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Cousland Limestone Mine

NE of Dalkeith, NW of Cousland, Midlothian.

Mine (Location cited as NT 376 689, whilst abandonment plan shows the 'Airybank Mine' mouth at NT 3737 6844). Extensive underground workings but the original main entrance has been lost (quarried away in later open cast shale mining, then infilled and landscaped over). The upper levels of the underground workings survive and can be entered by one of the other entrances [see Cousland Limestone Mine (Upper Quarry) [1] & [2]].

Cousland Lime Works, operated from 16th century. Quarry and a modern crushing plant with ruins of a bank of 3 limekilns nearby. The sign at the entrance to the works consists of 3 quarry tubs, mounted on a raised piece of track and painted with the name of the firm.

J R Hume 1976. (Location cited as NT374 685) Cousland Limestone Mines, Dalkeith: The Grampian Speleological Group notes that the village of Cousland was a centre of limestone extraction in the 19th and 20th centuries. There were two principle subterranean mine levels alongside the main road (A6124). Some mine buildings still stand. Extensive quarrying is depicted at Cousland on the first edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map (Midlothian, 1854-5) at NT 37611 68609 (Cousland Quarry Limestone) as well as what appears to be two kilns (NT37480 68626) and another working 'Limestone Quarry' at NT 37553 68279. The first edition Ordnance Survey 25-inch map (Midlothian, 1896) depicts the extended (and in some cases abandoned) quarrying at NT 37579 68217, NT 37421 68404, NT37576 68597 and NT37803 68555. Information from RCAHMS (MMD), 8 August 2008.

Alternative Names: Cousland Lime Workings, Airybank Mine

Notes: Bain Brother's Cousland Lime Works later bought out by Thompsons. Agent: L.B. Fraser. British Portland Cement Manufacturers Ltd., Cousland, nr Dalkeith. E. R. Fletcher, Dalkeith.

Airybank Mine abandoned 1923. Cousland No.2 Mine abandoned 1979.

Several visits by GSG, including publicity event in village hall. Fluorocein testing failed to establish resurgence even after 48 hours.

Given coordinates are a 6 fig. NGR.