Building Detail

Reason for Risk/Development History:
9 July 2004: The Northern Scot reports that the Knockando Woolmill Trust has been established to secure its restoration as a museum and training centre. The mill will feature as a contender on BBC's Restoration programme. Although the mill remains in operation, it requires extensive repairs and renovation. 16 July 2004: The Northern Scot reports that the results of the programme are awaited. 19 July 2004: The Dundee Courier reports that the mill has become the series' first regional winner. The Daily Record repeats the story. 21 July 2004: The Forres Gazette repeats the story. 23 July 2004: The Northern Scot repeats the story. 17 December 2004: The Northern Scot reports that although the mill did not win Restoration, it has secured £40,000 from Moray Council to appoint a project officer ahead of Heritage Lottery Fund applications.
March 2008: The Scotsman reports on the Mill receiving stage one pass by HLF for grant of £1.3m grant with development funding of £120,000, to be secured with successful submission of a detailed grant application.

July 2008: The Aberdeen Evening Express reports that the Knockando Woolmill Trust has been awarded £1.3M from the Heritage Lottery Fund but needs to raise £200,000 to match the funding.

August 2008: Northern Scot reports that Knockando Woolmill Trust hosted an Open Day at the mill to raise funds and launch its ‘Friend of Knockando Woolmill‘ society.

February 2009: External inspection finds the mill in poor condition but still in use. The whole complex is in need of extensive repair and restoration. The roofs, waterwheel, rainwater goods and windows are in need of repair.

March 2009: The Northern Scot reports that the community have been invited to view the £3m plans for restoration of the Woolmill. The article goes on to report that the Mill has raised more than £3m from the HLF, Moray Council, Historic Scotland, the Gannachy Trust and individual donors.

April 2009: The Northern Scot reports the fund raising campaign to restore the mill has almost reached its £3.5 million target. Knockando Mill has secured just over £1 million from the European Regional Fund. The Heritage Lottery Fund are reported to be expected to confirm their grant award of £1.3 million shortly. The ownership of the building is in the process of transferring to the Knockando Woolmill Trust. A further £100,000 funds are aimed to be raised, and it is hoped that some works can commence from June.

August 2009: The Press & Journal reports that refurbishment works are due to start in September.

November 2009: Scotland on Sunday features an article on the wool mill. Fundraising continues, with the Knockando Woolmill Trust hoping to receive final donations to its targeted total of £3.3 million shortly. The funds will be used to restore the buildings, over a three year period, into a working mill with an education centre, shop and cafe.

March 2010: The Knockando Trust Chair, Jana Hutt, confirms work commenced on site at Knockando yesterday. Works were slightly delayed due to the extent of the snow fall in Moray. Moved to Restoration in Progress.