Lockdown has finally begun to ease in Edinburgh and in East Lothian. Three friends, fellow Scottish Tourist Guides, and I ventured out to explore the beautiful coastal villages south east of Edinburgh. We called in at the picturesque 18th century NTS Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot, and there we stepped back in time. Preston Mill is one of the oldest meal mills in Scotland with its machinery still in working order. It lies close to the River Tyne and has been owned by the National Trust for Scotland since 1951 and remained in use commercially until 1959. As a driver guide in Scotland, I always enjoy incorporating a visit to industrial heritage architecture during a privately guided tour.
Preston Mill was used twice as a film location in Outlander Season 1. In Episode 1, the exhibition room was used as a court ante-room, when Geillis Duncan and Claire attended the preliminary hearing where they were accused of witchcraft. In Episode 12, Preston Mill transforms into the mill at Lallybroch. Jamie is mending the mill wheel, when Redcoats arrive unexpectedly and he is forced to hide underwater while the soldiers question Claire and Jamie’s sister Jenny.
Following a delightful visit, we called in at the newly refurbished Glenkinchie Distillery, where a welcome dram of single malt whisky awaited us. This is a Victorian Distillery located a mere 15 miles from Edinburgh. As the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker, a visit features frequently in my privately guided Scottish Whisky Tours that I offer from Edinburgh. Slainte Mhath!