The A listed Stanley Mills is a substantial complex of water-powered cotton mills, dating from 1729, and is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay, just outside the village of Stanley, seven miles north of Perth. The Mills stopped operating in 1989 and were saved from demolition in 1995, with Bell Mill being developed into a visitor centre by Historic Scotland, and Mid and East Mills being converted into residential accommodation by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust.  It was the first example of a mixed development in rural Scotland. The project was funded by Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Funding, Architectural Heritage Fund, The Gannochy Trust, Tayside Enterprises, and income from the sale of converted properties.  Since then the North Range has been converted into more flats and offices. The offices are still owned by Historic Scotland.

This project proposes to repair and find a new use for the remaining range of buildings which have not been included in any of the previous regeneration schemes, other than to neaten the facades which are visible from the main residential blocks. The East Range complex consists of the Weaving Mill, Cotton Warehouse, Garage and East Range, joined with a curtain wall to form a courtyard and positioned to the east of the main residential blocks. They are B Listed and date from circa 1823-55. The condition ranges from fairish unimproved shells to very poor.

This proposed project will be a collaboration between Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, Perth Autism Support and Historic Environment Scotland, the current owners.  The aim is to provide accommodation for Perth Autism Support to provide additional activities for children on the autistic spectrum outwith their current premises in Perth City Centre and to develop other mixed uses to secure future revenue funding to maintain the buildings.  The project is still at an early stage and Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust are applying for external funding support to carry out a feasibility study and options appraisal.