David
Take your pick from:
ROTHES COLLIERY, Thorton, Fife - started by the Fife Coal Company in 1946,
shaft sinking commenced by Cementation in August 1948. Sinking severely
affected by water. No 2 shaft stopped 275 fathoms, and horizon development
commenced at the 266 fathom. No 1 shaft finally reached 418 fathoms in
February 1956. First coal from 5 foot seam (a slight misnomer incidently for
a seam that wass less than 2 foot thick here) in June 1957. Coal was also
won from the Lochgelly Splint. Outputs were severely affected by burnt coal,
water and extreme faulting resulting in 14 of the 16 faces worked being
abandoned. Production & development ceased in March 1962 (original cost
estimate of £1.65 million took on Holyrood proportions and finally bottomed
out at about £20 million) There was a legacy however in the form of the
newtown development at Glenrothes, the site is now partially occupied by
Fife Council and Fife Fire & Rescue Service and for many years one of the
shafts I believe was used for diving training. The winding towers were
finally blown down in 1993
Architcts vision: http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/images/706493_fu.jpg
or
GLENOCHIL COLLIERY, between Alva and Alloa, Clackmannanshire - NCB had
ambitions for this to be the largest drift mine in the UK producing 3,000
tonnes per day for 50 years. Sinking of the drifts began in January 1952
again with the intention of developing a horizon mine development (at 1500
yards, 2170 yards and 3000 yard) The 1500 yard horizon was reached and
development work commenced in June 1956. Production began in December 1956.
Unfortunately the old fellas had been before them and cherry-picked the best
of the coals, leaving only very thin seams, coal in faulted pockets and coal
protecting surface features (probably Gartmorn Dam). Closure was announced
in 1961 and the last shift was on 1st June 1961
The tragic waste of money at Glenochil is particulary well covered in a
fascinating wee book by Robert Halliday "The Disapearing Scottish Colliery"
(1980) who I believe was an NCB geologist. He castigates the NCB for a
complete failure to consult with or inspect the papers of the old Alloa Coal
Company or take any cognisance of their lack of interest in developing a new
mine or extending the pre-existing King O'the Muirs pit. Ironically the
neighbouring low tech drift mine development at Dollar was a real big
hitting success.
Cheers
Graham
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Summers" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:56 PM
Subject: A mine in Scotland
>I wonder if I could ask for a little assistance. Back in the 1960's, as I
>remember, there was a mine being developed by the NCB in Scotland with
>significant prospects. However, when they sank the shaft they found that
>the ground was sufficiently faulted that it would have been uneconomic to
>develop and so they sealed the shaft and shut it all down. Does anyone
>remember the name of the mine, please?
>
> Dave
>
>
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