Highhouse Colliery

Location type

Mine

Name and dates

Highhouse Colliery (1894-1983)

Served by the Highhouse Colliery Branch (William Baird & Co).

Description

This colliery was developed by William Baird & Co in Auchinleck at Merlinhill Farm just to the south of the station. It was served by a short tightly curved branch which made a trailing connection to the northbound line. A series of exchange sidings were laid in the 'V' of the junction at the station. The colliery was opened for the Lugar Iron Works.

There was a second hand beam engine used as a haulage engine. This had been built in Bridgeton in 1790 by Walkinshaw and used in the Blair collieries, then in 1875 it was relocated to Craigston Pit (ironstone mines just to the north of the Lugar Iron Works) before being relocated to Highhouse around 1894. Removed 1956 to Heriot Watt college.

There was also an ~1896 winding engine by Grant, Ritchie and Co Ltd.

There was a pit fire in 1908 after which rebuilding was required. New headgear with metalwork by Dorman Long was erected.

The company became Bairds & Dalmellington Limited in 1931.

The colliery closed in 1983. One headframe remains standing.

Tags

Mine Pit Colliery

Aliases

High House Colliery