A HOLLYWOOD actor has thanked generous members of the public for their donations which led to a historic water wheel turning once again.

The National Trust for Scotland launched an appeal earlier this year to raise money to restore the water wheel at Preston Mill, which featured in the hit television show Outlander.

Within two weeks, more than £12,000 had been donated from people across the world.

Sam Heughan, who plays the lead role of Jamie Fraser in the TV series, was among those thanking everyone for their support.

The 39-year-old, who grew up in Dumfries and Galloway and Edinburgh, recorded a video message.

He said: “A big thank you to everyone who supported the National Trust for Scotland’s Preston Mill fundraiser.

“It’s an incredible mill and you guys helped to keep that place looking fantastic. I really can’t thank you all enough.

“It’s a beautiful place. Go visit!”

Preston Mill, located on the banks of the River Tyne to the east of East Linton, was one of the area’s last working grain mills, having been used commercially until 1959.

However, the 18th-century building needed urgent help to repair its water wheel after the mechanism which allowed it to turn broke last winter, causing it to jam in a fixed position.

Within two weeks of the launch of the crowdfunding appeal, a five-figure sum was raised, which enabled work to be carried out to restore the wheel.

With its curious Dutch-style conical roof, Preston Mill is an architectural oddity that beguiles visitors.

In 2014, it hosted the cast and crew of Outlander as they filmed some of the first season’s most pivotal scenes and used the mill as a stand-in for Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home.

Given the show’s international popularity, the fundraising campaign ran in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA.

The campaign attracted global attention, with an American donor from Nantucket, Massachusetts, making a substantial match-funded contribution.

Stuart Maxwell, general manager Edinburgh and East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We’re very thankful to everyone who has supported this project by raising awareness of the work we needed to do to protect this important place.

“Whether it was spreading the word on social media or by donating to our crowdfund appeal, it’s been fantastic to see.

“Thanks for helping us to get the wheel turning once again.”