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Longannet Mine

Kincardine-on-Forth, Fife.

Coal mine (1969-2002).

Longannet holds particular significance as it was the last operational (deep) coal mine in Scotland. It closed abruptly in April 2002 following a catastrophic dam breach that flooded the mine, effectively ending centuries of underground coal mining in Scotland. Connecting with collieries in Clackmannanshire (incl. Castlebridge & Solsgirth), it formed a tunnel complex approx. 5 miles long.

The Longannet Complex commenced production in 1969, closing in 2002. Mining the Upper Hirst coal, it comprised Bogside, Castlebridge, Castlehill, Solsgirth and Longannet Mine collieries, directly serving Longannet Power Station and designed to supply 10,160 tons of coal per day. The 8.8km tunnel between Solsgirth and Longannet contained what was claimed to be the longest underground conveyor belt in the world at the time. It was described as a blueprint for modern mining, and many aspects of the development were duplicated elsewhere in the UK (e.g. Selby), and overseas. Despite geological problems, its miners regularly broke productivity records for output from single faces. [Canmore]

Alternative Names: Longannet Colliery

Notes: As a minimum proven depth, the shaft at the Castlebridge Colliery entrance to the mine complex (starting at NS 9403 9267, 45m a.s.l.) was 426m deep, equating to 381m below sea level. This therefore extends deeper than the deepest point of Loch Morar (Scotland's deepest loch), which is 'only' 310m deep (301m bsl).

Given location is that of the former pithead (now capped / filled). The colliery and associated power station complex was demolished in 2019.

Longannet Mine visited by I. Greig c. 2001.

Castlebridge Colliery was the last deep coal mine shaft to be sunk in Scotland, in 1978.