Knockando Wool Mill

Located in the village of Knockando (Moray), the Knockando Wool Mill lies close to the River Spey and is mainland Scotland's last small spinning and weaving mill. The structure is Category A listed and is said to represent industrial heritage of international significance. Built around 1784 and first operated by Grants and then Frasers, the mill has been in continuous production for more than 200 years. The buildings were extended in the mid-19th century when the mill was sold to Alexander Smith and its current machinery was installed in the 1870s. The name Alexander Smith and Sons persisted until 1975 when the mill was purchased by Hugh Jones, a Londoner who left the city for rural tranquility.

Originally water-powered, electricity was installed in 1948 and, although its water-wheel no longer turns, it is still visible on the side of the main building. The mill still makes tweeds and blankets.

The Knockando Woolmill Trust was created in 2000 to protect the structure with the vision of a full restoration, costing over £2 million, which would provide a tourist attraction as well as an education and training resource. The mill featured in the BBC television programme Restoration in 2004.

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