Leadhills Reading Society

The Library was founded in 1741 and the Leadhills Reading Society is the oldest subscription Library in the UK. Of the 23 founder members, all were miners except for the minister and the school master. Prospective members were required to submit written applications to the Preses and if successful had to pay an entry fee of 3/- (15p) and then an annual subscription of 2/- (10p).

Early books were mainly religious in character. So successful was the pioneer Library that two neighbouring villages also decided to create Reading Societies - Wanlockhead in 1756 and Westerkirk in 1792. Today the Society holds some 4000 books together with Mine Journals and Bargain Books dating from 1739 to 1854.

William Symington: 1764 - 1831

William Symington was born in the village of Leadhills. His memorial, which was built by public subscription, overlooks the house at 23 Symington Street where he was born. Symington was a mining engineer in the nearby village of Wanlockhead but it was his interest in steam for the navigation of boats for which he is chiefly remembered He designed and built the steam powered boat 'Charlotte Dundas' and trials were made on Dalswinton Loch in 1788.

John Taylors Grave

John Taylor who died in 1770, when he was believed to be 133 years of age, is buried in Leadhills graveyard with his son in a joint grave, which shows his age as 137 years. He was born at Garryhill on Alston Moor in Cumberland, and when he was a young boy, at the lead mines in Cumberland, he could recall the eclipse of 1652. He later moved to a mine in County Durham, and from there was sent by his employer to the island of Islay, to report on the mineral prospects there.

He spent most of his working life in Scottish mines, moving to Leadhills in 1732 where he worked for 19 years, until he retired in 1751 at the age of 117!

Curfew Bell

Originally erected behind Curfew Place in 1770 by James Stirling, to ring the change of the shifts in the mines, as miners did not possess clocks in those days. It is now located just above the Village Square, on the grass area between Ramsey Road and Bell View.

Chancellor's Seat

At the top of the reservoir, some 90m further on is the Chancellor's Seat which is made from stone. The seat was erected by family and friends of Henry Chancellor of Newton & Shieldhill who died there in April 1915. There are wide views to the reservoir, valley and hills.

The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway

This 2-foot narrow gauge railway has been built on part of the trackbed of the erstwhile Caledonian Railway branch line which connected Leadhills and Wanlockhead to the main line at Elvanfoot from 1901 to 1938. It is operated and maintained by the voluntary efforts of the members of the society.

Future plans include the extension of the railway to terminate in Wanlockhead at a point close to the Lead Mining Museum. In addition to providing a pleasant journey for visitors through some of the old mine workings, it provides an interesting and enjoyable recreation for enthusiasts.

New members are always needed to help operate the train service and carry out the varied selection of maintainance work.
Come and enjoy this little railway, set in beautiful surroundings, either as a visitor or as an active member.

Leadhills Golf Club

Highest in Scotland at 1500ft/456m above sea level. Come and experience this unique golf course set amidst the heather of the Lowther Hills. A small 9-hole course, which is not for the faint-hearted whether your handicap is 1 or 28, you will still enjoy the challenge.

There is a small clubhouse but we have no catering facilities so bring a picnic or enjoy a barmeal at the local hotel. If you are a golfer and in the area don't miss Leadhills Golf Club. All visitors are welcome.