Mill on the Fleet.
The Mill On The Fleet was built in 1788 as a cotton spinning mill by James Birtwhistle from Yorkshire and was the second mill to be built on this site. The water wheel on the gable end was used to drive the machinery to spin the cotton.
Following various changes in ownership and fortune both mills finally ceased trading in the 1930s. In the 1980s the mill was restored by Dumfries and Galloway Council and opened to the public in 1991
The Main Exhibition Floor
The main exhibition floor houses displays focusing on the history and heritage of Gatehouse, and exploring the Fleet Valley and surrounding areas. The Fleet Valley is a designated National Scenic Area - one of three in this part of Scotland. The displays introduce the valley and provide orientation and resources to help visitors explore the area.The temporary exhibition galleries, have a programme of exhibitions running throughout the season.
full programme of exhibitions
The Mill Café provides delicious snacks, sandwiches, light meals and drinks all day. The Mill Shop has a wide choice of high quality gifts and greetings cards, including items by local craftmakers and artists. The shop is also the Tourist Information Centre for Gatehouse and holds stocks of leaflets for nearby attractions, accommodation information, and advice and resources to help you make the most of your stay in Gatehouse. The Bookshop on the second floor stocks a wide range of new and secondhand books for adults and children.