Lady Victoria Colliery, Lothian 04.05.09

[Gorecki]

The Lady Victoria Colliery opened in the 1890s and became renowned as one of the first Scottish 'super pits' and a showpiece for the industry.
Today the A-listed complex is recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe.

Named after the wife of the Marquess of Lothian, the 'Lady Vic' formed part of the vast mineral empire of the Lothian Coal Company, which was owned by the marquess and the self-made engineering entrepreneur, Archibald Hood.

Closed in 1981, the surface buildings, which were built on a grandiose scale and which are home to a vital part of the nation's heritage, continue to dominate the surrounding countryside.
They stand as a vibrant tribute to the generations of men and women who laboured so hard to win Scotland's black diamonds.

Peter & I decided to take a trip here on May Day Bank Holiday.
We got there and there were kids everywhere. Balloons, clowns, face painting, grannies, even Pony rides.
Oh dear.

But then...... extra car parking was provided round the back and a wee old man in a donkey jacket escorted us right round through the big herras fence gate.
OOH interesting I thought to myself.
The back bit, completley abandoned, overgrown with DANGER signs all about.
"Can I take some photos" I asked him.
"Aye, as long as you don't go climbing anything. It's a bitty unsafe"
"Thank you, did you work here"
"Not this wan, 5 clyde pits" ... [I think that's what he said].
"Oh ok, well thank you"

And off we went!!
Not a clown in sight!

















In the fake mine







Helmet Heeds



So...

[escortmad79]

Anymore pictures of the McLaren diesel engine?

[Gorecki]

Is it a good engine?
I have more photos at home, at work just now.
There was so much things lying about here!!

[boxfrenzy]

That is great, what a fantastic place and a nice man to let you wander around.

[BB]

Super stuff

Looks a great place

[KingElvis]

Lovely stuff there, I am envious of the cool old stuff you have seen here.

[Muse]

Great pics and history. I do think you should have had your face painted though

[escortmad79]

Is it a good engine?
I have more photos at home, at work just now.
There was so much things lying about here!!

It's an old engine, built by John & Henry McLaren of Leeds.

They used to build roadgoing steam vehicles

[sinnerman]

ohhh i like the headgear reminds me i need to climb another one soon

[escortmad79]

Various buildings on the site are now listed on the BAR register