About the Trust
The Knockando Woolmill Trust was set up in 2000 in order to rescue the Woolmill. The aim of the Trust is to ensure the Woolmill survives for the next 200 years. We want to:
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Restore the buildings and machinery;
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Continue to produce cloth;
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Train a new generation of people to card, spin and weave;
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Share the Woolmill experience with as many people as possible.
We shall raise money for the capital restoration project. Once this is completed, we shall form an operating company to run the restored site. This will include the production of cloth on the old and some newer machinery, better access and facilities for visitors, the interpretation of the site and practical education and training in textile and heritage engineering skills.
We are looking towards a sustainable future for the Mill, not only financially but also environmentally. We shall try to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible by using renewable energy, recycled water and minimising the use of chemicals, etc.
Our philosophy is to restore the site by doing as much as is necessary but changing as little as possible. We want to keep the unique ‘feel’ of the place – the sights, sounds and smells of a small working woollen mill. We want to share the thrill of seeing cloth grow as it is being made in the loom and know that a piece of history has been produced.
The Trustees are:
Jana Hutt, Knockando (Chairman)
Graeme Stewart, Edinburgh (Secretary)
George McKenzie, Knockando (Treasurer)
Christopher Wills, Hampshire and Knockando
Charlotte Mitchell, Edinburgh
John Widdaker, Cumbria
Priscilla Gordon-Duff, Drummuir
Grenville Johnston OBE, Elgin
Our Patrons are:
Father Hugh Gilbert, OSB, Abbot of Pluscarden Abbey
Clare Russell, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire
Ian Urquhart, Chairman of Johnstons
We also have some stalwart advisors:
Hugh Jones - current owner and weaver of Knockando Woolmill
Andrew Wright - chartered architect and heritage consultant
Brian Fowler - retired banker
James Sugden - Johnston’s of Elgin
Alba Conservation Trust
Jolyon Havinden - blacksmith
Simon Lewin - website
The Trustees are very grateful to the continuing support from Hugh Jones and from the trustees of the Knockando Estate.
