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Vicar's Bridge Ironstone Mine

Arndean, Dollar, Perthshire.

Mine.

"Near the banks of the Devon, at the Vicar's Bridge, there are some strata of ironstone, limestone, and sandstone or freestone; and in the west of the parish, there is a bed of coal. The ironstone is wrought on the Fossoway side of the Devon and is esteemed a very rich ore." [NSA]

Reminiscences of Dollar, Tillicoultry and other Districts adjoining the Ochils: Name Vicar's Bridge refers to Thomas Forrest, martyred 1538. Original bridge built by vicar forms part of eastern half of arch. Ironstone mines at Vicar's Bridge extensively wrought but cartage serious expense. Mineral water from mine celebrated for healing properties.

"The Vicar's Bridge, four boys exploring mines, three lost, fourth assumed they exited some other way, raised alarm when they did not appear. Search by Mssrs Lauder, Robertson and MRs Whyte parents of the boys found them asleep on the far side of a pool having fallen in and unable to recross as their candle had been put out." [Dollar Magazine]

Alternative Names: Vicars Bridge

Notes: "Mineral water fist observed last summer excited considerable interest used medicinally by common people probably for complaints for which it is ill adapted but for beneficial complaints where its high iron content of advantage. Described by Mr Tait who sent sample for analysis as found in mines or excavations from which clay ironstone is obtained at Vicar's Bridge. The water forms separate pools on the floor of several compartments of the mines. Colour of water dark red, astringent with some acidity. Specific gravity at 62F is 1.04893 (greater than sea water and exceeds any other natural saline in Great Britain). Water contained iron oxides, aluminium and magnesium compounds, lime, sulphuric acid and nuric acid. When mixed with gum arabic can also be used as writing ink." [ENP Journal]