27th February 2009
Today, first port of call during a dash around southern Scotland, was the Scottish Mining Museum at the former Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange. This site is focussed on the remaining colliery buildings at the pit head, some of which are restored and others remain derelict. An exhibition over two floors deals with the history of coal and the story of coal miners before a hard hat and radio is issued for a partially guided tour of the bank head, the automated tub system and a recreated underground experience. From this one emerges into daylight before visitors are admitted to see the original 1894 Grant Ritchie & Co, Kilmarnock built twin cylinder horizontal winding engine. The engine is demonstrated by the tour guide, though sadly propulsion comes from an electric motor rather than steam. This is the largest such engine in Scotland, and the second largest in the UK. I can’t vouch for the colour scheme (!) but the engine has certainly been well kept and the guide explained that it was used right up until the pits closure in 1981 Also on the site is Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No.2284/1949 which wears the lined black livery of the NCB and lettering denoting its allocation as No.21 in the West Ayr Area. The engine, though clearly far removed from its working life, is posed with a small collection of wooden mineral wagons which bear appropriate local liveries. This is an interesting museum and worth calling in on if you are passing and have a couple of hours to spare.