Right Wheel
Tourism is a key sector within the local economy with around one quarter of the entire workforce in Stirling employed in a diverse range of tourism businesses. So to compete on a world stage it's important to ensure that all the different elements that go together to make up Stirling's 'offer' are of the highest standard.
The Breadalbane Folklore Centre in Killin is a key visitor attraction within the Stirling area, situated at the picturesque Falls of Dochart. Apart from its location, one of the Centre's main draws is the water wheel, attracting visitors for a look and photo opportunity.
During recent work undertaken by Stirling Council examining the condition of various historic buildings it was discovered that the wheel was in a sorry state. The Council looked at the possibility of once again renovating the wheel but as further detective work was done it became apparent that the existing wheel did not fit the layout of the mill lade and it would cost as much to repair as it would to replace. Various repairs over the years had also left the wheel unbalanced making it difficult to turn and rather noisy!
A specialist contractor, Heritage Engineering, was appointed who was able to source photographs of the original Victorian wheel. The photographs were used to design and construct a new wheel using rot resistant timber, to ensure that the wheel operates more efficiently and makes full use of the water available from the mill lade. The main change in taking the design back to the Victorian original was the incorporation of 'sole boards', in effect an enclosed rim turning the paddles into buckets. The mill lade itself was also improved with the replacement of seals on the gate and a new stainless steel guide.
Andrew Elliot, Director of Heritage Engineering & Restorations Ltd said: "Heritage Engineering was pleased to be appointed as the specialist contractor, to build the replacement water wheel for the Folklore Centre at Killin. We specialise in the restoration and replication of historical and mechanical artefacts throughout the UK, employing experienced craftsmen who are disciplined in metal and woodwork.
Our remit was to ensure that the wheel was not only historically accurate (using Victorian photographic evidence) but that its design must ensure a long working life with minimum maintenance. We also had to ensure that all staff at the Folklore Centre could easily and safely operate the wheel.
The photographs show the wheel being manufactured and pre-assembled at our works (a tight fit!!) to ensure that all components accurately fit on site. The 16 foot diameter wheel was then dismantled and transported in component form to be re- installed at the Centre by our team in 8 working days.
Our grateful 'thanks' to all the staff at the Centre, who ably assisted our team's morale by supplying hot tea and coffee!"
The final result is well worth a visit. Anne Nelson at the Centre said "The Heritage Engineering team were great. Really friendly and as excited about the wheel as we were."
Key Facts:
There is evidence of a meal mill having occupied the site since around 800 AD with the earliest mill reputably having been erected by St Fillan.
The current building dates from around 1840 and was built as a grain mill.
In 1912 it became a woollen mill and tweeds were woven until around 1939.
In 1988 Stirling District Council and the community of Killin purchased the Old Mill and created the Breadalbane Folklore Centre which tells St Fillan's story. A new water wheel was constructed predominantly from softwood at the time.
Breadalbane Folklore Centre opening times:
| Month(s) | Times |
| April - June | 10:00am - 5:00pm |
| July & August | 10:00am - 5:30pm |
| September & October | 10:00am - 5:00pm |
| Closed from November to March |
To find out more about the Breadalbane Folklore Centre, please phone 01567 820254.
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