Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot

Preston Mill is one of the oldest mechanically working meal mills in Scotland. There has been a mill on the site since the sixteenth century and the present stone buildings date mainly from the eighteenth century. The mill was working commercially up until 1959 and primarily produced oatmeal. Whilst no meal is produced today, visitors can still see the machinery working as it is driven by the waterwheel. A separate building houses an exhibition on milling and information on the history of Preston Mill, along with a small gift shop. The millpond, with its resident ducks and geese, is an additional attraction.

Preston Mill is frequently visited by students of all ages. Visits to the Mill can be tailored to cover specific areas of study (e.g. water power, agricultural studies). Guided tours of the Mill can be arranged by contacting the Property Manager on 01620 860426, but please note that the Mill is closed during the winter months. A programme of learning through drama is currently being developed and it is planned to have several dates available to teachers in the year 2000. These will be publicised in due course.

An educational resource pack for the 5-14 age group is available along with an illustrated guidebook. A video and support pack for schools titled 'Preston Mill: A Focus for Technology' is available free of charge to teachers in East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and City of Edinburgh Councils by contacting the appropriate curriculum support service. A study box is available on site to supplement visits to the Mill and another portable study box is available, free of charge, for use in the classroom. The boxes contain handling materials along with various written information and documents, oral history accounts, project work and photographs. Dressing up clothes are available for use either on site or in the classroom. For further information about these resources please contact the Property Manager.

Events such as Easter Egg hunts and drawing courses are held at the Mill each year. For details of forthcoming events please contact the Property Manager on 01620 860426 or the Public Relations Officer on 01721 722502.

Please note that visits to Preston Mill must be booked in advance by contacting the Property Manager.

Further information on all aspects of education at the Mill is available from the Property Manager. You can contact the Mill by telephoning 01620 860426 or by writing to: The Property Manager, Preston Mill, Preston Road, East Linton, East Lothian EH40 3DS

Should you wish to bring an educational group to an NTS property it is essential that you contact the Property Manager in advance to make arrangements.

Click here to download a printable booking form (PDF format).

Click here to download a printable property information leaflet giving details on the educational potential of the property (PDF format).

Should you require a free visit to help plan excursion, please contact the Property Manager in advance.

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