Description

The monument consists of a very ornate monumental stone building constructed into the N bank of a steep sided valley and incorporating a pair of large lime kilns.

A pair of large kilnpots have been constructed against the hillside near to a limestone seam. The kilns open from a rectangular central chamber with a finely dressed stone arch. On either side of the central arch is a further arch, creating a semicircular forecourt. There are two circular rooms, one on either side of each arch; both rooms contain a fireplace and window, and have a doorway opening away from the kilns. Joist holes indicate that both rooms also had a timber upper storey. The kilns probably date from the period 1822 to 1860.

The area to be scheduled measures a maximum of 60m E-W by 45m N-S, to include the two kilns, the associated structure and an area around in which traces of activities associated with the construction and use of the kilns may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential contribution to an understanding of the development process of lime production in Scotland. Because of its intimate association with agricultural improvement this was one of the earliest industries to be developed on a large scale, particularly where there was nearby coal winning. The kilns are particularly important because they are of unusually large scale and incorporated into a remarkably ornate complex, indicative of their location on a gentleman's estate at a time when industrial innovation carried considerable social cachet in Central Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

Reference:

Bailey, G. (1992) 'Lime and limekilns in the Falkirk District', Calatria, 3, 63-89.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland