Achafolla Mill, Toberonochy

Single storey with attic, rectangular-plan former corn mill built into hillside with wheel in place to NE; roofless addition at rear forming near L-plan; remains of wall to N. Predominantly whinstone rubble (harled in part); rubble sandstone quoins in part to later wing. Glazing missing. Corrugated-iron roof to principal block (missing in part). INTERIOR: principal block with rubble walls; open timber ceiling with tie beams. Milling machinery in place to NE comprising timber-framed support with 2 pairs of stones (50in diameter), various cogs and wheels. Remains of metal roof supports in later addition.

A good example of a relatively rare building type, notable for the retention of its all-iron overshot wheel and the milling machinery. Hume notes that the construction of the wheel is unusual - there being 3 flat and 3 rod spokes on each side, with 6 cross-bracing spokes. Virtually all of the sheet-iron buckets have disappeared. Lade in place 1999. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

November 1992: Members of the public report the mill to be ruinous, though partly roofed in corrugated iron. 1999: Outline permissions are sought for restoration as a dwelling. It is currently used as a cowshed but is being marketed. May 2000: The mill is C(S)-listed. February 2001: Local planners report that a detailed application has not yet been submitted. June 2006: Local planners report that following a recent site visit it was noted that there are signs of collapse where window openings are weak with the weight of the roof putting stress on the wall head. The Isle of Luing Community Trust have discussed purchase with the owner.

September 2009: External inspection finds the former mill, now a charming ruin, decaying slowly. Most of the associated ponds, lades and wheels remain intact. Potential for restoration remains.

28 September 2012: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.

25 May 2017: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously: subject to slow general decline.

5 January 2023: A member of the public advises the former mill has recently been marketed for sale as a development opportunity. A plot adjacent, once the smiddy, is also been marketed for sale.