Archaeology Notes

Event ID 714277

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/714277

NT39NW 23 3356 9611

Sunk 1895 and closed by a fire in 1967 although the surface buildings and the two steel-girder headframes survive.

J R Hume 1977.

Surface structures demolished and site cleared by 2001, leaving only concrete plinths marking the site of the two shafts. MKO, 05 December 2001.

MICHAEL Colliery

Location: East Wemyss

Previous Owners: Wemyss Coal Company

Types of Coal: House and Steam

Sinking/Production Commenced: 1895/1898

Year Closed: 1967

Average Workforce: 2,598

Peak Workforce: 3,353

Peak Year: 1957

Shaft/Mine Details: 2 original shafts, both 549m in 1948 (No. 1 downcast, NT 3357 9612, and No. 2 upcast, NT 3356 9610). Closed because of fire in 1967. Pumping only from 1968. Resinking in 1926 and deepening and enlargements of shafts in 1930s to aid ventilation and prepare for the exploitation of undersea coals. Third shaft (also downcast) added at NT 3364 9624 in 1928. Steam winder supplied by 13 Lancashire boilers built on site of old power station in 1932.

Details in 1948: Output 2,330 tons per day, 633,037 tons per annum. 2,027 employees. (No washer). Baths (1937) designed by J A Dempster for 2,552 men (with 122 cubicles) and 96 women (10 cubicles), canteen, first-aid room. Electricity and steam, own supply. Report dated 06-08-1948.

Other Details: Michael became the largest producer of coal in Scotland, and the Wemyss Coal Company's showpiece pit, despite continuous problems of gas and spontaneous combustion. Whilst still Scotland's biggest pit, and after massive investment, a disastrous fire broke out on 9 September 1967, destroying the new reserves. Although 302 men escaped, nine were killed. The disaster highlighted many safety issues, including the dangers of using polyurethane foam in underground workings, and the lack of portable respiratory equipment. A resulting campaign by Scottish National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) leader Michael McGahey resulted in the mandatory issue of self-rescuers (breathing aids) to all personnel working underground, and the installation of new emergency telephone systems.

M K Oglethorpe 2006.