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Archaeologists unearth site of old mill by banks of the River Kelvin in the West End

The first recording of the flint mill dates back to 1795 and the site is thought to have comprised of a flour mill and a separate corn mill.

Archaeologists working on a dig at a historic site on the River Kelvin have unearthed the foundations of an old mill.

The dig was carried out as part of Scottish Water’s £15 million investment project in Glasgow’s West End to improve both the environment and water quality in the River Kelvin.

Archaeologists from AOC Archaeology Group have uncovered the building foundations adjacent to the existing flint mill site at Garriochmill Road.

The first recording of this flint mill dates back to 1795 and the site is thought to have comprised of a flour mill and a separate corn mill.

 Historic: a mill at the site dates back to the 18th century. Photo: Mitchell Library
Historic: a mill at the site dates back to the 18th century. Photo: Mitchell Library

 Works: the dig is being carried out ahead of environmental improvements along the Kelvin by Scottish Water
Works: the dig is being carried out ahead of environmental improvements along the Kelvin by Scottish Water

It is believed the foundations which have been found belong to the former flour mill.

Anything of historical importance beneath the ground has been recorded during the dig.

Archaeologist Sam Golder explained: “During preliminary examinations, and prior to this dig, Scottish Water picked up some brick surface at 1.15 metres beneath the ground.

“It was important to excavate the site prior to any work being undertaken in order to enrich existing historical records and build a better picture of the River Kelvin.

'Improvements'

"Once everything of importance has been recorded, the site will be back-filled ready for Scottish Water to start improvement works in July.”

During the works the Kelvin Walkway will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. This will remain in place until the main project is completed, expected to be in January 2020.

The investment project is set to commence in summer and will last until January 2020. It will involve the upgrade work at 11 locations along or near the River Kelvin.

Once complete, this new infrastructure will help prevent items which are wrongly flushed down the toilet – such as rags, baby wipes, plastic cotton buds - from overflowing into the River Kelvin.

 Records: the digs will improve understanding of the site and the river. Photo: Mitchell Library
Records: the digs will improve understanding of the site and the river. Photo: Mitchell Library

https://youtu.be/WvQKL67UAyU

Watch: Scottish Water's film about the dig by the Kelvin

More about this work to improve the overall environment of the River Kelvin and the findings of the archaeological dig can be found here.

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