Scottish Limestone Mines · AditNow Community

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Cat_Bones
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

I'm going to be staying a few miles north of Berwick for a week this summer and want to take the opportunity to visit one or two of the limestone mines in SE Scotland.

As I'm going to be limited as to time, I need to make any trip count, so is anyone able to advise which mine(s) would be the best to visit?

Middleton (Midlothian) looks about the most interesting/extensive but before I waste my time, if someone could supply any details with regards access etc, that'd be much appreciated!

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Pyroninja
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

PM me for details.

RJV
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Depending upon how far north of Berwick you are, the Northern Northumberland's Minor Railways series are a useful read.

They are written from a railway perspective though and for the casual visitor, probably only of real interest if surface stuff is your thang!
http://www.oakwoodpress.co.uk/books/books_n.htm

Cat_Bones
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

"RJV" wrote:
Depending upon how far north of Berwick you are, the Northern Northumberland's Minor Railways series are a useful read.

They are written from a railway perspective though and for the casual visitor, probably only of real interest if surface stuff is your thang!
http://www.oakwoodpress.co.uk/books/books_n.htm

Thanks RJV... it's underground stuff I'm after on this occasion, particularly limestone :)

Pyroninja, will do...

ChrisJC
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Get in touch with the Grampian Spelaelogical Group. They hosted a NAMHO conference in Edinburgh, and some of the field trips were to the mines and quarries in the area of interest.

Chris.

maltabb
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

Would Harelaw Stone Mine (Scottish Borders) be "in range" for you. Have been in a few times, although not for 3-4 years now. It makes a decent half day or evening trip.

Cat_Bones
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

"maltabb" wrote:
Would Harelaw Stone Mine (Scottish Borders) be "in range" for you. Have been in a few times, although not for 3-4 years now. It makes a decent half day or evening trip.

Looks interesting though a bit far for this particular trip. Thanks for the suggestion though!

Scottiedog
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

10 years ago

@ Cat_bones As Pyro has said if you havent got in touch, PM him
we are the only active mine exploration group in this part of Scotland so know all locations that you can still access. Some of us are members of GSG as well.
Pyro can discuss locations & access with you

Dave

Cat_Bones
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie Topic Starter

10 years ago

"Scottiedog" wrote:
@ Cat_bones As Pyro has said if you havent got in touch, PM him
we are the only active mine exploration group in this part of Scotland so know all locations that you can still access. Some of us are members of GSG as well.
Pyro can discuss locations & access with you

Dave

Thanks mate. I have PM'd Pyro but he's not picked the message up yet... no rush though, not going until June. 🙂

Jemstone
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

#10

Hi Is it possible to get information on the limestone mines beneath the Gilmerton, Craigour and Mordun areas. Is it possible to visit these or what kind of info can one obtain. Many thanks

Dr J
50.2% (Neutral)
Newbie

5 years ago

#11

"Jemstone" wrote:
Hi Is it possible to get information on the limestone mines beneath the Gilmerton, Craigour and Mordun areas. Is it possible to visit these or what kind of info can one obtain. Many thanks

All filled with concrete I think, major stabilisation works have gone on over recent years following a number of collapse events, forced demolition of properties etc... Not aware of any remaining open/accessible, at least after these infilling operations 😞

Over-ground, underground, wombling free...

Cuban Bloodhound
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Newbie

5 years ago

#12

As far as I know, there are no mines open in those areas.

rikj
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Newbie

5 years ago

#13

"Jemstone" wrote:
Hi Is it possible to get information on the limestone mines beneath the Gilmerton, Craigour and Mordun areas. Is it possible to visit these or what kind of info can one obtain. Many thanks

There's extensive information online about the subsidence event at Gilmerton in 2001. Not surprising it happened looking at how they were worked. 3m band of limestone worked by pillar and stall method, rooms 10m+, pillars 1-2m :blink:

It was estimated that each pillar was bearing a load of 2000-3000 tons.

When local collieries ceased pumping (1940s?) the pillar and stall workings flooded, and the dissolution of the limestone weakened the pillars. That's the supposition.

It was decided that demolition of the affected buildings was a better option than grouting the mines. So the mines are there, but collapsed and flooded.

This all just cribbed from the net.

Bonus pic, view full size:

https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/90316/gilmerton-lane-quarry-near-edinburgh