Finzean Bucket Mill: Kiln, Strachan

Small, single storey, rectangular-plan kiln to N of Bucket Mill, boarded timber gables. Boarded timber ramp to S, leading to door; cast-iron fire box access below ramp. Brick gablehead stack to N with circular can. Interior: fire box runs length of Kiln, surmounted by slatted floor.

The Finzean Bucket Mill on the N bank of the River Feugh, is a rare and remarkable survival in full working order. The sites of the Bucket Mill and the Sawmill and Turning Mill a mile to the E were established as sawmills in the early 19th century to exploit the Glen Ferrick pine woods. The original sawmill was sold off in pieces at a roup in 1846 and the site was cleared. In 1853 Peter Brown, redeveloped the former mill site and waterfall to form the Bucket Mill. His family worked the mill until the death of Willie Brown, the last in the line, in 1974. The mill lay empty and became derelict until it was taken on by Stan Moyes in 1982, who began to restore the mill, which was opened to the public in 1990. In 1991 the newly formed Finzean Water Mills Trust became the owner of the Bucket Mill. The Water Mills trust was wound up in 1999, and the ownership of the Bucket Mill passed to Birse Community Trust. The Bucket Mill is still operated by Stan Moyes on a part time basis. A small number of buckets are produced annually for a range of uses. During the Second World War the buckets were in high demand by the Navy and RAF, among others. Indeed "it was considered such an essential task by the Government that he [the mill worker] was exempted service with the armed forces" (Cunningham, p10). (Historic Scotland)

August 2010: External inspection finds the building is generally in good condition, however, there is damage to the roof at its southern end above the timber ramp. Birse Community Woodland advise the mill is partly in use as bucket mill.

8 August 2013: External inspection finds the damage to the roof has increased with metal coverings having been blown off. Otherwise, the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

4 September 2013: Birse Community Trust have prepared a schedule of works for the repair of the roof but have recently been advised by the Council it will require Listed Building Consent. An application will be submitted shortly and it is hoped that the work can be undertaken during the autumn.

28 October 2013: Listed Building Consent for repairs to the kiln is being sought ref: APP/2013/3342