Work is finally about to start on an ambitious project to transform the Millhaugh site into a gathering place to benefit the whole Alyth community. Having secured funding from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund and the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the site, we have commissioned contractors for the first phase of works – clearing debris and making safe the large sheds and derelict buildings on the land.
Starting in June and lasting up to eight months, the works will involve stabilising and making safe the former corn mill, Millhaugh House, the former sawmill building and sheds, and the old Scout hut, as well as removing disused fuel tanks and generally tidying up the site in preparation for Phase 2 starting, it’s hoped, later next year. At this stage, there are no plans for new building on the site, and the works will comply with SEPA and PKC recommendations about how to best take care of the Den of Alyth, with Millhaugh as a new hospitable and accessible entrance to the Den and public education space which is covered but out of doors.
The Millhaugh project is responding to one of the priorities in the Community Action Plan by acquiring the sawmill site in town and undertaking work to make it a safer, more educational and more accessible entrance to the Den of Alyth. We are now looking for volunteers to join a programming committee for the Millhaugh site. This group will determine how we make the space available to all within the town for gatherings, events and educational programming. If you would like to express an interest in this committee, which will begin meeting later this year, please do get in touch via millhaugh@alyth.online We want to make sure that this important new space reflects the interests of our town!