Woodhead Lead Mine

About Woodhead Lead Mine

The ruins of Woodhead Lead Mine sit to the west of Carsphairn. The mine began it's life in 1838 and is a unique example of a mine developed, financed and worked by a local landowner - Colonel MacAdam Cathcart.

It developed into a total production unit - one of only two in Scotland - carrying out all of the processes from mining the ore to the exporting of high quality lead pigs and some silver. As well as the mine and its workings, Cathcart also built a 'model' village for the workers which contained it's own school and library. By 1851, over 300 people lived here. The mine closed in the 1873, although some of the housing was still inhabited until the first half of the 20th century.

Many of the structures still survive as ruins spread over a large area and it makes for a very interesting and beautiful walk. Possibly "the country's only example of an industrial ghost town", it's definitely worth a visit!