The Old Corn Mill

Port William

The Corn Mill was one of the first buildings to be erected in the "new" village of Port William in 1796. The Laird, Sir William Maxwell had decided to improve the lands around the area so that tenant farmers could make a better living and hence pay more in rents. He also built the first harbour, which is just across the road, so that produce could be shipped out and fertilisers shipped in to further improve the farmland.

The mill was powered by an 'overshot' water wheel, the remains of which are shown above. To provide a constant flow of water, the Killantrae Burn, which flows through the valley behind the mill, was dammed, and a salmon ladder was included in the design. Half the water then flowed through the mill and into the harbour (it's original course) the other half was diverted and flows directly into the sea (the present course).

Experienced millers were needed to run the mill and a family called McKenzie came down from the Highlands in the late 18th century. They must have been extremley strong since the maximum weight on the sack lift shown above is two and a half hundredweight or 127 kilos.

Having heaved the corn to the top of the mill, is was poured down a chute to the grinding wheels. The galvanised metal chute shown above is obviously not original but some original parts still remain.

In 1813 the mill was purchased by Thomas Routledge of Kirkinner although he was originally from Muncaster in Cumberland (The home of Tom Fool - but there's no connection). It was in this period that labour was brought in from the Highlands, Northern Ireland and England as the land changed from grazing cattle and sheep to arable cereal crops and Port William started to be established as the planned village it now is.

In 1918 it was bought by James Wylie & Son and is still known as Wylies Mill. The mill was then bought by Dourie Farming Company who installed two kilns for grain drying and it finally closed in 1982. Recently bought by local man, Frank Gilmour, the mill is undergoing sympathetic restoration and donations of period equipment, such as the belt drive below are being installed with the object of returning the mill to its original working status.

As work progresses, this webpage will be updated and the latet news added to the column on the right.

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SITE OVERVIEW

HISTORY

Archaeology, Standing Stones, Iron Age Fort, early Christian sites and much more. Port William is central to many visitor attractions. (more)

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Cycling, hill walking, fishing, gardens, golf courses, horse riding and pony trekking, bird-watching, bingo, loch, river and sea angling and bridge club...something for all ages and interests. (More)

ACCOMMODATION

Self catering cottage holidays, caravan parks and camping, guest house/bed and breakfast's and hotels. Plenty of choice to suit all budgets. (More)

BUSINESS

Whether it's provisions for your stay or a gift to take back home, you'll always receive a friendly welcome and good service from all local shops and businesses. (More)

LOCATION

Where is Port William? Local maps, travel links and directions to Port William. (More)

The Old Corn Mill Project

Contact:

Frank Gilmour

The Old Corn Mill

High St

Port William

01988 700627

e-mail fandfgilmour@btinternet.com

Events and Updates

Latest Additions

A number of items have been loaned or gifted to the project and have been restored, in many cases , back to working order. Here are some of the latest:-