Beam Engine

After a nice catch up with our friend Murdo, in the Tesco Cafe (we know the classy places to hang out), and after Martin had started work, I headed to the Prestongrange Industrial Museum, a couple of minutes down the road to get a blip.

While there, I got talking to Stuart and Keith who work there, and Keith was kind enough to give me a private tour of the new engine shed (built in 2024) and the Beam Engine building (built in 1874) which used to pump water from the mine.

Both buildings were amazing to look round and there appears to be a strong commitment by East Lothian Council and the Scottish Government to fund further improvements to the industrial museum site, recognising its national importance, as being the first industrial estate in Scotland. There is also ongoing work to restore the mine baths and pithead buildings, which is great to see. 

Very impressed with the Beam Engine which is a unique, preserved Cornish beam engine, built in 1874, and was the only one of its kind in Scotland. This single-acting, non-rotative engine was manufactured by Harvey & Co. of Hayle, Cornwall, and is a key part of the museum's collection, which showcases the site's rich industrial history including a 16th-century harbour, glassworks, and brickworks.

The extra is of the new engine shed.

A fun afternoon at the museum, and the weather has been lovely too. A win-win I say.

I hope you have enjoyed today equally.