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Argyll Mine

Machrihanish Caravan Park, W of Campbeltown, Argyllshire.

Mine (sandstone & coal), 19-20th Centuries.

Stoop and pillar mine complex shown on mine abandonment plan titled 'Argyll Colliery Sandstone Workings'. Operated by the Campbeltown Coal Co Ltd, the sandstone was ground for furnace hearth sands.

"The sandstone was worked by stoop and room and in places large galleries were opened up to work the full c. 63 feet thick sandstone. The rock was first holed and then the blasting charges were inserted some way up the working face. The rock was crushed at the pit but not washed. The Campbeltown sand was used as a substitute for Belgian sand for lining the Siemens-Martin steel furnaces; also for steel and iron castings and for glass making. In 1918 it was reported to be transported by light railway to Campbeltown, shipped to Glasgow, places on the Ayrshire seaboard, Workington, Cumberland and a certain amount exported to Calcutta." [BGS Geoheritage]

Alternative Names: Argyll Colliery, Machrihanish Coalfield

Notes: Argyll Colliery and buildings marked on 1899 OS map.

In addition to shafts at the given coordinates, two adits are marked to south (on site of caravan park) on MRA map.

8 fig. NGR derived from OS map using georef' tool.