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Northrigg Mine

SW of Bathgate, Hall Torbane Farm, West Lothian.

Mine (coal & ironstone).

'Northrigg Mine', a term typically synonymous with Northrigg No.2 Pit, refers to a colliery that was the site of the discovery of Torbanite (or Torbane mineral), which led to discovery & exploitation of oil bearing shales.

Given coordinates are for Northrigg No.2 Pit, which was sunk on the site of Torbane No.2 Pit and was connected underground to Northrigg No.7 Pit (NS 9550 6656). The latter supplied fireclay for pipes and some coal, but was replaced by the Pottishaw Mine [see Site #8215] in 1963.

Alternative Names: Northrigg No.2 Pit, Northrigg Colliery

Notes: "Torbane Pit No.2: This pit is situated a few chains N of the farmstead Hall Torbane (Torbanehill). It is 58 fathoms [106m] in depth, worked by two engines, one a water engine 120 horse power, and a winding engine 35 horse power. There are four seams of rough coal varying from 2ft to 3ft in thickness, and one seam of excellent parrot coal from 7 to 14 ins in thickness. There are only small balls of ironstone found in this pit. It is worked by Messrs. Russel and Sons, Falkirk." [Canmore]

"Pit in the lands of Torbane, sunk on the site of Torbane No.2 pit, with workings linked underground to Northrigg No.7 pit. Total depth 381ft." [Scottish Shale]

Mine Owner(s): 1900 James Wood Ltd, 1905-1947 United Collieries Ltd, 1950-1965 United Fireclay Products Ltd. [Mindat]