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West Whitesmith Trials [Level]

Ardnamurchan, Strontian, Meall a' Ghriuth, Argyllshire.

Lead trial.

Adit or mine gallery marked on modern OS maps, northwest of the westernmost shafts of the Whitesmith Mines. Geological Survey map indicates that this was a trial level that encountered barytes & galena. Opencast workings are seen as scars to the SW of this locality. These mineral deposits are separate to the Strontian Main Vein (wrought by the Whitesmith, Middleshop & Bellsgrave Mines) which is located further SE.

"About 400 yards west of Whitesmith main open cast there are several trials entirely in gneiss... At the western end two pits have been sunk, both now full of water... there is a level full of water, but it appears not to go far, the vein which is exposed in the roof is about 2 feet 6 inches wide consisting of 16 inches of barytes in the centre, flanked by a mixture of barytes with gneiss. Ninety yards to the east a trial bearing 30º south of east is evident, but very shallow. The vein is 4 feet 6 inches wide, and of narrow strings of baryteswith gneiss, it is probably from those trials that the presumed course of the vein has been taken." [Landless, 1975]

Alternative Names: West Whitesmith Level

Notes: Adit marked on Geological Survey map. Given coordinates derived from BGS GeoIndex.

Name of West Whitesmith Trials shown on mine plan SP1048.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None