Woodend No.4 pit

A pit in the lands of Woodend

• The 1883 List of Mines records Woodend No.4 as owned by the Coltness Iron Co. Ltd. manager D. Cranston, working the Main coal by the stoop and room method, and Ball and BB coal and Ironstone, worked by the longwall method, employing 14 on the surface and 90 underground. The downcast shaft was 5.5' x 5.5' and 306 ft deep, the upcast was 5' x 5' and 314 feet deep. It was a non-fiery mine ventilated by furnace.
• The 1885 List of Mines records Woodend No.4 as owned by the Coltness Iron Co. Ltd. manager D. Cranston, working the Main coal by the stoop and room method, and Ball and BB coal and Ironstone, worked by the longwall method, employing 10 on the surface and 75 underground. Described as standing.

References

Re-opening Old Pits.... and now the Coltness Coal and Iron Company are preparing to re-open No 4 pit at Woodend. About 20 years ago this pit was sunk to the ironstone, and for a number of years proved a veritable Klondyke. When the ironstone working became unprofitable the main coal seem was opened up and gave work to a considerable number but on the coal market becoming low and the demand for coal not very brisk, the pit was closed owing to the heavy working expenses. Now, however. the company have resolved to re-open the pit, and when everything is in readiness, seeing that the place is well stocked with miners eager for work, there should be no lack of hands.

West Lothian Courier, 31st August 1900