is a large, rectangular building with three floors and originally a small attic until it was stripped out during asbestos removal in the 2010s. It was powered by three pairs of grinding stones driven by a cast iron water wheel.[1] Tormiston was not a flour mill, but instead processed grain, peas and beans for animal feed, as well as coarse bere and oatmeal for bread or porridge. Tormiston Mill served the parish of Stenness until 1962 when it finally ceased production. After the mill closed, it became a restaurant and shop, winning a European Architectural Heritage Award in 1975.[2]
Maeshowe Visitor Centre (1989–2016)
Tormiston Mill was purchased by
References
58°59′41″N 3°11′11″W / 58.9946°N 3.1864°W