Powharnal Burn

NS62SW 20 6487 2489

Coal sink, 14m diameter and visible to a depth of 3m. Probably 19th century.

J Lewis and D Reed 1992

An archaeological desk-based assessment followed by a field inspection were undertaken in November 1995 to evaluate the archaeological potential of the area of a proposed opencast mine. The survey has shown that most of the remains within the area are of industrial archaeological interest. In total, 12 sites were identified which relate to coal extraction. The extensive remains of other types of mineral extraction sites survive. These include the Gass Water Baryite mine, railway and aerial ropeway, as well as the Gass Water Lime Works which includes limekilns and a quarry. Several features associated with agriculture include settlement remains, stock enclosures and field systems. Livestock management sites are represented by shielings and sheepfolds. Evidence for recreational activities include shooting butts, a stable and nearby racecourse. For previous survey work in this area see Lewis and Reed 1992

The following site is amongst those recorded during the evaluation:

NS 6487 2489 Coal sink

A report has been produced; a copy will be deposited with the NMRS.

Sponsor: Scottish Coal.

M Cressey and W L Finlayson 1996

NS 640 244 (centre) A detailed instrument survey was completed of all identified archaeological sites within the Gasswater opencast coal site to the NE of the Gass Water in advance of coal extraction. The majority of the sites had been recorded by RCAHMS, Scotia Archaeology (Lewis and Reed 1992) and Centre for Field Archaeology (Cressey and Finlayson 1996). They include the remains of 19th and 20th-century mining and post-medieval agriculture. Checking of all previous records revealed a number of errors and confusion in the NMRS entries for these sites but these are all reconciled in the present report. Only one new site was identified: a turf and stone-built bank.

A full report has been lodged with the NMRS.

Sponsor: Scottish Coal.

S Carter 1999