Easdale, Klondyke Quarry

This quarry is depicted and named 'Quarry' on the 2nd edition of the Ordnance Survey 25-inch map (Argyllshire, revised 1898, published 1899, sheet CXXI.7). Locally known as the 'Klondyke' (Withall, 1994), this dates the quarry nickname to around 1896/7 (Klondyke gold rush in the Yukon, Canada, 1896-1899). It is mapped in 1898 with an approximate 0.19 hectares extent. Further quarrying in the 20th century has extended the quarry to the west increasing it to approx. 0.30 hectares. A number of slate working areas have been identified in this quarry, those in the west end presumably date from the 20th century quarrying. This quarry may be associated with the building NM71NW 136 (possible powder magazine or bothy). The northern extent of this quarry is defined by a dolerite dyke (see BGS Field-slips showing Easdale’s dolerite dykes in red sitting at right angles to the slate beds, Permit Number CP19/043 British Geological Survey © UKRI 2019).

The tramway which served the quarry depicted and named on the Ordnance Survey 2nd edition map can be traced between the surviving garden enclosures to the south at NM73589 17045 and at NM73581 17030 where it runs through a now destroyed garden enclosure (depicted on the 1st edition of the Ordnance Survey 25-inch map (Argyllshire and Buteshire, surveyed 1871, published 1872, sheet CXXI.7)).

The 1st edition of the Ordnance Survey 25-inch map (Argyllshire and Buteshire, surveyed 1871, published 1872, sheet CXXI.7) does not show any quarrying in this area. A large group of garden enclosures are depicted, but the northern portion of these has been quarried away.

NRHE: MS8087/3

Information from HES, Survey and Recording Section, (MMD), 6 February 2019.