The Millstones

These millstones, though weathered and worn, still whisper tales of bygone days. They stand here, on the site of Lindsay’s Mill, a silent testament to a time when this village bustled with the rhythmic grind of water-powered mills. Lindsay’s Mill, one of seventeen mills gracing this area in the 17th century, was a vital hub, its millstones churning grain into flour, the lifeblood of the city. The mill itself, sadly, met a fate common to many structures in the relentless march of time, succumbing to demolition in the 1930s. But these French Burr millstones remain, each a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who came before.
These unique stones, imported from Normandy, are a far cry from the gritstones used for softer grains. Crafted from composite quartz, they were shaped and fitted together, bound with iron and held fast with plaster of Paris. They were a costly investment, twice as expensive as gritstones, a reflection of the importance of wheat flour to Edinburgh’s inhabitants. Their distinctive dressings, the intricate patterns of grooves carved into their surfaces, may be faint, but they hold the echo of the grinding process, whispers carried across centuries. As you gaze upon them, take a moment to imagine the strength and skill required to quarry, transport, and install these behemoths. The Millstones of Lindsay’s Mill are a poignant reminder of a vibrant past intertwined with the flow of the Water of Leith, a testament to the enduring spirit of a village that, though transformed, still honors its historical roots.