South Shawbost Mill Detail of mill and (exit) water gate, from S

© HES. Reproduced courtesy of J R Hume

Description South Shawbost Mill Detail of mill and (exit) water gate, from S

Date 25/4/1976

Collection John R Hume

Catalogue Number SC 488390

Category On-line Digital Images

Scope and Content Horizontal water mill, South Shawbost, Lewis, Ross and Cromarty Mills with horizontally-mounted wheels were widely distributed in early historic times. By the late 19th century they were only found, in Scotland, in the Outer Hebrides, the north west mainland, Orkney and Shetland, most commonly in Lewis and Shetland. This view shows a mill restored to working condition from a badly decayed structure by local school students in 1968-9. The lower part of the walls is original, the rest restoration. In Lewis the upper walls of such mills were generally built of turf. In Lewis such mills were known as 'black' mills, and supplied the needs of a few families. They cost little to build, and did not require large quantities of water. Most went out of use from the late 19th century. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference H76/20/7

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/488390