End of an era at Golspie Mill as Michael and Becky Shaw give up sub-tenancy after 21 years
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The operators of an award-winning local food manufacturing business have decided it is time to call it a day.
Michael Shaw has run Golspie Mill for the last 21 years with help from his wife Becky, but the couple have been winding down the business in recent months and ceased trading at the end of last month.
The mill, which is driven by water power from the Big Burn, is one of the last water mills operating commercially in Scotland.
It produced a range of artisan flours and meals, which were sold locally and across the country.
Mr Shaw announced the impending closure on the mill’s Facebook page, writing: “Well folks, it’s been a blast! But after 21 years, it’s time for something news."
The mill was built in 1863 as the Sutherland Estate Meal Mill, joining the flour mill which had been built on the site 50 years previously.
It was looked after for many decades by the Gunn family and then the Mackay family, before production ceased in the 1950s.
Fergus and Ellie Morrison, who had previously been at the Barony Mill in Orkney, restarted operations at Golspie Mill in the early 1990s, running it until 2001.
The Shaws took over the business in August of that year and under their stewardship, the mill won a clutch of awards.
The business was a finalist in the BBC Food and Farming Awards in 2011; a winner at the Scottish Food and Drink Excellence Awards in 2015; and a runner-up in the artisan food category at the Scottish Rural Awards in 2016.
Their final batch of flour went through the stones on August 8 with a video posted on social media to mark the occasion.
Mr Shaw said a number of factors had led to the closure decision.
“A combination of Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine, which produces a large percentage of the world’s wheat, made for difficult trading conditions,” he said.
“Mainly though, 21 years is a long time to do anything, and if I am going to change career, I need to do it when I am young enough.”
The couple have been “blown away” by all the kind messages, cards and good wishes they have received.”
“It has made us quite emotional,” said Mr Shaw.
He added: “We have met so many great and inspiring people through running this business - it has been an absolute pleasure.
“Our thanks go to Fergus and Ellie Morrison for passing on their business and subletting the mill to us for all these years, and to Sutherland Estates for letting us be part of the history of this wonderful building, which has so many important local connections.
“Thanks to all our loyal and supportive customers, and thanks to the many people who have helped us over the years with mill repairs, outside catering, new products and packaging and all manner of other things.”
The couple celebrated the last night of their sub-tenancy with a gathering of neighbours and friends at the mill.
“It was lovely to have folk in for a dram last night to toast this lovely building and its important role in the village,” said Mr Shaw.
Among those at the gathering was Golspie Community Council chairman, Ian Sutherland.
He said: “It is a sad day for our village when a respected local business closes its doors, but it’s also an opportunity for someone new to take on a very successful enterprise.
“In the last couple of weeks I’ve spoken to several friends and acquaintances from Caithness to Moray who have expressed their sadness that they will not be able to source Golspie Mill flour for much longer-so the demand is certainly there!
“The mill itself is in pristine original condition and a unique heritage building.
“I’ve known Michael and Becky and their family for many years and they have been an absolute asset to the village and good friends as well. I wish them the best of luck for the future ventures and I hope Golspie Mill willbe in operation again soon."
