WoSAS Pin 66049
NS 5684 5159
In the garden to the rear of 91 Montgomery Street, Eaglesham, are the substantial remains of a building. The building is depicted on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, but its function is uncertain. It has been suggested that it could represent the remains of a small mill, as the 1st edition shows a sluice and pond on the Picketlaw Burn to the west of the building, while part of the structure has been suggested as a wheel pit. However, this interpretation appears unlikely, as there is no indication on the 1st edition of a lade running from the pond to the building. In addition, the feature identified as a possible wheel pit is lies perpendicular to the burn, meaning that any watercourse running to it would need to loop around the rear of the structure before returning to the burn. If it were a mill, a more logical position for the wheel would be on the wall parallel to the watercourse. Most of the walls of the extant structure survive to only two or three courses in height, but one still stands to over head height. This wall has two low lintel-capped openings sitting side-by-side. These have the appearance of fireplaces, but it is not clear why two hearths would be needed so close together. This may suggest that the building had some industrial function, rather than being residential, though it is also possible that it could have been a wash-house, with the hearths used for heating water.
Information from Hunter, S. (09/03/11)
Entered WoSAS (MO'H) 31/03/2011