Watermill, The

The Watermill is a bookshop, contemporary art gallery and coffee shop all set within a converted Grade A listed former watermill, and opened by Michael Palin in May 2005. Rather less "Pole to Pole" – and more the A827 from Ballinluig to Killin!

The attractive mill is approached from the car park by a wooden bridge over a millrun. The Café is on the first floor and overlooks the river. White stone and brick walls contrast with red doors and facings. Rugs cover the stone floor. But it is the eclectic mixture of furnishings, some comprising recycled industrial parts, which catches the eye. There are individually designed metal chairs, glass-topped tables and even a red settee and chairs.

Aberfeldy has been designated Scotland's first "Fairtrade Town" and the Café sources much of its food from organic and Fairtrade suppliers. You order at the counter – and they bring your food and drink to your table. Speciality coffees include Columbian, Sumatran, Cuba Turquino and Ethiopian Sidamo. There are fine and herbal teas. Bouvrage, Luscombe Farm and others supply bottled juices. No fizzies here!

Food is limited but soup of the day is available, served with organic bread.  There are scones with local jams and a selection of biscuits and cakes.

The bookshop and gallery are on the second and third floors respectively. There is a Reading Room and a separate Children's Room.  The Watermill is an asset to both tourists and locals - and a model that other towns and villages might do well to emulate.

Why would I go there?   Coffee shop with an imaginatively designed interior within an attractive converted mill setting.

Any Negatives? A limited choice of food.

Before or After
1. Visit the "Birks O' Aberfeldy" and take the sometimes spectacular walk, also a nature trail, up to the Moness Falls. Robert Burns was inspired to write his poem after a visit to the Den of Moness in 1787.
2. Visit the Scottish Crannog Centre at Kenmore (6 miles by car) - see www.crannog.co.uk
3. Visit Castle Menzies (2 miles by car) – usually open April to October.


Coffee Shops and Tearooms Scotland Scottish Tearooms and Coffee Shops