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Bankhead Lime Works

Stonehouse, Glassford Bridge, Cot Castle, Lanarkshire.

Mine (Limestone), 19th Century.

Site labelled on 1st Ed. OS maps as "Limestone Mine" in embankment, now occupied by woodland.

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"The limestone mine at Cot Castle dates back to at least 1816, as does a limestone mine to the east of the Yards Farm near Couplaw. In 1836 Rev. Hugh Dewar recorded a statistical account for Stonehouse, where he stated that "there is an abundance of lime of the highest quality". This was extracted locally and burned using a small seam of coal, mined solely for the purpose of lime burning. The statistical account of this year also record that there were 14 lime burners employed for this task.

When the limestone mines ceased production is unclear, but the 1861 statistical account of Stonehouse indicate coal was still being mined principally for the limeworks, though, as shown above, only one miner is recorded as employed from the parish. Possibly the majority of employees were located in Glassford, or, this was an indication of the demise of the limeworks. An account of Stonehouse in 1904, state the limekilns were not in use and the 1881 census statistics show no one was employed from the parish in the production of lime.

Today the remains of two lime kilns can still be viewed on the banks of the Avon, running under the A71, both of which have been infilled for the safety of visitors. These are described as, "a pair of single-draw lime kilns set into a bank, with elliptically arched draw holes and projecting buttresses". The kilns can be accessed either by Cot Castle or by following the river from the Glassford Bridge." [Stonehouse Heritage]

Alternative Names: Bankhead Limestone Mine

Notes: Site unmarked on geological survey & MRA maps.