Newark Coal and Salt Company Waggonway
Introduction
This waggonway was built to connect saltpans and a coal mine at St Monans (just to its east). In addition it also ran east to the harbour at Pittenweem.
Why built
The Newark Coal and Salt company was founded in 1771 to produce salt from seawater on the foreshore at St Monans. Coal from Coal Farm Coal Pit (just to the north) was used to evaporate the water. The salt pans and coal mine were connected to Pittenweem Harbour.
The waggonway closed around 1794 and the salt pans were out of use in the 1820s.
Portions of line and locations
This line is divided into a number of portions.
St Monans to Pittenweem
This waggonway allowed direct running from the pit to Pittenweem Harbour. The salt pans were reached by running south from the pit, this line being directly east of the windmill. (From a journey from the salt pans to the harbour a reversal was needed.)
The Newark Coal & Salt Company was established in 1771 to produce salt from the seawater off St Monans, Fife, using coal from a nearby mine to heat the water. A waggonway was used to move the coal to the saltpans and also connected to the harbour at Pittenweem, along the coast to the east. This ceased operation around 1794 and production stopped in the 1820s. Looking east to Pittenweem along the ...
More details
Bill Roberton 26/07/2020
