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Boyleston Quarry

Barrhead, Ferenze, Renfrewshire.

Surface quarry originally excavated for copper and also producing small quantities of silver. Now popular with mountain bikers and occasional mineral hunters. In 2017, it was proposed to build housing on the site, however there was local opposition.

This Quarry was situated on the Renfrewshire Hills which were probably formed by fissure eruptions, literally cracks in the crust allowing liquid magma to escape to the surface. The fissures are aligned with a row of volcanic vents running from Fintry to Dumbarton and Dumbarton Rock itself is the remains of one of these ancient volcanoes. They are a part the Clyde Plateau Lavas which are about 340 million years old. [mindat]

"Several other very small finds of native silver in Scotland include localities situated on the Clyde Plateau Lavas of Carboniferous age around Glasgow. Boyleston Quarry near Barrhead (Renfrewshire) and Loanhead Quarry, near Beith (Ayrshire) are two examples of such occurrences. At both localities, silver occurs both as very small, microscopic wires and as crystals, the latter often in complex forms and, quite regularly, is associated with native copper." [Currie]

No indication of underground passages although previously limekilns near the entrance.

Quarry still accessible but limekilns removed and entrance built over with housing estate and school.

Alternate Names: None recorded.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None