The Arniston Coal Company was formed in 1876 and operated two pits, the Gore and the Emily, producing around 950 tons of Gas, House and Steam coals per day and employing around 970 employees. The colliery closed in 1962 having created two substantial waste tips. The larger ‘south’ bing (now flattened and repurposed as playing fields) and the ‘north’, a conical and naturally regenerated waste tip masquerading as a small, wooded hill.
Participants in this walk and workshop will be invited to explore this post-industrial landscape through the geology, ecology and place making art activities (cyanotype printing). Led by members of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes team, Katie Strang (Scottish Geology Trust), Matt Harding (Botanical Society of Britian and Ireland) and Yvonne Weighand Lyle (YWL Studios).
Geology/Ecology Walk: A 3.5km round walk (around 90 mins), primarily grassed paths over uneven ground with some gentle slopes that can be muddy after rain. The path to the top of the north bing is extremely steep and is optional. Please be aware of your level of fitness and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. (There is an option to either arrive later or to remain with Yvonne if you just wish to join the outdoor art workshop).
Art Workshop: You will gather botanical and geological materials during your walk, (can be collected for you if you do not participate in the walk), these will be used to create cyanotypes – a kind of photographic image process and/or painted pebbles. Artist Yvonne Weighand Lyle will provide the artistic materials, equipment and camping stools. She will guide participants through the creative processes, as a way to engage with the landscape and create new visual memories of it. The workshop duration is also planned for around 90mins.
Meeting point and parking at the Gorebridge Beacon, Hunterfield Road, Gorebridge, EH23 4TT.
Please bring a packed lunch.
Toilets are available at the Beacon 9am -2pm.
Not suitable for under 18 years of age.
Free – booking essential. Tickets and further information on the accessibility of the route are available on Eventbrite.
