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Pitfirrane Day Level [Overview]

Pitfirrane, Crossford, nr Dunfermline, Fife.

Mine level, mid-18th to early-19th cent.

Initially developed for the drainage of Berrylaw Colliery NE of Crossford [PDL6-9, see notes], but extended to Urquhart Quarry and then beyond to the Arthur Pit situated NNW of Wellwood. The tunnel complex has a gradient of 1 in 774 and the estimated cost of driving was approx. £3,000 per mile. Along much of its route the level is not a single tunnel, but instead a series of near-parallel strings in various coal seams which were wrought during development. This is best exemplified at the Lady Elgin Pit & areas N & S of the Whitemyre Dyke near Rumblingwell where various water levels were linked by cross-cut mines. This problematic whinstone dyke was passed through by 'Jaspers Mine' upon which is the Urquhart Level Pit [site #7368].

"The Pitfirrane Water Level extended for 4½ miles from its outlet on the Lyne Burn, south of the old mansion of Pitfirrane, north and north-eastwards through the old collieries of Urquhart, Berrylaw, Pittencrieff, Baldridge, Elgin, Drumtuthil, and Wellwood to beyond the Arthur Pit, where it lay about 350 ft. below the surface. A subsidiary level (the Balmule) drained the Rosebank area and united with the Pitfirrane Level under Rumblingwell. The Urquhart Level started near West Baldridge about 40 ft. above the Pitfirrane Level" [Fife Pits]

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Excerpt from the SAoS, 1794:

Advancing still northward, about 3 miles from the Firth, through a fine level country, we again find various seamsof excellent coal in the lands of Sir Charles Halket of Pitferran, immediately above the village of Crossford. From a remote period, the family of Pitferran, obtained from government, the privilege of exporting these coals to foreign parts, free of all duty whatever. The original privilege was renewed by Queen Anne on December 21 1706, and ratified in Parliament on March 21, 1707. The family continued to enjoy the privilege till 1788,when it was purchased by Government for 40,000 Sterling, when the property that could injure the revenue was nearly exhausted.

The most remarkable, in these lands, are the seams, consisting of 5 feet, 2 feet, and 4 feet each. They are all found within the space of 14 yards, at the distance of 3 fathoms and a half from each other, and in their natural state, they dip from one foot in four, to one in six towards the N. E. Immediately above the two feet seam, are the strata of iron-stone already mentioned. The surface being irregular, the pits are from 10 to 80 yards in depth. East-ward from the mines of Pitferran, are those of Urquhart and Pittencrieff, which are nearly exhausted, until deeper levels are made or engines erected.

Northward from there are the numerous seams of coals to burn his lime, that appear above each other, (as per section), situated under the lands of West and Mid Baldridge, Clune, Luscar, and Rosebank. They are the property of the Earl of Elgin. They contain immense quantities of coal, of various qualities, within 30 fathoms from the surface of the uppermost seam, which is covered with other 4 fathoms of earth. None of them are at a greater distance from each other than 5 fathoms.

*The difficulty of finding a regular supply of coals to burn his lime, lately induces has Lordship to purchase this extensive field of coal. It consists of more the 900 square acres, and contains valuable seams of all the various kinds that are found in the country. From these, coal-mines, his Lordship is making a waggon way, of 4 miles extent, to his lime works. It is said he intends to make a new harbour, a little west from his harbour at Charlestown, for exporting his coals...

Alternative Names: Pitfirrane Level, Mouth of Pitfirrane Day Level

Notes: Given coordinates are for the original mouth of the level (shown on 1856 OS 6" map, along with a partial path of the level). This later rose at [NT 0612 8570] on the 1931 geological map, now immediately south of a treatment area along the Lyne Burn. At present, a steady flow of iron-rich & strongly rust-coloured water from the level now rises at [NT 06277 85893] at the Pitfirrane Minewater Treatment Scheme (operated by the Coal Authority, now MRA) that uses aeration channels and reed beds to aid removal of impurities.

Path of level partially shown on 1856 OS 6" map & 1931 geol. survey.

Sites along route from Pitfirrane to Baldridgeburn, based on map shown in Scottish Industrial History (1978): PDL1 (air shaft, NT 06552 86590), PDL2 (air shaft, c.NT 0655 8673), PDL3 (air shaft, NT 06560 86933), PDL4 (shaft, NT 06586 87160), PDL5 (air shaft, NT 06586 87160), PDL6 (coal pit, NT 06618 87653), PDL7 (coal pit, NT0665987668), PDL8 (coal pit, NT 06828 87739), PDL9 (coal pit, NT 06952 87588), PDL10 (iron shaft, NT 07308 87848), Jeanie Pit [PDL11, Site 7348] (iron pit, NT 07620 87880), PDL12 (old coal pit, NT 07635 88070), PDL13 (coal pit, NT 0750 8832), Baldridge Pit [PDL14] (coal pit, NT 07880 88570).

Hydrographic Resurgences: Lyne Burn