Mid Mill, Stanley Mills

Mid Mill, dating from circa 1823-30, is a 14-bay mill extended by 6 bays to the south and 4 bays to the north in the 1830s, built over tail-races. Upper floors were rebuilt following a fire in 1848, and the mill was completed in 1855. A Willow Room was added by Tay circa 1910-12. This fireproof cotton mill was likely used for weaving, carding, and throstle spinning rather than mule-spinning. It is a 3-storey and attic, 3-by-24-bay structure built of rubble with ashlar dressings.

The north elevation features a semi-circular stair tower projecting from the 11th bay, with curved windows. Evidence of a 4th-floor window suggests the mill originally had 5 or 6 storeys before the fire of 1848. A string course is positioned over the 2nd floor. The elevation incorporates cast-iron tie plates of two different patterns, and an iron gangway, similar to that found at Bell Mill, leads to the 1st floor. A bowed angle is located on the left-hand side.

On the south elevation, two arches span the tail race from the main wheelhouse on the left, likely dating from 1785-6. A similar tail race leads to East Mill, constructed in the 1790s. A flood mark, dated 7 October 1847, can be seen on the 2nd-floor string course. Cast-iron tie plates are also present. A modern brick-clad lift has replaced a smaller gabletted hoist at the 11th bay from the left. A latrine tower is situated on the right-hand side with curved angles. A 1st-floor gangway connects to East Mill, widened and heightened in reinforced concrete and brick circa 1920. A blowing/willow shed was extended from the ground floor circa 1910, with partial brick and timber boarding.

The roof is slate, gabled at the west, piended at the east, and incorporates long skylights on the north face. Windows are sash and case with a 16-pane glazing pattern on the ground floor, while upper floors have been altered.

Internally, the lower three floors are fireproof, featuring a three-aisle plan with two rows of cylindrical columns supporting brick arches carried on inverted T-section cast iron beams. Four distinct phases of construction are evident: the central ground and 1st floors feature simple capitals and beams with 90mm flanges. Wrought-iron ties connect column heads within the brickwork. Part of the 1st floor was removed circa 1950. The east and west wings have differing capitals and 120mm beam flanges. Partial dividing walls are present, one of which incorporates a column with traceried spandrels. The 2nd floor has uniform 120mm beams with unusual cast-in capitals. The roof is a timber collar-beam structure with steel strengthening added circa 1950. A stone spiral stair provides access.

Machinery includes 8 carding machines from circa 1910-20 on the 1st floor, a willow (bale-opener and cotton blower) by William Tatham Ltd, Rochdale, ring spinning frames, and a vacuum card stripper and air-pump by Cook and Co, Manchester, from circa 1910-12, located within the Willow Shed extension. This is believed to be the oldest cotton spinning machinery in Scotland.