The pool beneath never still”
Motto hanging on a wall
A busy miller doesn’t grumble
If life is a continuous grind
We are now at Motherwell Mill, or, as it is sometimes called MacGregor's Mill, from the fact that it has been in the hands of this well-known family for many generations. In this connection it is of intrest to note that a member of the same family also owns Garrion Mill at Garrion Bridge, and the Town Mill at Strathaven.
The scene here is exceedingly charming, both to the eye and ear, with the over-hanging foliage, the ever-changing light and shade and melodious swish of the water as it comes, over the weir, and the sound of the mill wheel as it turns the geat grindstones, all making an ensemble which is rather surprisingly found so near the centre of industry. Unfortunately the mill wheel which is a distinguished feature of most of such buildings, is here not in sight, it probably having been covered in at the reconstruction in 1880. The mill is one of the oldest in the shire, there beng two dates discernible in its walls, 1785-1786, although it is thought to be much older than indicated by these dates.
Along the banks of the river in years gone by there were many fruit trees, apple pear and plum, and these were a continual attraction to the boys of those days, the miller having a busy time protecting his fruit. Mills have always been an attractive subject for the artist and the photographer, and Motherwell Mill is no exception. On the opposite bank there is a corner where a fine brood of Leghorn hens disport themselves, and thier continual movement and the reflection of the white plumage in the pool would make a fine picture for the movie" camera-man.
It is fortunate that this building has been saved for future generations to see; so many of our old buildings are being demolished rather than renovated back into their original state.
Next I feel on the agenda is South Dalzell Parish Church which is sinking, with cash from where ever (National Lottery would be an idea) the Church could be re built and saved for posterity.
It is a landmark in the Town, and it would be a sacrilege for it to go especially with the adjoining graveyard (where a good many of my ancestors lie)
Anne MacGregor
I wouldn’t mind owning the Mill?
