Elmbank Mill, Menstrie

Elmbank Mill, probably dating to circa 1860, is a two-storey mill with classical detailing, situated on the Menstrie Burn. The building has a long, rectangular plan aligned north-south, with a double-pitched, slated roof. It is constructed of rubble with ashlar dressings and a continuous eaves cornice.

The north elevation is symmetrical, with five bays and a villa-like appearance. A central door is set within a pilastered and corniced doorpiece, featuring a six-panelled door and a broad six-pane fanlight. Flanking windows are present, with five windows at the first floor, all being 12-pane sash and case windows. A clock is centrally positioned above the cornice, within a consoled Regency-style surround on a moulded pedestal. The roof is piended with paired stacks centrally placed.

The east and west elevations contain fourteen bays with tall, multipane windows, which are larger than those on the north elevation. The fenestration on the east elevation is interrupted by a door and a fire escape.

The south elevation features four bays supported by brick buttresses. A slated, piended M-roof and corniced stacks are also present.

The interior has double timber cross beams supporting the first floor, built directly into the stonework. These are supported by a single row of centrally positioned cast-iron columns. Tension rods are located on the underside of the cross beams. The roof is centrally supported by a timber runner carried on cast-iron columns that continue up from the first floor.

The mill is the sole remaining building of a larger complex, and is now used as offices and a store. Originally built in 1864 by Messrs Drummond and Johnstone, Johnstone later bought out the firm, and this building likely dates from around that time. The north end of the building was probably a counting house, complete with a timepiece for the employees. As it is detached from the main buildings, it was not likely used for spinning or weaving, and may have served as a yarn store. However, the internal structure, with its unusual tie rods tensioning the cross beams, does suggest a manufacturing function, similar to features found in a weaving mill at Tweed Mill, Galashiels.