Mill near Seton Castle

In 1854 water power was used to drive 34 corn and meal mills in East Lothian. Practically every landowner had a mill and land was thirled; which meant it was let on the condition that grain grown on the land was taken to the mill for grinding. Thirling generated income for the landowner as well as the miller who took a share of profits. Situated at the extreme north of the Seton Castle estate the flourmill was driven by a warm stream which allowed the mill to function continuously despite extremely frosty conditions. Seton Mill was a single storey building. The lower floor would house the gearing with a platform for milling and a separate circular drying kiln. Operations were abandoned in 1715 when the estate was acquired by the British Government and subsequent private owners until the derelict mill was taken over by National Trust for Scotland. In 1982, the mill was offered for sale on the condition that the mill, cottage and derelict house be developed within two years.