Toxic lead in the UK: Laura Hughes, Financial Times - Paul Foot Award Nominee 2025

15th May 2025

For six days Page 94 is covering the extraordinary stories of the investigative journalists shortlisted for this year's Paul Foot Award, before the winner's announcement next week. First up is Laura Hughes (The Financial Times) for her deep-dive about the abandoned mines leaching toxic lead into British soil, livestock and food, and why nobody is taking responsibility.

Old lead mines are scattered throughout Scotland, with major mining centers in Leadhills and Wanlockhead in South Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire, respectively. Other significant areas include Blackcraig near Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway, Islay, and Strontian. Numerous other smaller mines and trials for lead ore are also documented.

Major Lead Mining Areas in Scotland:
Leadhills and Wanlockhead:
This is the most productive lead mining district in Scotland, situated on the Lowther Hills. Leadhills and Wanlockhead are known for their significant lead-zinc deposits and the discovery of the rare mineral leadhillite.
Blackcraig:
Located near Newton Stewart, the Blackcraig Lead Mines were a thriving industrial area, with operations peaking around 1780 and re-opening twice later. The area is now managed by Forestry and Land Scotland and features walking and biking trails.
Islay:
The island of Islay has traces of lead workings distributed over a wide area, particularly around Dalradian limestone formations. Notable remains include the Mulreesh Lead Mines, with abandoned shafts, waste dumps, and an engine house.
Strontian:
Strontian is another location with former lead mining activity, with records of zinc ore being mined.

Other Locations:
Additional areas with lead mining history include Minnigaff near Newton Stewart, Woodhead at Carsphairn, and the islands of Orkney, where mines have been abandoned but were once active.

Museums and Visitor Centers:
Museum of Lead Mining, Wanlockhead:
This museum offers a self-guided walk-through exhibition, exploring the geology, mining techniques, and history of the area, including a gold panning taster session.

Leadhills Miners Library:
This library provides information about the history of lead mining in Leadhills, including details on the discovery of rare minerals and the town's reliance on lead mining.

Lead mining in Scotland

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