Come and stay at a beautifully converted mill with maintained workings, which are open to view. There is a lovely garden and mill burn surroundings. The Mill is situated three miles from Stromness.

STOP PRESS! We now have a Real Player movie of the Mill for you to view. This allows for near instantaneous viewing of the movie with the RealPlayer utility - if you haven't got it you can obtain it from Real Network's website or by clicking on the icon below.

We also have available a self-catering flat in central Stromness that accommodates up to six people. Prices range from £250-£350 per week depending on dates - please contact us for further information.

History of the Mill

The Mill of Eyrland was built in 1861-2 by the Balfour Estate, on a site where a mill had stood since the 1500s. The Balfours were known throughout Orkney as large landowners, and the mill was built to service their tenant farmers of the parish of Stenness and surrounding area. However, smaller landowners in the area, even as far afield as the islands of Hoy and Graemsay, would also bring their crops to be milled. The mill worked for just over a century, housing and employing four millers over that time. The main crop milled here was bere, a primitive form of barley. Bere-meal bannocks are still enjoyed in many Orkney homes today.

The first miller was called James Dallas. He wrote on a piece of wood, "James Dallas Miller, December 1st 1862 from the mills of Arbuthnott, Kincardineshire". Unfortunately we do not have a picture of James.

The second miller, appropriately named Alexander Miller from Caithness, and his wife Ann, from Wyre in Orkney, only worked and lived in the mill from 1901-1910. He was followed by the well-known Thomas Muir from the parish of Stenness.

His descendants still own and work a neighbouring farm. The last miller was James Linklater, better known as "Jimmick", who worked here until he retired in the mid 1960s, when the mill ceased to operate.

The mill then fell into disrepair until Ian and Margo Heddle bought the building. Over a period of twenty years they lovingly and sensitively restored the workings, which are intact, and the living quarters. Their work won an award for the sympathetic conversion. The Stones Room is a particularly striking original feature..

We bought the mill from Mr Heddle in 1995, and have given careful consideration to the additional work undertaken. We feel we have not only bought a home to share and enjoy with our guests, but we have received the baton of responsibility to ensure the continued preservation of the building.

This building exudes a welcoming warmth every day, all year round, so why not make the mill your 'home from home' and enjoy this peaceful setting during your stay in Orkney. Please email us (including postal address) to receive our brochure.

• The Mill of Eyrland is open throughout the year. All bedrooms have television, tea and coffee making facilities.
• The family/double/single en-suite bedrooms are all centrally heated. Long stay discounts are offered.
• Private parking. Packed lunches and evening meals are available by arrangement. Laundry facilities on request.
• Please telephone for rates: 01856 850136.