High Mill, Chapel Street, Carluke

Tapering 3 storey rubble tower of circular cross section, the top and sails missing. Attached a mid 19th century double pile, 2-storey squared rubble range housing the former threshing mill in the eastern part, a brick lined kiln and loft in the western part with machinery below the loft. To the northeast a square section brick chimney with boiler house and outbuildings, the latter partly ruinous.

The tower stands complete to the original wall-head some 9.9m above ground. The mill was converted to steam power in about the middle of the 19th century, and subsequently a gas-engine was used. At the wall-head a masonry channel with indented sockets is all that now remains of the kerb of the original rotating cap. High Mill is the most complete Scottish windmill. It was working until the 1930s. (Historic Scotland)

March 2008: SBPT bring the Mill to BARR's attention. South Lanarkshire Council report that they are concerned about the structure and are engaged in discussions with the owners to secure its future.

October 2008: External inspection finds the former mill complex to be in very poor condition. The range attached to the east side of the windmill stub is in a ruinous state; the structure which appears to be the boilerhouse chimney having collapsed. The masonry of the kiln building to the west of the complex has large gaps in it and appears to be loose towards the wallhead. There is a large hole on the eastern section of the windmill stub. Local planners advise that discussions with the owners continue.

November 2009: Wishaw Press reports on a meeting between the local MSP, community groups, SBPT and others to try to find a solution for the building. Lanark & Carluke Advertiser and Carluke Gazette both repeat the story.

March 2010: External inspection finds the building is in an advanced state of decay and the structure of the windmill tower must now be of concern.

January 2012: A member of the public advises that whilst approved, the repair notice was not served. Local planners confirm that the council approved the serving of the notice, but it has not been served. No repairs have been carried out. The overall Mill site is also understood to have been split into different ownerships.

29 April 2012: The Scotsman reports on the campaign to save the former mill for conversion to a heritage attraction with education centre, restaurant and workshops, being led by the Clydesdale Mills Society. The article notes the group do not believe they would be able to secure funding from grant-giving heritage charities without the current owner of the mill granting a 50 year lease on the structure. The owners of the site, the Stevenson Hamilton Family Trust, through the High Mill Development company, is keen to see the mill restored, but feel any approach made should identify both the initial restoring and ongoing maintenance costs.

16 May 2012: The Lanark Gazette website reports that the owner of the Mill is willing to meet with campaigners to discuss future restoration options.

14 September 2012: Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust is working with the local community to bring together a funding package for the repair of the structure. A detailed study is anticipated to be underway late 2012/ early 2013.

7 January 2013: Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust report bids have been submitted to the Architectural Heritage Fund, South Lanarkshire LEADER programme and South Lanarkshire Renewable Energy Fund to fund a full Options Appraisal for the former mill.

16 April 2013: SBPT is undertaking an options appraisal for the former mill with a view to concluding the study in June 2013.

23 September 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. The site is fenced off.

12 March 2014: The building is understood to have suffered further damage during Winter storms. The local authority is understood to have attended the site to ensure public safety is not compromised. Strathclyde Building Preservation Trust continue to work with interested parties to explore options for the site.

9 September 2015: The Daily Record reported (20 Jun 2015) on support for a community initiative towards the restoration and conversion of the former mill into a community asset through the Carluke Development Trust and Carluke Historical Society.

16 October 2019: A member of the public notes that the owners of the site are 'The Carluke Development Trust' on behalf of the community.

7 April 2020: Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent sought for
restoration, alterations and extension to mill and associated buildings (ref: P/20/0308 and P/20/0309).

26 January 2023: The Carluke Gazette on 25th January 2023 reported that nearly £1.2 million has been awarded to the Carluke Development Trust to rebuild and restore the mill by the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

28 March 2023: The Herald on the 28th March 2023 reports that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £1,019,127 to the Mill for the development of the site as a visitor attraction and a working mill powered by wind and solar power.