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Clonbeith Limestone Pit

Clonbeith, NE of Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

Mine (Limestone), c.1862-1889.

Area of elongate-in-plan workings extended c.970m from the SE to W extremities, & reached a maximum width of c.300m around Forestside Cottage (not undermined). The 91 ft-deep pit (at given coordinates) and an 'air pit' were located near the SE & W extremities of the mine, respectively. The pit shaft, probably covered/buried, is now within a field of pasture beside a now-wooded bing. Abandonment Plan shows survey dates ranging from 1862-89.

The limestone was also wrought opencast SW of Clonbeith Castle from [NS 3338 4547] to [3380 4545], and at various points at Lylestone between [3294 4552] & [3319 4548]. An 'Old Shaft' to the NE of Forestside Cottage is marked on the Geol. Survey map at [3353 4542], although this is potentially a coal pit.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: The shaft is labelled on the Geol. Survey map as "to Highfield Lst", & area of workings is labelled "The Highfield Limestone has been worked & removed from under here".

The 'Highfield Limestone' is an older, informal term for the Index Limestone.

Abandoned 1889.