New booklet reveals the forgotten history of gunpowder mills

Oct 1 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

THE forgotten history of a West Lothian industry has been uncovered.

A new booklet by the West Lothian Local History Library has revealed the forgotten story of West Lothian’s own gunpowder plot – a plot of land by the Linhouse Water south of Livingston, where gunpowder was manufactured at the Camilty Gunpowder Mills.

The works was set up in 1889 to produce gunpowder which was extensively used in the mining industry.

Some of the gunpowder was brought by horse and cart to West Calder Co-op, where it was sold over the counter in 1lb or 2lb bags and often stored by miners under the bed.

“It’s a part of West Lothian’s history that’s been forgotten,” says Sybil Cavanagh, the Local History Librarian.

“When I started researching the works, I just had a hazy idea of a small, rural mill.

“In fact, it was a big employer of labour and an extensive site.”

After searching through the files of old newspapers held in the Local History Library and in the National Archives of Scotland, she’s pieced together the whole story.

The booklet recalls the strange working conditions and the many safety rules which had to be observed, from not being allowed turn-ups on your trousers to vacating the premises in a thunderstorm.

The booklet also records the names of some 150 workers, and recalls in detail the two major explosions, in which two workers were killed.

The booklet was launched in West Calder Library last Thursday.

A short talk on the Camilty Works was followed by a chance to look at photographs and maps, buy the booklet and enjoy refreshments.

The booklet is now on sale in all branch libraries priced £2.

Phone Sybil Cavanagh on 01506 776331 for further details, or e-mail sybil.cavanagh@westlothian.gov.uk