As deep as Carntyne Heugh they said. That’s what people used to say to illustrate something profound. Welcome to Carntyne a Glasgow suburb with a history as deep as its former coal mines.
Carntyne boasts a rich past. For centuries the Gray family worked the almost inexhaustible coal seams. Their mines fueled Glasgow’s industry from around 1600. Imagine the smoke the grime the hard work.
The Carntyne coalpits were vital. They supplied fuel for much of Glasgow. A fascinating fact is that the West of Scotland’s first steam engine was here. This was in 1768. It drained water from the mines. Before that a windmill did the job. Until a great storm blew it to smithereens on a Windy Saturday.
The mines finally closed in 1875. Water and the increase of feuing were too much. Carntyne House a large mansion stood in the heart of the area. It was built by Robert Gray in 1802. It remained until the 1920s. Then it was demolished to make way for new housing.
The housing scheme that replaced the mines was built between the wars. It provided homes for Glasgow’s overcrowded inner city. The streets are named after places around Edinburgh. Haymarket Street Inverleith Street Morningside Street and more. Except for Carntyne Road and Carntynehall Road of course.
The early homes had flat roofs. Water leaked in a lot. Traditional pitched roofs were added later. Some homes were of a Winget type. These proved defective. Many were refurbished years later. Some were demolished. This caused many delays and much debate.
Today Carntyne is a peaceful neighbourhood. It’s close to the city centre. The A8 road and the M8 motorway provide easy access. Carntyne railway station provides frequent links to the city centre. Several bus routes also serve the area. There are local amenities but a wider choice is in nearby Dennistoun Parkhead and Shettleston.
Carntyne offers a blend of history and modern life. From its coal mining roots to its modern housing. The area has evolved. It retains a sense of community and history. The legacy of the Gray family and the miners still resonates today. Remember the depth of Carntyne Heugh next time you’re here.