The
area of West Lothian immediately west of Bathgate was rich
in coal and other minerals. By the early 19th century, many
small pits were in operation, exploiting seams of coal,
cannel, ironstone and fireclay.
A
particularly good quality of fireclay was found in the Armadale
area. Several large works were established, using local coal
and
clay to produce heat-proof refractory bricks for lining
furnaces and kilns. Sewer pipes,
chimney pots and other fireclay products were also produced.
The
Etna Works at Bathville near Armadale began operation in the
1860's and, among other fireclay products, produced a common
building brick. These Etna bricks were a distinctive yellow
colour with black rusty spots. They were widely used for
constructing industrial buildings and can still be found
in many local buildings; including the gent's toilets at
Mill Farm.
The
works were modernised in the 1950's, and new kilns built in
the 1960's. Production of red common bricks continued into
the 1990's, but only a small area of the works now survives
as a sales office for bricks made elsewhere. |
