Discovery of Valuable Minerals (in Armadale)

Discovery of Valuable Minerals —

We have just learned that the Shotts Iron Company, who are lessees of the minerals on the estate of Polkemmet in the neighbourhood of Bathgate, belonging to Sir William Baillie, have, after searching for upwards of twelve months, discovered very valuable seam of Black band Ironstone, and also a seam of the Boghead Cannel Coal which has attracted so much attention of late. The ironstone has been found on the northern portion of the estate of Polkemmet, near the village of Armadale and about two miles west of Bathgate. We understand the field has been tested in all directions by boring, previous to a shaft having been put down, and it has been found to be very extensive. The same seam has been also found in the lands of Barbauchlaw adjoining, belonging to Alex. Dennistoun, Esq., late M.P. for Dumbarton, and in some other lands in the vicinity belonging to C. H. C. Inglis, Esq. of Cramond. Both the last mentioned lands are leased by the Monklands Iron and Steel Company. The effect of these discoveries cannot fail to be very beneficial to Bathgate and its neighbourhood. The services of large number of workmen will immediately called into operation, and believe it understood that a branch from one of the railways near Bathgate will be very soon carried into this valuable field, thus connecting it with the great consuming and manufacturing districts.

Falkirk Herald 19th August 1852