Wilkieston

NO41SW 39 445 121.

The circular shaft of a coal mine appeared in a ploughed field on Wilkieston farm in 1979. After further subsidence it was possible to examine the mine in 1980. The shaft, 3.4m deep and 2m wide, had opened up and allowed entrance to the mine, which comprised several small chambers, side tunnels and two main tunnels. The main tunnels were surveyed for a distance of 6m and could be seen to end in pools of water some 6 to 8m beyond the surveyed area. The tunnels dipped NW at an angle of 20, and averaged 1m wide and 0.6m high. Blocks of whinstone had been left between tunnels and chambers while pine pit props were used in the tunnels. No artefacts were found. Water in the tunnels and the dangerous condition of the pit props prevented further examination. Plan and photographs with reporter.

E Proudfoot 1979; 1980.