Peter Scott Mill

Client

Private Client

Location

Hawick, Scottish Borders

Sector

Living

In Hawick, a historic 1878 mill has been reimagined as age-friendly apartments. Retaining key heritage features, the Yarn Store’s conversion delivers ten over-55s homes with modern amenities, improved efficiency, and preserved character. The result is a thoughtful balance between conservation and contemporary living, enhancing both community heritage and housing choice.

The Challenge

The historic mill, established in 1878, occupied a dense site in Hawick with significant heritage value. Converting it for residential use required balancing conservation with modern needs—retaining key external features such as the chimney and perimeter walls while removing unsuitable internal structures to create a viable redevelopment opportunity.

peter-scott-mill
peter-scott-mill

Alistair Whitson

Associate

Callum Ford

Associate & Technical Lead

Our Approach

Following a detailed feasibility study with the council and heritage bodies, the design strategy focused on preserving the building’s external character while adapting it for new use. The first phase converted the Yarn Store into ten apartments for over-55s, meeting identified local housing needs. The fenestration pattern was retained, elevations enhanced with glazed-balustrade balconies, and a new service core integrated discreetly.

The Conclusion

The transformation of the Yarn Store has delivered high-quality, age-friendly homes while safeguarding the mill’s historic presence. Sensitive detailing and fabric upgrades ensure comfort, efficiency, and accessibility, creating a development that both honours Hawick’s industrial heritage and responds to contemporary living requirements.

Alistair Whitson

Associate

Alistair is a highly experienced technical leader at Aitken Turnbull, bringing over 35 years of knowledge and expertise to the team. Educated at Edinburgh College of Art he has developed a wealth of experience as a technical leader, and has extensive experience across a range of sectors including Healthcare and Residential projects. Alongside his technical leadership, he also oversees IT within the practice, ensuring systems run smoothly and efficiently. With a practical, hands-on approach and a wealth of insight, Alistair supports the team in delivering well-crafted, reliable solutions for every project.

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Callum Ford

Associate & Technical Lead

As an experienced Architectural Technician, Callum combines strong technical knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach at Aitken Turnbull. Starting as a trainee while studying Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University, he has built up experience across housing, bespoke homes, non-domestic buildings, and fit-out projects. Involved from early design through to completion, Callum specialises in BIM and clear, accurate project delivery. His skills in 3D visualisation also help bring designs to life and support effective communication with clients and teams. Approachable and down-to-earth, he ensures projects run smoothly and efficiently from start to finish.

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Callum Ford
Callum Ford
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