Islay, Loch Finlaggan

NR36NE 37 38 67

For a general description of lead mining on Islay, see NR36NE 21.

(NR 398 664). These works are situated 60m from the SE shore of Loch Fin Finlaggan on sloping ground. An open cast has within it, a series of four rubbish-filled shafts. To the N of this feature is an open cast works that adjoins a tertiary dyke. Spoil tips are evident along the length of the open cast area. Mine spoil is evident within the interior of the workings, with a large tip situated close to the shafts. S of this area, a building has been interpreted as a smithy. Directly S of the smithy, a track runs in a southerly direction towards Ballygrant. E of the track, a smaller track is flanked by two adits. At the time of the survey, the adit to the S of the track was flooded with c2m of water.

Seepage water flows from both features in the direction of the loch. Close by is a flat area that is poor in surface vegetation with mine spoil covering and area of 35 square m. A spoil tip consisting of slates and phyllites suggests deliberate sorting and points to the area's use as a dressing floor.

Sponsor: SERC/NMS.

M Cressey 1993b.

The cited NGR is inconsistent with the location described; the latter is the more probably correct, and the remains described have probably formed part of the mine NR36NE 21.

Information from NMRS (IF, RJCM) 20 September 1994.