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Fee Donald Mine [1]

Strontian Mines, Allt Feith Dhomnuill, E of Druim Glas, Argyllshire.

Mine. One of several of the Strontian mines in this area.

Fee Donald Mine located away from more recent mining operations at Strontian, roughly 2 km E of barite mine (Clashgorm Section) & c. 5 km NE of village of Strontian, near Strontian River (Allt Feith Dhomhnuill). OS depicts mine, shafts & dump areas, but 'erroneously' ascribes them to Bellsgrove Mine - farther W & closest of mines in sphere of recent extraction activities. Allt Feith Dhomnuill one of major feeders of Strontian River.

Alternative Names: Allt Feith Dhomnuill Lead Mine, Bellsgrove Mine

Notes: Shown in wrong order on modern OS. OS 1" 1st Ed also has different order.

Original coordinates appear to be for shafts at Bellsgrove Loch. Amended coordinates for Fee Donald Mine.

See also Bellsgrove Lead Mines, Whitesmith Lead mines, Middleshope Lead mines & other mine shafts and galleries nearby [Fee Donald Mine [2-5].

The monument comprises the underground workings and associated surface remains of an abandoned lead mine. The underground workings consist of abandoned shafts and levels and open-cast grooves. The associated surface remains include (a) masonry buildings, and (b) a large processing area, including water-wheel pit, ore crushing and dressing floors, spoil-heaps and washing floors. The area scheduled is irregular in shape but is approximately 900m by 450m at its widest points. The monument is of national importance because it is one of only two well-preserved lead workings in this once extensive and important lead-mining area near Strontian. The Strontian mines achieved 'celebrity' status in 1791 with the identification of stronia (strontium monoxide) in the local mineral Strontianite.

The Fee Donald mine was among the first to be opened, in 1727. The lead-bearing deposits were worked intermittently thereafter until final closure in 1871. The excellent survival of the underground workings in their abandonned state and the existence of the large and complex area of surface workings (albeit largely from the last phase of mining activity) combine to make this a particularly important example for future study.