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Field CollectingEdinburgh quarries

26th Feb 2012 16:07 UTCDaniel Middel

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with the quarries around Edinburgh and if they provide mineral deposits for the public to collect? I found a number of quarries used by companies to delve stone for concrete, asphalt and cement. However, I couldn't find any references here or on google regarding mineral deposits.

- Middleton quarry near Middleton / south of Edinburgh, owned by Leiths Group

- Peebles / Edston quarry near Peebles / south of Edinburgh, owned by Leiths Group

- Hillwood Quarry east of Edinburgh, owned by Tarmac Ltd.

- Ravelrigg Quarry, east of Edinburgh, owned by Tarmac ltd.

27th Feb 2012 18:55 UTCStephen Moreton Expert

I was born and raised in Edinburgh, but moved away in 1990. Not having my own transport my collecting was restricted. I was also told by those who had tried that the local quarries tended not to be very favourably disposed towards requests for access, so I concentrated my efforts on other localities and didn't waste time trying to get into places where I was not going to be welcome. Maybe you'll have better luck. Managers come and go. Some are more reasonable than others. I did see some nice pectolite from a quarry near Ratho, but don't know which one. A small vein carrying galena, pyrite, calcite and quartz was also exposed there during the late 1970s, although the pyrite was unstable and prone to rot. I don't know about the others. Orrock Quarry, over the water in Fife, had a good reputation for calcite, quartz and amethyst. In the 70s it also produced pectolite and apophyllite. I do not know the current status, other than that it has expanded considerably, and has tight security. You'd have to seek permission in advance, and hope they are amenable. I'd like to know how you get on!

27th Feb 2012 20:27 UTCDaniel Middel

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your reply. The Ratho quarry is the Hillwood Quarry, which I've send an email to ask them on visiting. I'll keep you posted on any response I get. Also, I'll see what I can find out on the Orrock quarry. It seems to be owned by Ennstone, but their website isn't working so no contact information yet.

Daniel

29th Feb 2012 13:11 UTCDaniel Middel

Update:

Quarries around Durnfermline (north of Edinburgh) are closed.

8th Mar 2012 08:35 UTCDaniel Middel

Update:

- Middleton quarry near Middleton / south of Edinburgh, owned by Leiths Group

- Peebles / Edston quarry near Peebles / south of Edinburgh, owned by Leiths Group

Both not open to for public.

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