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This weekend on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, Stanley Mills in Perthshire and New Abbey Corn Mill in Dumfries will be open to visitors for free as part of National Mills Weekend, an annual spotlight on the heritage and history of mills and the people who care for them today.

A group of volunteers in purple HES t-shirts, some with instruments inside a historic interior.

A specially curated event, Sound of the Mill – Then and Now, will take place at Stanley Mills, allowing visitors to experience soundscapes from the mill’s past and even create new sounds for the future. RhythMill, an electronic music maker created by volunteer Andrew Bachell in conjunction with the Stanley Men’s Shed, will give visitors the opportunity to mix their own mill-inspired music. There will also be arts and crafts activities, as well as a soundscape trail to explore.

Stanley Mills is a former 18th century mill that closed in 1989. Set in the purpose-built village of Stanley, just north of Perth, the site offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and see life behind the walls of one of Scotland’s best-preserved industrial sites of the period.  
 
Jon Pagan, Monument Manager for Stanley Mills at Historic Environment Scotland which manages the site, said:  

“We’re incredibly excited to be taking part in National Mills Weekend once again. With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we have created Sound of the Mill – Then and Now, an immersive experience that allows visitors to enjoy the history of Stanley Mills in a fun and brand-new way. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to explore the industrial heritage of this iconic 18th century Scottish mill. There will be lots of activities to get involved with throughout the day, plus our knowledgeable site staff will be on hand to explain how the mills would have functioned and their history.” 

National Mills Weekend takes place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May, 10am - 4.30pm with last entry at 4pm. Free tickets can be booked online and advanced booking is recommended.  

For more information and to plan your visit, head to historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.  

About Historic Environment Scotland (HES) 

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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