Winding engine, Lady Victoria Mine, Newtongrange

Newtongrange Colliery, nine miles south of Edinburgh, was opened in the 1890s and closed in 1981.  It survives today, almost intact, as the National Mining Museum of Scotland. 

The mine shaft is 500 metres deep, and the coal seams were dug by 1,200 miners working in 3 eight-hour shifts.

(MAIN PHOTO)  Winding Engine House

The wire rope wound on the drum moved the cages transporting miners and coal trucks up and down the two shafts.

(EXTRA PHOTO 1)  Life underground.  

This is a mock-up of the more modern technology used in the mine.  In reality, the digging machinery generated a very loud noise and clouds of coal dust.  Only highly experienced miners could operate this dangerous machinery.

(EXTRA PHOTO 2)  Colliery/Museum entrance


This museum is open all year.  Fascinating tours are provided by the colliery's retired miners, who are keen to pass on their knowledge to future generations.