Loanhead Colliery

Did you ever hear a tale of a mining boom and a man’s financial ruin? Right here, at Loanhead Colliery, such a story unfolded. Loanhead Colliery, also known as Ramsay Colliery, stands as a testament to the volatile nature of industry. It began in 1850, amidst a surge in mining activity. Robert Wardlaw Ramsay, the owner, was initially flush with success from other mining ventures. He poured his family’s wealth into Loanhead Colliery. Sadly, the coal market turned fickle. Prices fluctuated dramatically, catching Ramsay off guard. The colliery became a financial burden. Ramsay was forced to sell the lease to his foreman, Archibald Hood. The Shotts Iron Company eventually took over Loanhead Colliery. This was due to the site’s valuable blackband iron ore deposits, alongside its coal reserves. In 1948, Loanhead Colliery employed 163 people. It produced 122 tons of coal daily, totaling 30,500 tons annually. The colliery utilized a Coppee Baum-type washer for processing the coal. Amenities for the workers included baths installed in 1932, a first-aid room, and a canteen added in 1939. Power for the colliery came mainly from Burghlee Colliery power station, with some supplemental electricity from the SE Scotland Electricity Board. Two shafts, measuring 302 meters and 174 meters deep respectively, facilitated mining operations. These shafts were located at specific coordinates. Loanhead Colliery operated for over a century. Its closure in 1965 marked the end of an era. The colliery’s abandonment in 1966 solidified its place in history. Loanhead Colliery remains a poignant reminder of the risks and rewards of industrial pursuits.