Limestone gallery workings at Corrie harbour, Arran, c.1979.

Lime was quarried in a number of areas in Scotland and old lime gallery workings and lime kilns can still be seen. Lime was used in a number of ways, as fertiliser for the land, in building construction in cement and mortar and in limewash which was used both inside and outside the home. Not only did limewash make a house look clean, it also acted as a disinfectant.
The story of the use of lime for improving land intended for cultivation goes back at least to the early seventeenth century in Scotland. The importance of lime is reflected in the fact that between 1600 and 1627, the value of land in East Lothian and Berwickshire increased as much as five times in areas where lime was available.

Follow this link to see how the former mines look today. NB These old mines are very dangerous - do not enter, as debris can fall from the roof!

SCRAN: 00-000-465-254-C; National Museums of Scotland - Scottish Life Archive