Historic 'Outlander' mill in East Lothian damaged by vandals

A timber door and roof tiles were damaged at Preston Mill.

Author: Max SteelePublished 15th Jan 2020

Vandals smashed 200-year old roof tiles and tried to kick in a timber door while running amok at an historic attraction in East Lothian which has featured in Outlander.

Preston Mill is next to the River Tyne close to East Linton and dates back to the 16th century.

The buildings are closed to the public until April but at some point over 13 and 14 January vandals caused around £1000 worth of damage.

It is one of East Lothian's most popular heritage attractions, having appeared in numerous film and TV productions.

£12,000 was raised last year to repair the mill's water wheel and which prompted a video thank-you message from Outlander star Sam Heughan.

Fraser MacDonald, the National Trust for Scotland’s Visitor Services Supervisor for the property said: "It's absolutely disgusting – what purpose can this utter stupidity serve?

"This is a building that's much-loved by the people of East Lothian and by those around the world who have come to recognise it from television.

"This is an insult to all of them.

"Our charity will do what we always do and find a way to make good the damage.

"In the meantime, if anyone may have seen something, or has any helpful information, please let the police know."

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