Cousland Limeworks

Due to the accessibility of carboniferous limestone south of the River Forth, the Lothian's were one of the oldest and most prolific lime producing districts in Scotland.

Prior to the 1750's, the production of lime in this area was small-scale though the value of liming agricultural land was recognised before that time. Medieval builders also regarded lime as an essential element for binding masonry and lightening interiors.

Aerial view of old Limeworks - Circa 1960

Many buildings were regularly lime-washed for aesthetic and hygienic reasons. Reference for example, is made in the Burgh records for Edinburgh of 1557 to the contract "with the lyme men of Cousland for furnessing lyme to the wallis of the toun".

The substantial and rapid increase in demand for lime in Scotland from the 1750's, stemmed initially as a consequence of work by the pioneers of the agricultural revolution. The initiation of the Edinburgh New Town in 1767, coupled with large urban building programmes created an additional huge demand for lime, which was to last well into the 19th century.

Roads, gas and iron works and the pottery industry made other demands. Initially lime working was undertaken, in some instances, by land owners but more often by tenant farmers and private entrepreneurs. By the late 19th century however, companies had taken over the operations e.g.: Shotts Iron Co., Midlothian Oil Co., etc.

In 1912, around 800 men were employed in limeworks in the Lothian's, working 8 mines and 63 quarries. Cousland had 4 quarries, 3 mines and 7 kilns.

Hutches used for transporting Lime from the mine to the factory for processing

A typical number of employees engaged in the limeworks at the start of the century was 10, Cousland works employed 20. The output from the Cousland workforce in 1837 was approx. 93,000 bushels. Workers were often paid on a piece rate basis and in 1937 for example the rate was 6d per boll of limestone at Cousland works.

By 1968 however the industry had contracted to the extent that there was only a dozen enterprises operating. Lime working in Cousland ceased in the early 1970's.