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East Handaxwood Mine

East Handaxwood Farm, W of Breich, West Lothian.

Mine (Fireclay), 20th Century.

Extensive grid-like mine complex in the Lower Millstone Grit Fireclay, underlying the majority of an area bound by lines of longitude passing through East & West Handaxwood farm buildings. The system can be described as being separated into two primary areas (N & S), avoiding undermining of the railway line as much as possible. The northern section, some of which is W of Craighead farm, is also partly subdivided by the Breich Water (presumably to minimise flooding). The mine system extends SE as far as approx. [NS 95147 60647], and N to approx. [NS 9478 6095], making it c.1km long from NNW-SSE, & c.0.6km long from E-W. See abandonment plan (in refs) for detailed mine layout.

The main mine mouth was located at (or very close to) the given coordinates, whilst two 'air mine' mouths were located c.100/120 m further NW at [NS 9513 6067] & [9515 6065]. Satellite imagery suggests that these have all been infilled.

Alternative Names: East Handaxwood Fireclay Mine

Notes: Operated by Glenboig Union Fireclay Co. Ltd from 1960 to c. 1971.

The main fireclay seam was 84" thick, overlain by a layers of 'fireclay & balls'.

Given coordinates based on 6 fig. NGR. Given length is a minimum total passage length.