Bright future for Wales’ only working windmill

Wales' only working windmill - Melin Llynon - has a bright future after being restored by restored by Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Saturday 28 September will mark the windmill's grand opening as the site, which is now one of Anglesey's best attractions - and known for its famous Mônuts - is officially handed over to Richard Holt.

Mr Holt has also kindly agreed that proceeds from the event will go towards the Rhyd y Llan appeal for the Eisteddfod yr Urdd, which is hosted by Ynys Môn in 2026.

Isle of Anglesey County Council Chairman, Councillor Glyn Haynes, will be attending Saturday's grand opening. Councillor Haynes said, "It will be a privilege to join guests at Llanddeusant to celebrate both the past and future of this iconic, and unique, building."

"This special day represents the culmination of a significant period of work between Mr Richard Holt and officers from the county council - with the support and expertise of Cadarn Consulting Engineers and Grosvenor Construction Ltd."

He added, "Saturday will also show the county council's commitment towards collaboration - one of our key values. Collaboration has been vital in this project which has preserved a piece of history and heritage for future generations - despite the significant financial challenges faced by local government."

"By working together, we have ensured that Melin Llynon remains the only operating windmill in Wales. Thank you to our staff and partners - and of course to Richard Holt - I wish him the very best of luck with his future endeavours."

Melin Llynon was managed by the county council as one of the island's main tourist attractions until 2019. By then, the mill was a little worse for wear and required attention to ensure the safety of staff and visitors moving forward.

The council agreed to undertake the necessary repairs to maintain the mill's status 'as the only working mill left in Wales'. Between 2022 and 2023 Cadarn Consulting Engineers and Grosvenor Construction Ltd completed the repairs as part of the council's North Anglesey Regeneration Programme.

With funding secured from several sources - including £100k from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - the work was completed with no financial implications for Anglesey taxpayers. The mill will generate income for the council moving forward.

Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, added, "Significant work has been undertaken over the last two years to secure Melin Llynon's future. It is now in Richard's hands thanks to a 25-year lease, and we wish him every success on his new venture."

"He has already worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the site, turning Melin Llynon into a world-renowned attraction."

"It's great to see a local resident succeed with a venture which has also boosted the community and the island. As a county council, we are delighted to be able to play a small part in supporting it as this exciting journey continues into the future!"

Richard Holt said, "Back in 2019, my family and I took a huge leap of faith in an attempt to keep Melin Llynon open for the next 25 years. When we discovered that the windmill was no longer operational, the mill's future did not look promising.

"However, Anglesey County Council recognised the importance of its heritage and stepped in to help. We now have the privilege of being custodians of the last working windmill in Wales and a duty to maintain it for future generations."

He added, "The cherry on the top was being able to offer a job to Lloyd Jones, the miller who had previously worked here up to 2016. We are now training young apprentice millers and hope to create many more career opportunities moving forward."

The Melin Llynon Grand Opening will be held between 10am to 4pm.

Ends 27 September 2024

Notes to editors

The mill was built between 1775 and 1776 for Herbert Jones as part of the Llynon Estate.

Over the years the mill was operated by several generations of the same family, and then by Robert Rowlands, who was from a famous family of millers on Anglesey.

In 1952 the mill was listed as a Grade II* Listed Building, as the only working mill left on Anglesey, out of the 40 that would have been operational in the 19th century.

The mill was sold to Isle of Anglesey County Council in 1978. The mill had been severely damaged during a storm and the council undertook substantial repairs to bring the mill back into use. The work was completed in 1983.

The mill was opened in 1984 by the council's mayor, Councillor TD Roberts.

Llynon Mill on Anglesey