MHG52894 - Aberchalder iron mines
Summary
Two quarries and associated tracks which are believed to be associated with former iron mines.
Type and Period (3)
- QUARRY (Post Medieval - 1560 AD to 1900 AD)
- IRONSTONE WORKINGS (Post Medieval - 1560 AD to 1900 AD)
- TRACK (Post Medieval - 1560 AD to 1900 AD)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
Primary evidence for these iron mines exists in the form of three letters written in 1825/6 to Skene of Rubislaw by the then chief Alastair Ranaldson Macdonell 15th of Glengarry about re-opening the iron mines on his land at Aberchalder (NRAS 464/Skene of Rubislaw). It is questionable whether the re-opening ever happened. Two quarries have been identified, one at c.80-90m and the other at c.150-160m, with associated tracks. The positions of two quarries were determined using GPS with adjustments made to account for topography. <1>
The images and information supplied by Hector Rogers were a part of an honours dissertation undertaken in 2009. <2>
Two quarries with associated tracks are depicted on the 1st and 2nd edition 25 inch Ordnance Survey maps. They lie some 200 metres to the south of the quoted grid references. It is not known if these are also associated with the iron mines. <3><4>
Hector Rogers confirms that these are the same quarries as depicted on the 1st and 2nd edition OS maps. The OS positions have been mapped and the GPS readings recorded in the HER database under other NGRs. <5>
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SHG24487 Text/Correspondence: Highland Council. 2009. Email correspondence between Hector Rogers and Sylvina Tilbury (HCAU) re Aberchalder Iron Mines. Yes. Digital.
- <2> SHG25963 Text/Report: Rogers, H.. 2009. Clutching at Straws: the structural and archaeological imprint of the Glengarry chiefs attempts to retain control of their estate.. Unaffiliated. Yes.
- <3> SHG23389 Image/Map: Ordnance Survey. 1871-4. Ordnance Survey 1st edition 25 inch map: Inverness. Digital.
- <4> SHG23940 Image/Map: Ordnance Survey. 1900-5. Ordnance Survey 2nd edition 25 inch map: Inverness. Digital.
- <5> SHG23297 Verbal Communication: Tilbury, S. Comment by Sylvina Tilbury, HER Officer.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NH 34838 03785 (341m by 302m) (4 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH30SW |
| Civil Parish | BOLESKINE AND ABERTARFF |
| Geographical Area | INVERNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (0)
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