Middle Mill: West Cottage, Markinch

One of a row of cottages associated with the adjacent Middle Mill.

COTTAGES: long 2 storey range with single storey cottage to right and further 2 storey cottage to outer right.

S ELEVATION: 2 storey range to left. Low flat roofed timber porch at centre with windows in flanking bays, 2 part glazed timber doors beyond to right and 2 doors and window to left. 1st floor with timber forestair from right leading to door at centre breaking eaves, window to right and 2 windows to left.

Marked on 1st OS "corn and flour", Middle Mill is the only remaining grain mill on the Leven, Haugh Corn Mill having recently been demolished and grain mills frequently converted to spinning mills. The Statistical Account reports on "Mills and Multures There are a great many corn mills in the parish; every heritor of any considerable property, or who has the command of water, having a mill upon his estate,... The multures are very high, amounting to one 13th part of the value of the grain carried to the mill. For this, it is true, the mill master does a great deal of duty. He carries the grain from the farmer's barn, dries, and grinds it, and brings it home."(Historic Scotland)

18 June 2014: External inspection finds the cottage probably in use for agricultural storage but in overall poor condition.

16 August 2018: External inspection finds the building in much the same condition as seen previously. It remains in Poor condition and deterioration continues. There is a large crack below the chimney along the West gable with loose mortar and masonry. Timber elements are in need of maintenance. The central cottage is in use as a residential dwelling. The outbuildings to the East are also in Poor condition.

3 May 2024: Desk-based assessment suggests the building remains At-Risk.