Scotland’s oldest windmill to be restored

Dysart Windmill in Fife. Picture: Buildings at Risk register


Council provides massive cash boost to upgrade 350-year-old Fife windmill.

The Dysart Windmill, in Kirkcaldy, which dates back to the 1650s, and is believed to be probably the oldest structure of its kind north of the Border, could be fitted with an internal spiral staircase, and a glass-covered viewing platform.

There had been fears that the B-listed landmark -- which has not sported sails in pictorial memory and probably ground its last ear of corn as much as 300 years ago was officially listed as “ruinous” as early as 1854 -- could fall into ruin.

“Urgent” steps need to be taken to strip ivy from its walls, together with re-pointing of the stonework, at the very least. Funding for this part of the windmill’s refurbishment has been secured and work will start next week.

The “vaulted tower” windmill was built in the 1650s, predating a similar structure at St Monans by more than a century -- and was constructed either by John, the 10th Lord Sinclair, or his grandson, Henry 11th Lord Sinclair.

Tenant farmers were “obliged” to bring their harvest for milling at the windmill, with the Sinclairs receiving payment and a percentage of the crop.

It is understood to have stopped working by around 1750 and is thought to have been largely abandoned after then.

Full story: www.scotsman.com/news/scotland-s-oldest-windmill-to-be-restored-1-4087189