Wanlockhead

Wanlockhead from the East

High in the Lowther Hills to the west of the M74 is Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village at 467m or 1531ft. It owes its existence to the lead, gold and other minerals found under the surrounding countryside.

Beam Engine Miners' Library Miner's Cottage Village Cottages

These mineral deposits were probably first exploited by the Romans and from the 1200s they were being worked again by groups of miners who gathered here each summer. The first permanent settlement appeared in about 1680, when the Duke of Buccleuch built a lead smelting plant and workers' cottages that could be occupied all year round.

Lead Mining Museum

Village Houses

Down the Valley Towards the Mine

Although lead was for many centuries the mainstay of the village's economy, it was not the only mineral found here. What became known as "God's Treasure House" also produced zinc, copper, silver and gold. Some of the world's purest gold, at 22.8 carats, was found locally and used in the Regalia of the Scottish Crown.

Although a heavily industrialised and highly industrious village, Wanlockhead's miners also looked to their own cultural welfare. In 1756 the village followed the example of nearby Leadhills and opened a subscription library. The village curling club was formed in 1777 and there were also bowling and quoiting clubs, a drama group and a silver band.

From 1901 Wanlockhead was served by a branch railway from Elvanfoot via Leadhills, the highest in the country, but by then lead mining had already passed its peak. The railway closed in 1939 and some lead continued to be mined until the late 1950s.

Today's Wanlockhead depends primarily on tourism. The Southern Upland Way long distance footpath passes through the village, but the main attraction for the motoring tourist revolves around the village's industrial past. Wanlockhead is now best known as the home of the Museum of Lead Mining. This evocative visitor attraction allows a real insight into the process of lead mining and into the lives of the miners and their families who came to this remote spot.

From its base in the excellent visitor centre in the old village smithy, visitors to the museum follow a trail through the village that includes a guided tour of the Lochgell Lead Mine; the Miners' Library; miners' cottages; and industrial relics such as a beam engine dating back to the 1700s. You can also visit the museum's gold panning centre and have a go yourself: though actually finding gold is not a guaranteed part of the experience!

The Lead Mining Museum is open daily from April to October, from 11.00am to 4.30pm (10.00am to 5.00pm in July and August). Entry is £4.95 for adults, £3.25 for children and £3.50 for concessions. A family ticket for up to 2 adults and 3 children is £12.00. The museum can be contacted on 01659 74387 or you can visit their website.

The Lead Mining Museum