Lower City Mills

Lower City Mills is a protected watermill in Perth comprising two connected buildings set along the Perth Lade watercourse. The buildings contain the machinery, storage areas, and the water channels that drove the grain processing operations over multiple levels.

The mill dates from the 14th century and was rebuilt in 1805 following a fire, when millwright John Stewart installed a new unified water wheel system. This upgrade made the operation more efficient and productive for the community it served.

The mill reflects how water power shaped the daily work and economy of Perth for generations, with its buildings showing the skill involved in grain processing. The connection between the river, the machinery, and the farming community remains visible in the structure itself.

The building sits on West Mill Street and now houses the Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, which manages the site and shares information about the mill and local heritage. Visitors should plan for stepped access in parts of the building and check availability before visiting, as opening times vary.

The mill used multiple cascading water drops to generate different pressure levels needed for various grain types, a sophisticated approach for its time. This allowed oats and barley to be milled to different consistencies at the same location.