Knockibae Lead Mines

NX16NE 29 1886 6659.

The Knockiebae lead mines, worked in the mid and late 18th century and to a limited extent in the late 19th century, are situated to the E of Slewcarnochan, 1.3km N of Barnshangan steading. The remains consist of a number of adits and a cluster of shafts, interspersed with spoil tips, buildings, and features associated with the processing of the ore.

The principal building (NX 1886 6659), which is probably of 19th- century date, is of two compartments (8.7m by 4.7m within walls up to 0.6m thick and 2m high). About 18m to the SE (NX 1888 6657), there are the slight turf-covered remains of a robbed rectangular building (at least 11m by 4.4m overall); there is a second, 90m to the S (NX 1886 6650), of two compartments (8.1m by 3.6m within walls 0.9m thick), and a third, 55m to the WSW (NX 1880 6657), measuring 5.8m by 6.8m over substantial boulder footings up to 0.6m high.

A large mound (10.5m in diameter) with a deep central depression, situated beside the Mines Burn, 150m to the SE (NX 1896 6649), may be the remains of a smelter.

The mine was first worked in the mid-18th century and again about 1790. In 1886 a mining company was formed but little was accomplished.

RCAHMS 1987, visited April 1986.