REPAIRS have been carried out at an ancient watermill after damage was caused by Storm Arwen.

Preston Mill, on the banks of the River Tyne at East Linton, was damaged during the storm in November 2021.

Work has been conducted on the roof structure of the mill and the adjacent kiln with its conical tiled roof throughout the winter in a bid to ensure that the building can open to the public from April.

Fraser MacDonald, mill supervisor, highlighted the work that had taken place at the mill, which is managed by National Trust for Scotland.

He said: “Preston Mill has stood for over 400 years and it has been modified and repaired countless times.

“The National Trust for Scotland has a duty of care to look after it.

“Recent inspections highlighted that the traditional lime mortar which bonds the roof tiles was naturally weakening due to age and in need of repair.

“Unfortunately, Storm Arwen also contributed damage to the kiln roof and some of the wooden beams in the roof structure had also become weakened since the last major repairs about 30 years ago.”

Preston Mill, which also features in the popular television series Outlander, was the last working water mill in the Lothians and is historically important.

The milling machinery is still maintained and can be seen in operation by visitors during the summer.

Loose mortar has been removed and replaced using traditional materials and methods.

Work has been carried out by HM Raitt and Sons of Musselburgh, under project management by Gleeds Edinburgh.

Strengthening beams and a new course of dwangs (braces between the wooden beams) have been installed in the kiln roof to stabilise the structure.

Lime mortar needs particular humidity and temperature to set properly.

It is hoped that the final stage of repairs at Preston Mill will take place in the spring as the weather improves.

ROC Workshops of West Linton was also at the mill recently to make repairs to the waterwheel as part of the winter maintenance schedule.

National Trust for Scotland is looking for volunteers to help out at the watermill – people can email fmac donald@nts.org.uk for more information.