Renovation starts at Knockando Wool mill

15 Apr '10

2 min read

A long-standing refurbishment project will finally commence at a mill in Moray, after a decade-long fundraising campaign.

During, this two-year £3.3 million renovation project at Knockando Wool mill, weavers will be relocated to another location, for the first time in 226 years. The near run-down group of buildings is the only remains of Scotland's historic textile industry, where cloth is being produced on site since 1784.

According to Jana Hutt, Chairwoman, Woolmill Trust, “During renovation, weaving will be carried out in another company. An access road and car park for visitors along with a training workshop will be part of the new construction.”

Although most mills vanished during the two world wars, Knockando continued operations. Though it is small, it is unique because of its age-old existence. This is where the local farmers, who would come to sell their wool, would take back home, products churned out by the company like, blankets.

By 2012, the construction is likely to come to an end. It is then, that visitors will have access to the mill and for this a shop and cafe will also be constructed within the mill premises. The Woolmill Trust's aim, of collecting £3.3 million was achieved at the end of last year, when the Scottish Government's, Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, gave the trust the last amount of £96,000.

The fight for funds started a decade ago by campaigners and it brought the project to light in 2004, when BBC featured it in their show, 'Restoration'. Funds poured in from varied sources such as, £60,000 from the Robertson Trust, more than £1 million from the European Commission, £280,000 from Historic Scotland, £53,000 from Scottish Natural Heritage, £1.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other cash from smaller charities and trusts.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - Scotland...