Bristol Mill: Boiler and Engine Block (Former), Edinburgh Road, Galashiels

Mill complex with later additions, situated on the outskirts of Galashiels adjacent to Edinburgh Road. 2-storey gabled boiler and engine block with arched ground floor openings adjoining the south-east gable of the Spinning Mill. Whin rubble with sandstone ashlar and brick dressings.

Bristol Mill is among the best surviving mills in Galashiels, consisting of a considerable complex of industrial buildings of different dates illustrating the development of manufacturing over time and situated on a highly prominent site at the entrance to the town, acting as an introduction to the character of the town. The importance of the wool manufacturing trade to Galashiels can not be overestimated, as this industry was the sole reason for its expansion and prosperity in the 19th century. Wool manufacture has largely subsided, but the remaining buildings are important monuments to the industry. Bristol Spinning Mill was erected in 1885 by Roberts, Dobson and Company. In 1895 it became the property of William Roberts and was used to supply yarn to Victoria Mill until 1905. In 1921 the mill was taken over by Wright and Jobson, who built the large extension on the NW end of the mill, re-equipping it with mules still in use until the mill closed in c1998 and the machinery was removed. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

September 2009: External inspection reveals that the building is vacant, with the ground floor openings boarded up. Overall, the building appears to be in reasonable condition with the exception of the blocked guttering. The site is being marketed through agents CKD Galbraith as a development opportunity.

July 2011: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit. However, the marketing board affixed to the buildings notes the site has been sold.

November 2011: Full planning permission and listed building consent for change of use and conversion of the former mill buildings into student accomodation has been lodged with Scottish Borders Council ref: 11/01519/FUL & 11/01520/LBC.

5 October 2012: The former mill is being marketed for sale through agent Rettie, offers invited.

17 June 2015: The mill site is being advertised for sale through auction by Future Property Auctions at a guide price of £175,000.

3 August 2016: External inspection finds the building in much the same condition as seen previously but with a patched section of roof/ rooflight to the main road elevation. A rooflight to rear is broken. The site remains disused with a sign affixed advertising it for sale through auction. Risk level moved to Moderate.

31 August 2021: The site is being marketed for sale through Future Property Auctions. A guide price of £280,000 has been set.

13 January 2023: The site is being marketed for sale through Future Property Auctions. A guide price of £198,000 has been set with a closing date of 19th January 2023.

20 January 2023: The site continues to be marketed for sale through Future Property Auctions. A reduced guide price of £169,000 has now been set with a closing date of 9th Feb 2023.

6 July 2023: The site continues to be marketed for sale through Future Property Auctions. An increased guide price of £195,000 has now been set with a closing date of 6th July 2023, 3pm.

5 February 2024: The site is being marketed for sale through Prime Property Auctions with a guide price of £145,000.

27 August 2024: Marketing details removed.