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Cronberry Mines [Overview]

Auchinleck, Cumnock, Lugar, Cronberry, Ayrshire.

Mines.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: Generic reference to Cronberry Mine(s) based on reference with 6 Fig. NGR. No mine at given coordinates.

The area is peppered with several (mostly) 19th Century ironstone pits / mines that targeted the Lugar Blackband Ironstone, with surrounding coal pits that mined the Ell and Lugar Main Coal seams. The iron pits served the Lugar Iron Works. The latter commenced operations around 1845. In 1856, the Eglinton Iron Company, a subsidiary of William Baird & Co., acquired the works and significantly expanded production. These ironworks continued operations until 1928.

Reference may refer to Mosshouse or Braehead Pits at Cronberry Junction and Cronberry Tile Works. Darnconnar open cast workings (on site of Dronconnar Pit), N of farm and reservoir may be too far east to be Cronbery Mine. Cronberry Ironstone Mine associated with Iron works at Lugar.

See also coal mining around Cronberry and barytes mine at Gasswater.