1787–1825
Possible windmill construction period
Hilton Windmill is recorded as probably dating from either 1787 or 1825.
Site overview
Hilton Windmill is a former tower mill at Hilton, in the parish of Ellon. Historic Environment Scotland records the structure as a Category B listed windmill, probably dating from 1787 or 1825. The lower part is octagonal and rubble-built, with a circular tapered upper part, spiral stair, and former four-floor interior.
Map
Map markers and directions links are provided for location reference only and do not indicate public access or permission to enter a site.
No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
Hilton Windmill is a former tower windmill near Ellon in Aberdeenshire. Historic Environment Scotland records the site as Hilton Windmill, a Category B listed building, and gives a possible date of 1787 or 1825. The lower part is octagonal, about 30 feet high, with rubble-built panels, margins and a slate-slab walk carried on granite corbel spurs at the angles.
The upper part is circular, rubble-built and tapered. The tower originally had four floors and a spiral stair. The sails were blown off in 1879 and the remaining machinery was removed in 1956.
Specialist windmill sources record that the mill was converted to horse power in 1880, later worked by steam until 1924, and then by tractor until 1956. The building was listed on 16 April 1971. No full ownership sequence or complete machinery inventory has been established from the sources checked.
Timeline
1879
Sails blown off
The sails of Hilton Windmill were blown off in 1879.
1880
Converted to horse power
Hilton Windmill was converted to horse power after the loss of its sails.
1924
Steam working ended
The former mill was worked by steam until 1924.
1956
Machinery removed
The remaining machinery at Hilton Windmill was removed in 1956.
1971
Listed building designation
Hilton Windmill was listed at Category B on 16 April 1971.
Sources and records
Historic Environment Scotland listed building record; Trove / Canmore place record; Scottish Windmills: An Outline and Inventory; Windmill World site entry