Following an established methodology for developing a historic site will improve outcomes from clients and communities and the future of historic buildings.

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The advantage of doing thorough research as part of a heritage project was that we were able to get agreement from the client to use the services of an archaeologist early on and a result of their site investigations, we have hit the jackpot!

Recent excavations at Balmacara Mill have revealed the historic wheel pit and lade which was thought to have been destroyed when a lean-to extension was added in the 1930s. The building is a former mill building dating back to the early 1800s and is located in the centre of the village but has lain as a ruin for a number of years. We are working with the Balmacara Community Trust on the project to restore the old mill building in to a flexible community space which can be used all year round.

What was discovered was a substantial amount of the wheel pit and lade and as a result of these findings we are going to incorporate the lade and wheel pit into the design.

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Thank you to AOC Archaeology and Caleb Moore for their work on site and for enabling us to reveal these findings. This new information is going to support the application for funding for future of the building, which in turn makes this a very exciting project to work on.   

Our images show the extent of the space revealed and as a teaser, we have included our latest drawing of the exterior of the mill showing the Mill with the wheel and pit incorporated into the design. We will of course, keep our website and social media updated as the project progresses.

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Find out more about Balmacara Community Trust and the Balmacara Mill on their website: www.balmacara.scot

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MAAC studio are accredited conservation architects, PAS 2035 Retrofit Co-ordinators and Principal Designers working with traditional buildings throughout Scotland. 

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