The move away from the use of the travelling threshing mill to mills erected at farms continued in the 1940s. Newspapers in some districts of Scotland, especially in the north-east and Perthshire, reported the erection of new mills on farms. These were important occasions on the farms, and were seen as ceremonies at which the farming family and neighbours were invited. While they provide accounts of these ceremonies, they sometimes also recorded information on the mills and how they were powered.
While some farmers preferred a mill from some of the big makers such as Garvie & Sons, Aberdeen, others favoured local mill makers, some of whom were well-known. Some mills were being powered by tractor, though the use of oil engines was common.
Some accounts of new threshing mills have been included below:
“A new threshing mill has been started at Cortiebrae, Lonmay, by Messrs I. and S. Mair. The mill, which was built by Messrs Wright Bros, Portsoy, is of an up-to-date type, fitted with ball-bearings throughout and mounted on rubber wheels, and is driven by a Fordson tractor. Those who saw the work produced were loud in their praise of it, especially with the dressing of the grain. Mrs Mair and family hospitably entertained the company.”
(Buchan observer and East Aberdeenshire advertiser, 18 February 1941)
“Threshing mill ceremony
At the formal starting of the new threshing mill which has been installed at Little Lour, Inverarity, there was a large gathering of neighbours, friends, and employees.
First sheaf was put through the mill by Mr John Kerr, Kirkbuddo, whose association with the district extends over 60 years. The mill, which was built by Mr D. Craig, Idvies, was then put through tests by experienced farmers.
At the close of the proceedings visitors and staff were entertained to dinner by Mr and Mrs Robert Syme.” (Dundee courier, 13 October 1942)
“New threshing mill at Balfour
A new threshing mill has been installed at the farm of Balfour, owned by Mr Wm Black. The first sheaves were put through by Mrs Black. At the finish of operations all the people were entertained by Mr and Mrs Black.” (Brechin advertiser, 27 November 1945)
“New threshing mill at Meigle Farm
Last Saturday afternoon a gathering of friends and neighbours met at Glenluie Farm, Meigle, to see the starting of a new threshing mill installed by Barclay, Ross, & Hutchison, Perth.
It has a 30-inch high-speed drum running on ball bearings, with four shakers and grain elevator which delivers the grain in the granary in perfect order. Driven by a Ferguson tractor, the mill proved a great success.”
(Blairgowrie advertiser, 20 December 1946)
