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Burngrange Pits

West Calder, Burngrange Farm, Midlothian (West Lothian).

Mine (shale), 20th Century.

Initial (No.39) pit was an inclined shaft that opened c. 1903 and closed in 1912. Subsequently site of Burngrange No. 1 & 2 Pits (1936-1958); now a recycling yard. Short-lived mine following the Broxburn Shale from its outcrop. Linked to Addiewell Chemical Works by a standard gauge mineral railway.

Burngrange No. 1 & 2 Pit was one of a number of new pits sunk in the years leading up to World War Two. Whereas No. 39 Mine exploited Broxburn Shale that lay close to the surface, Burngrange No. 1 & 2 worked the Dunnet Shale lying deep beneath much of West Calder; the workings extending to those of Westwood Pit to the north and Polbeth No. 26 Mine to the north east [from Scottish Shale].

Alternative Names: Burngrange No. 1 Pit, Burngrange No. 2 Pit

Notes: "While Burngrange Pit might otherwise have been considered as a notable success, it's name will forever be associated with the shale oil industry's blackest hour: the Burngrange Disaster of 1947. On 10th of January 1947, an underground explosion and fire led to the death of 15 men; by far the greatest loss of life in any accident during the history of shale oil industry." [Scottish Shale]

Given coords approx. to 8 figs. Given depth are for the No.1/No2 pits.