JMB
  • JMB
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6 years ago
On the BBC News website

"The other path connects the crofting townships of Grealin and Lealt. It includes part of where a diatomite mine railway once was."

Improvements to historic Skye routes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46919909 
Martin Briscoe
Fort William
tiger99
6 years ago
https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/news/skye-diatomite-a-lost-industry-1-118249 

Apart from the tramway surface, still very clearly defined, I don't think that there is anything to see, to justify a visit, unless you happen to be in the area for other reasons. The coast road going north from Portree gets you to the lower end.

Nevertheless, very interesting.
JMB
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tiger99
6 years ago
Many years ago (1967) I found a broken piece of marble which had been smoothed and polished at what seems to be the site in your first link. It was about the right thickness for a kitchen worktop, but sadly only about a 6 inch rough triangle.

I have been too busy to get back to Skye since then, but I do get to Oban and Fort William every few years. Sadly I was disappointed last time, McTavish's Kitchen in both towns had gone.

Disclaimer: Mine exploring can be quite dangerous, but then again it can be alright, it all depends on the weather. Please read the proper disclaimer.
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