I don't mean to go against what others have said about coal mines, the others who have commented above are far more experienced than I am, I'm only 21.
Coal mines are indeed dangerous, they're not very nice places to visit. That's not to say it's impossible, there are places that can be accessed coal mine-wise, but in Scotland, like everywhere else, there are only bits here and there. Most coal mines aren't accessible as they're controlled by the Coal Authority, so they're largely blocked off. Most coal mines are drift/shaft mines, going downhill along the seam in very flat country, so they often flooded after a few metres in, not to mention the dangers.
Coal mines are difficult to navigate. Not like the big slate mines we tend to explore and then share info about on here. The coal seams are so narrow a lot of the time that the mine itself may be only 3 feet high, muddy, and low in oxygen, so that means lots of hard work kneeling over in knee deep mud, sliding beneath precarious roofs and rotting timbers, not to mention that it all makes you feel out of breath due to the low O2 level, constantly monitored by the gas detectors which are an absolute must.
I recommend that, if you want to get underground, there are other locations, in Scotland and elsewhere. There are some fantastic limestone mines in the central belt which require no crawling, and have fewer dangers usually. This isn't to say that, if you really are very enthusiastic about coal mines, that the possibility for visiting one isn't there, but leave it for now, explore other mines, and the opportunity will come up one day if you feel it's what you really want to look at. The others above me are warning you, and rightly so. I'm agreeing with them, but if you want to do something, are safe, knowledgeable and do it at your own risk, then no-one's to say you can't explore a coal mine one day. (If you ever do NEVER go alone)
Linden
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