The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is excited to announce that it has awarded a Project Development Grant to Mill of Benholm Enterprise, enabling the charity to progress further with plans to restore the Category A-listed Mill of Benholm and safeguard it for future generations.
This was one of 12 awards made at the latest grants meeting, where projects across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland were awarded funding totalling £135,517.
Situated within the conservation area of Benholm near the coastal village of Johnshaven, Aberdeenshire, The Mill of Benholm is an exceptional and rare survival of a meal mill in working order. The historic water-powered mill originally dates back to the 18th century, but was extended and rebuilt in 1817. To this day, it retains many fine early features, as well as complete functionality. The seven-acre site comprises a mill dam and lade, a former miller’s house and byre, a barn and grain store, and a community orchard and garden. Following a previous restoration of the mill in 1987-95, it was utilised by local groups for various activities before sadly closing again in 2014.
Image: The Mill of Benholm, with the Burn of Benholm running alongside it. Credit - Mill of Benholm Enterprise.
In 2024, Mill of Benholm Enterprise acquired the Mill of Benholm through a Community Asset Transfer. Since then, the paths have been restored, the community garden has been re-activated, and the car park has been enhanced and expanded, enabling the forgotten mill to be brought out of its decade-long hibernation to welcome visitors once again.
Images: The handover ceremony (left) and a Spring Fair (right) at the Mill of Benholm. Credit - Mill of Benholm Enterprise.
Now, the charity is committed to securing an economically viable future for this significant site. It aims to restore the mill to full working order to produce flour, and to transform it into a visitor attraction and community hub, with a specific focus on supporting mental health needs. The existing basic café facility will be upgraded to include a kitchen and improved toilets, and an expansion into the former byre will also provide an outdoor seating area overlooking the mill dam. Internal space will be flexibly developed to enable community use beyond visitor hours. Additionally, learning facilities will be developed for workshops and skills training; specific plans include partnering with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings to deliver courses in building maintenance, and to enhance the biodiversity, forest schooling and skill teaching around natural woodland management in harmony with nature.
The Historic Environment Scotland-supported AHF grant will contribute towards RIBA 3 fees, including planning and listed building consent.
Images: The exisiting cafe at the Mill of Benholm (left) and the Mill Brae Woods next to the Mill of Benholm (right). Credit - Mill of Benholm Enterprise.
