A substantial seventeenth-century mill beside the Almond retains its dated lintel, hoist openings and the architectural traces of water-powered work.
Quick facts
- Date
- Dated 1672 with later work; converted to a dwelling in 1967
- Architect / designer
- Designer not recorded
- Type
- Three-storey L-plan former watermill adapted as a house
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB27519)
- OS grid reference
- NT 12282 73794
Architecture and continuing use
The three-storey rubble building has an L-plan with crowstepped gables and a lower entrance wing. A weathered lintel carries the date 1672 and paired initials. Tall former hoist openings, surviving hoist equipment, a cast-iron tie plate and a wall projection marking the waterwheel position make the industrial function readable despite residential conversion.
Its story
The site served as the barony mill of Liston from 1672. The Earl of Stair purchased it in 1723, and the Scott family operated it from 1863. Milling ended around 1928. In 1967 the building was converted into a dwelling, retaining the main massing and several details of grain handling and water power.
Why it is included
It is a rare surviving link between the River Almond, the estate economy and the everyday processing of grain over more than two centuries.
What to notice
- The 1672 lintel with initials for James Dundas and Elizabeth Reid.
- Tall openings and remnants of the external hoist.
- A projection on the east side marking the former waterwheel position.
Reading the surroundings
Breast Mill is a private home. View only from lawful public space, respect residents and take care near the river and road.
Timeline
- 1672 The dated building served as the barony mill of Liston.
- 1723 The Earl of Stair acquired the mill.
- Around 1928 Commercial milling at the site came to an end.
- 1967 The former mill was converted for residential use.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The HES account identifies the former wheel and hoist positions, but the present condition of machinery and private interiors has not been independently checked.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Breast Mill, Kirkliston, LB27519 — Current designation status, statutory identity, official mapped point, date, fabric and significance.
- Transport Scotland: M9 Junction 1A environmental record — Public-body evidence for the local environmental and historic setting around the River Almond, Breast Mill and transport corridor.
- City of Edinburgh Council: Kirkliston conservation-area character appraisal — Local-authority evidence for settlement development, important buildings, streetscape, materials and landscape setting.
- Kirkliston Gala: village heritage trail — Community heritage interpretation connecting named buildings with the village’s social, religious and working history.
Location
OS grid reference NT 12282 73794 · Location confidence: High for the current HES designation point; public text separately qualifies access, component identity and current use. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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