Wanlockhead 

a Brief History

Wanlockhead is the highest inhabited village in Scotland, lying at an altitude of some 1531ft above sea level in a valley etched into a barren, treeless, heather moorland. The village was uniquely founded in the lead industry and is of great geological interest since it contains the largest, and formerly the most productive lead-zinc deposits in Scotland. Galena and sphalerite were mined here for over 400 years and exploitation only ceased in the 1930's.

 Probably first mined by the Romans using the method of Hushing, a process of using water to reveal mineral veins, the earliest recorded evidence is by the Monks of New Battle Abbey in 1292 when they were granted a charter for lead mining, the mines were greatly extended in the 16th century and much alluvial gold was extracted from the stream gravels. By the time mining finally ceased in the 20th century, some 70 lead-zinc veins had been discovered and worked in an area of 5 square miles.

In the past, mining was tough and so was the living conditions, but through that, major engineering feats were achieved. If you visit today you will see the scars remaining from the mining in the village and if you look hard enough some of the major engineering locations. Sadly the village has already lost some of these wonders and the rest are in decline.

We invite you to browse our website to see what restoration work is ongoing to save many of these buildings and structures so you can enjoy the history in a healthy walking environment in the beauty of the Lowther hills.

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* Duntercleuch Bridge *

         Click here for a fascinating insight into the bricks used to build the Meadowfoot Smelter... 

For the tale of the Cannibal Sheep of Wanlockhead and more 

click here ..... Local Folklore