Arniston Branch (Marquis of Lothian's Waggonway)
Introduction
This waggonway is long closed. A very short section at the south end of the second Newbattle Viaduct became part of the Edinburgh and Hawick Railway of the North British Railway. Most of the route, which was east of the later railway, was abandoned.
Why built
This branch was built to convey coal from the Newbyres Colliery at Gorebridge to the Marquis of Lothian's Waggonway which crossed the South Esk by a timber viaduct to reach the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway. The Newbyres Colliery site was subsumed into the later Arniston Engine mine.
Service
This line was a private horse operated waggonway.
Route described
This waggonway ran from the south end of the timber Newbattle Viaduct (east side of A7 at Lothianbridge) south along the east side of the A7 to Arniston where a tight curve took it to the Newbyres Colliery.
A short branch may have run to the Newbattle Engine Pit (later Lingerwood Colliery).
Locations along the line
These locations are along the line.
This 1001 ft long viaduct crossed the River Esk carrying the privately owned Arniston Branch. The viaduct had stone piers and cast iron arches with the deck in timber. The engineer was John Williamson.
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See also
Marquis of Lothian^s Waggonway
John Yellowlees 26/09/2018
Bill Roberton 27/05/2014
This coal mine was opened by the Marquis of Lothian in 1798. Also known as Dicksons Pit or the Engine Pit. It may have been served by a branch or siding of the Arniston Branch (Marquis of Lothian's Waggonway), which ran south to the Newbyres Pit.
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See also
Lothian Coal Co Ltd
Newbattle Collieries Railway (Lothian Coal Co Ltd)
Easthouses Tramway (Lothian Coal Co Ltd)
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More details
Douglas Blades //
