Location type

Name and dates

Description

This underground iron ore mine was on the island of Raasay at the north end of a narrow gauge line to the crushing plant, kilns, hoppers and pier at Suisnish Pier.

The mine probably saw first use around 1910. Its main use was by William Baird and Co of the Gartsherrie Iron Works during the Great War. Bairds bought both Raasay and Rona to secure the ore supply, Spain not being easily accessible in the war. The mines were worked with prisoner of war manpower. A opencast mine opened alongside, to the east of, no 1 mine, reached by a second tramway. Inverarish Ore Mine 2 was to the west.

The lines, plant and equipment were built to a high standard by Robert McAlpine & Sons, making much use of concrete.

The railway had inclined planes, an engine house being located at 'Junction' where the lines from no 1 and no 2 mines met, before dropping on a falling gradient to Suisnish Pier.

The mines fell out of use in 1920, demolition was around 20 years later where a hopper was located.

The route of the line can still be traced.

Tags

External links