Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Philpstoun No.6 Mine

Whitequarries, Philpstoun, E of Linlithgow, West Lothian.

Mine (Oil Shale), 1909-32 / 1940-62.

Given coordinates are for a (collapsed?) opening located at the NE extremity of an extensive pillar-and-stall mine system. The now-infilled main entrance adit was located further SW at [NT 0748 7734], the site of which is now occupied by an industrial yard near the A904 road. This main entrance was more centrally placed, whilst the SW extremity is located just S of the Union Canal at ~[NT 0660 7634]; the straight-line distance between these SW & NE extremities is 2.2 km.

"James Ross & Company's showcase mine, set in a secluded wooded area of the Hopetoun Estate, and equipped with elegant office buildings. Abandoned on closure of Philpstoun Oil Works, the mine was reconstructed in 1940 in association with the development of a new Philpstoun No. 1 Mine, shale from both mines being transported to Niddry Castle Crude Oil Works by electric tramway. The mine continued in production until the end of the shale industry." [Scottish Shale]

Alternative Names: Philipstoun Shale Mine No 6, White Quarries, Whitequarries

Notes: Possible foul air.

Philpstoun No.6 & No.1 (Whitequarries) mines depicted on 1958 OS map. No.6 Mine wrought the Dunnet Shale, in contrast to the neighbouring No.1 (aka Whitequarries) Mine that targeted the Broxburn Shale. The term 'Whitequarries Mine' probably applies to the No.1 Mine in order to differentiate it from the original Philpstoun No.1 Mine entrance located further SW.