A SIGNIFICANT landmark has been reached in the project to transform large parts of a historic Perthshire cotton mill into a major visitor attraction.

After two years of repairs and refurbishments, the contractors have handed over the Stanley Mills buildings, beside the River Tay, to owners Historic Scotland.

The Bell Mill and Mid Mill have been turned into a visitor and education centre that houses displays and activities.

It will bring the history— and science—behind the watermills to life for an expected 15,000 people a year.

Jane Rahil, project manager for Historic Scotland, explained, “It’s fabulous to see how this important part of the nation’s industrial heritage has been brought back to life.

“The mills date back to the late 18th century and were the economic powerhouse of the surrounding area for 200 years.

“When the mills finally closed in the 80s there was a feeling that the end might well have come.

“But we believe that the visitor centre, with all its facilities, will put the mills back at the heart of the community as well as providing a great day out for families from all round Scotland and the world.”

Now most of the fixtures and fittings are in place, final preparations are under way for an official opening in the spring.

It is hoped Stanley Mills will provide a distinctive visitor experience thanks to specially-designed displays.

They include exhibits which allow children to learn the best ways to build a mill, and the principles behind harnessing water power.

Lindsay Cowan, area director for Mansell, added, “We are thrilled to be able to hand this truly special piece of Scottish history back to Historic Scotland.

“The fact that the project is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Scotland and took two years to complete underlines just how challenging the work was.”

She continued, “It was exciting to play a role in preserving an important part of Scottish history and we look forward to the Stanley Mills cotton mill being opened to the public so people from across the world can get a taste of the nation’s industrial heritage and enjoy the fantastic experience on offer there.”

Stanley Mills sits seven miles north of Perth.

The former water mill complex harnessed the power of the River Tay for cotton-spinning.

The first mill was built in 1786 and the last commercial operations ended as recently as 1989.

It was the first example of founder Richard Arkwright’s factory system in Scotland.

The project to create a visitor centre has involved keeping, and emphasising, many of the original architectural features.

Parts of the complex have been turned into housing.

In 1995 Stanley Mills was put in the care of Historic Scotland, which regards the buildings as of such national and international importance they have a grade-A listing to protect them from unwanted change.