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Oakbank (Calder Wood Mine)

Mid Calder, Linhouse Water, Calder Wood, Midlothian (West Lothian).

Mine (Oil shale), 19th Century.

Adits in outcrops along the W side of the Linhouse Water. Wall present across at least one mine entrance.

"supplied Oakbank Paraffin Oil Works prior to sinking Oakbank No. 1 & 2 Pits. Substantial remains exist of workings in the cliffs on the west bank of the Linhouse Water" [Scottish Shale]

Alternative Names: Linhouse Mine, Linhouse Water Shale Mine, Oakbank Mine

Notes: "Efforts were made during the 1990's to block access into these adits. Prior to that, the adventurous (or foolhardy) were able to explore a network of stoop and room workings extending back into the cliff. In some area, the presence of timber props protruding a foot or so from the floor of the tunnel suggested that the original roof had collapsed, leaving a void above the original workings. The mine entrances can only be reached following a difficult scramble down the steep sides of the valley, then following a rough track beside the river which is only safely accessible when water in the river is low." [Scottish Shale]

Given coordinates based on 'Old Level' marked on 1895 25" map. Three further adits are labelled a short distance to the south between [NT 0791 6712] to [0792 6709].

Sometimes referred to as Oakbank Mine; not to be confused with Oakbank Mine site located further N, close to Main St.