New mill is more than just a yarn
A project has begun to create what is thought to be the first new woollen mill in Mid Argyll or north Kintyre since the 18th century.
Pamela Watson, from Erines near Tarbert, has established the Mill of Kintyre community interest company in a bid to process wool from local flocks.
A start-up grant of £5,000 has kicked off ambitious plans that will focus on local jobs and heritage skills while creating a locally sourced, sustainable product.
The grant from business development agency Firstport has allowed the company to buy small pieces of equipment to begin micro-processing wool.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Firstport for awarding us with a Start-It grant,” Pamela said.
“Our aim is to support a sustainable wool industry in Scotland by adding value to the fleeces produced right here in Argyll and this generous grant will allow us to purchase some small pieces of equipment to begin micro processing raw fleece to wool batts.
“It will also allow us to get our website up and running so that people can keep abreast of what we’re doing whether that’s the fleeces we’re processing, the workshops we’re offering or whether they’d like to contact us with any woolly queries.”
Pamela is keen to engage the community in the mill project from the outset and has organised a community engagement event to be held on Saturday April 25 in Tarbert’s Templar Arts and Leisure Centre to discuss the company’s plans.
“The event will allow people to find out more about what is planned for the Mill and to provide feedback to help inform future plans,” Pamela explained.
“We hope to hear from as many people as possible at the event to help shape something that’s going to be really rooted in the community.
“It would be great to hear the thoughts and opinions of local people - whether they own sheep, use fleece for crafting, are interested in heritage craft or have an opinion on the plans. The more information we have the better informed we’ll be to give people what they want.”
The company will also be engaging with the community by offering wool-based workshops where people can learn new skills and start craft-making together.
The Mill of Kintyre could be the first woollen mill to be created in the area since the Duke of Argyll established a wool mill at Clunary near Inveraray in 1776.
Why not try these links to see what our West Coast AI can tell you.
(Please note this is an experimental service)
Latest News
JOBS
Front of House with Reception - The Holly Tree Hotel & Swimming Pool
Office Co-ordinator (Sales & Marketing) - Midton Acrylics Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Plans for KGV Park forge ahead
Ardrishaig war hero is remembered 85 years on
Candidates condemn single track option for A83
Latest News
JOBS
Front of House with Reception - The Holly Tree Hotel & Swimming Pool
Office Co-ordinator (Sales & Marketing) - Midton Acrylics Ltd
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2026 Wyvex Media Limited.