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Woodhead Mine

Garryhorn Burn, W of Carsphairn, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Mine (Lead, with Silver), 1840-1873.

Extensive complex consisting of a series of shafts mostly interconnected by five levels, the upper three of which were adits with hillside entrances. The deepest level was at a depth of 25 fms [46m], whilst the 'Deep Level Adit' extended much further to the SE where it opened out at NX 5340 9353. See abandonment plan for layout. The area is now open wasteland scarred by the past workings, and it is doubtful that any of the entrances remain open.

1840 - 1873, Col. M. Cathcart's lead mine at Woodhead, Carsphairn halted population decline & gave some prosperity. Up to date equipment, & model village, combination of enterprise & philanthropy. 30 years on, decline in production, moor returned to wild. Unlike most land-owners Col. Cathcart ran the mines himself rather than leasing the mine workings. 30 ft water wheel drove crusher, smelting furnaces on approved plan, Advantage taken of abundant coal & lime in Ayrshire. Village population 300 with school & library. Large investment prior to start of mining. 200 tons of haematite brought to surface during 30 years of operation but never taken to smelter. Lead smelted on site with coal carted from Dalmellington. Carts returned with bar metal. Ore occasionally re-smelted to obtain silver (7/8 ounces per ton of lead). Silver seen as bonus in lead mining but only really necessary to extract it to maintain the purity of the lead. Lead taken by road to Dalmellington then Ayr then by ship to Liverpool or London. At least 4 separate adits running in from surface, 3 more deep levels and at least 9 shafts. Two flues ran up hillside, dispersing fumes & condensing airborne lead.

After closure, some of cottages became kennels & manager's house or schoolhouse became shooting lodge. Shafts fenced and used as rubbish tips. Wheel removed in 1920s and housing cannibalised for slates & timber during WW II. Land reverted to sheep farming. Surviving house became holiday let with others in row becoming implement sheds.

Alternative Names: Woodhead Mines, Garryhorn Lead Mine, Carsphairn Lead Mine

Notes: Samples of crystalline & fibrous sphalerite found on spoil heaps also small samples of massive & occasionally crystalline galena. Spoil 'clear' of sulphide minerals, gangue minerals easily obtainable.

Given 6 fig. coordinates are generic, centred on the mine area. Surface features and shaft locations are shown on the 1853 & 1895 OS maps, which show working and abandoned works respectively.