As we welcome in 2025, we reflect on everything that has happened at the Mill of Benholm in 2024.
In November, local artist John Wilkinson spent several weekends painting on site and exhibited some of his work in the upper Mill building.
The Cafe at the Mill opened last year, and they were able to offer refreshments to visitors as well as some fine baking courtesy of Julieth Patisserie Art. The cafe has wound down over winter for refurbishment, but it will reopen in February when the days are a wee bit longer and there will be more daylight for a walk and a coffee/cake. When re-opening the Cafe there will be a wider selection of cakes, savoury items and you can treat yourself to a latte or a cappuccino! There will also be wall space available for artists to sell their paintings.
The Christmas Market at the Mill was the biggest event of the year and possibly the biggest event at the Mill of Benholm ever with between 600 to 700 visitors and 25 stalls with art, crafts and food. To continue the festivities, the Mill in conjunction with Historic Churches Scotland, held their third Christmas Benholm Concert and Carol singing in Benholm Kirk. Attendees were treated to impressive performances from both Lathallan’s choirs and Johnshaven Primary School.
Although there are challenges ahead, these events make it clear that there is a future for the Mill and that there is an appetite for what it can offer as a visitor attraction and as a community hub.
With grant funding from NESFLAG Coastal Communities Challenge Fund the Mill were able to design, print and erect a sign at the Mill of Benholm car park showing walks and attractions in the whole area. This is the first step to making the Mill of Benholm a hub for visitors!
As we look forward to 2025, the Mill of Benholm are determined to continue their hard work in making the Mill a great place to visit, as a volunteer and as a visitor.
To keep up to date with all the exciting events at the Mill, visit: https://millofbenholm.scot/events/.
If you would like to use their facilities to host an event, workshop, exhibition, talk etc., contact Mary at secretary@millofbenholm.scot.
(All photos taken by the Mill of Benholm)
