Barry Mill in the snow

Otters at Barry Mill - Gwen and James

A quick visit to the Mill on Sunday was rewarded with a spectacular sunset. The frost was still thick and the burn was full of fast flowing water. However, there is more going on than we saw on our visit. The miller Peter Ellis had spotted fresh otter tracks along the burn. We haven't seen them yet but who knows, we might get lucky.

Early December at the Mill

This is the first time I've seen these particular.
mushrooms on my walks.

Not all of the trees are bare there is still a bit of autumn colour at the mill.

There are also some new visitors to the mill pond.The dogs and I saw these two swans on our
Saturday walk.

Carnoustie Christmas Market - by James

A hardy bunch braved the weather on Saturday morning at Carnoustie's first Christmas Market. The bags, plants, mincemeat, cards and calendars all went down well. We also had a chance to raise our membership and catch up with people who have already joined.

While we sold out of most things there are still some Mill Christmas cards left. If you would like to buy any then just e-mail and we can make arrangements.

Undercutting and erosion - By James

The danger of erosion by the very water that the Mill needs to work was raised for discussion last month. I have now been told that the most recent rain has had a further impact on the banks. This is especially worrying as it was undercutting and eventual collapse of the lade that was the original cause for the end of milling on the site.

Our first newsletter! by James

We are delighted to bring you our first newsletter. Hetty (the editor) has been cracking the whip and making sure the contributors all had their pieces in on time. And everyone has done a great job.

If you don't have a copy then download yours now by clicking this link.

Remember to send us an e-mail and we will add you to our contact list.

Last days of the season

Trees with an autumnal carpet - by Phyllis Anderson

Only the leaves on the ground remind us that it is October and not summer on this beautiful day. It was so quiet and peacful you could even hear the leaves fall.

Some of the trees in the orchard have been laden with apples. They are always a pleasure to look at. From the apple blossom in the spring to the different varieties of apples which for a donation to the Mill, you can enjoy the flavour of these old varieties.

Deer at the Mill - By Phyllis

It's about a month since I spotted a deer in the field across from the Mill. It is usually as the mornings get darker and the evenings draw in that we run into each other as I walk around the Mill. The most I've spotted together at once is 4. I just hope the farmer hasn't had too much success from his shooting from the platform in the adjacent field.

This picture was taken from the road that comes from Grange of Barry to the bridge across the Pitairlie Burn.

Farewell Cat x

Our very own musical wizz girl took off to get the ferry from Stranraer on Saturday. Cat LeeMarr has been an invaluable asset to the Friends, bringing sweet music and organisation to the group. However, following her successful completion of her Masters degree, with distinction, she has headed back to her home land.

She will be missed very much by us all and we look forward to seeing her when she is back in February.

We would all like to say a big thank you to Cat and her lovely hubby Chris, for all their hard work, and a thank you to all the musicians they have roped into supporting us, especially those at Jagged Roots.

by Gwen Anderson

King Fisher at Barry Mill - By Phyllis Anderson

Having twice caught a tantalising glimpse of vivid blue which could only have been a kingfisher, I came a step closer to seeing one on Thursday evening. While walking the faithful mutts on the path past the pond, a familiar blue flash shot past and flew up the middle of the burn before landing on a branch hanging over the burn. Perhaps next time I should take the binoculars I was given for just such an occasion. No picture I am afraid so one from the archive.

A very successful car boot sale!

Well done to everyone involved in making today's car boot sale very successful. With over 40 cars set up bright and early to make the most of a beautiful day. A big thank you as well to everyone who came along to sell and buy. Many thanks also go out to Angus Council with whom we arranged for use of the old Kinloch school site.

The sign is up!

Well done Phyllis for stringing and laminating with help from Jim. Lots of fun was had tying them up in the dark on Friday night with lots of puzzled looks from passers by.

Car Boot Sale

A reminder that the fundraising Car Boot Sale is on Saturday the 26th of September from 9am to 1pm, at the old Kinloch School in Carnoustie. To book a place email us at friendsofbarrymill@googlemail.com £5 paid in advance or £7 on the day.

Maintaining and developing Barry Mill requires support and volunteers. Send us an email, membership is just £5.

Malcolm Le Maistre at - Music at the Mill

We will be posting some of the video highlights of the summer. Malcolm has been a big hit, here he is with one of his more serious songs.

Trust membership soares

A report in the Herald has detailed the recent rise in membership that has seen revenue rising at NTS. At Barry Mill we have seen a local people, visitors and those who are concerned about Scotland's heritage taking out membership. Read the report.

Alan Cumming the new celebrity face of NTS

Local boy Alan Cumming has just become the celebrity face of the National Trust for Scotland. He attended Monikie Primary School just up the road, and Carnoustie High Scool the closest secondary school to Barry Mill. He has just launched NTS on Twitter and it will be interesting to see what he brings to the organisation.

Braving the rain

Some pictures of those who braved the rain on Sunday.

Music at the Mill 2 - The music

What a great night. The first event this year not to be bathed in sun but it didn't put us off. Wellies, waterproofs and umbarellas were abundant. But, so were barbeques, picnics and smiles.

I have lost count of the number of people that said how good the music was. I will add links in for everyone who played when I have a bit more time.

The line up for party night

We have had loads of great musicians over the last 6 months. The free celebration on the 9th of August is no exception. Here is some of the detail on the people who will be playing. And some of the devoted fans from the 1st 'Music at the Mill'. Panda Su – St Andrew’s based Panda Su’s debut EP, produced by Steve Mason (ex-Beta Band, producer credits include Massive Attack and Paul Weller) will be released in October 2009 to coincide with a UK tour. Following a 22 date tour of USA and Canada, Su featured as the only unsigned act in Radio Magnetic’s ‘Top 10 for 2009’ chart, and, played Fence Collective’s Homegame Festival in April.

Kerry Fowler – Dundee songwriter Kerry Fowler teamed up with Robbie Ward (Luva Anna, Orange Unsigned Finalists, Channel 4) to produce an EP described by BBC’s Jim Gellatly as “a record well worth the wait”. The EP has been ranked as “one of the Top 4 Scottish Releases of the summer” by Music News Scotland, and is drawing comparisons to Laura Marling and Karine Polwart. Kerry is also providing session vocals for various Scottish based electronica artists. Her EP is released online July 26^th.

Amber Wilson – Orkney based Amber Wilson has provided session vocals for various electronica acts (both in the UK and Scandinavia) and featured as guest vocalist with Morcheeba in 2007. Her debut EP was released in Autumn 2008 with a 14-date UK tour. Amber has played alongside the like of Paolo Nutini, Seth Lakeman, Willy Mason, El Presidente, Charlotte Church, Teitur and Amy MacDonald. Amber’s EP is released online June 22^nd.

Celebration Party at Barry Mill!

3 years more for Barry Mill! To celebrate the excellent news that Barry Mill will remain open for the next 3 years, Frinds of Barry Mill are holding a party on Sunday the 9th of August at 4pm. All of those who have supported, helped and are glad to here the news should come along, join in the party and hear great music.

Music at the Mill back in May was a great success as you can see in the picture.

We are on Face Book search for Save Barry Mill, and you can email us at: friendsofbarrymill@googlemail.com

More information, videos and pictures will be added here soon.