1840 - 1873, Col. M. Cathcart’s lead mine at Woodhead, Carsphairn halted population decline & gave some prosperity. Up to date equipment, & model village, combination of enterprise & philanthropy. 30 years on, decline in production, moor returned to wild. Unlike most land-owners Col. Cathcart ran the mines himself rather than leasing the mine workings. 30 ft water wheel drove crusher, smelting furnaces on approved plan, Advantage taken of abundant coal & lime in Ayrshire. Village population 300 with school & library. Large investment prior to start of mining.200 tons of haematite brought to surface during 30 years of operation but never taken to smelter. Lead smelted on site with coal carted from Dalmellington. Carts returned with bar metal. Ore occasionally re-smelted to obtain silver (7/8 ounces per ton of lead). Silver seen as bonus in lead mining but only really necessary to extract it to maintain the purity of the lead. Lead taken by road to Dalmellington then Ayr then by ship to Liverpool or London. At least 4 separate adits running in from surface, 3 more deep levels and at least 9 shafts. Two flues ran up hillside, dispersing fumes & condensing airborne lead.

After closure, some of cottages became kennels & manager’s house or schoolhouse became shooting lodge. Shafts fenced and used as rubbish tips. Wheel removed in 1920s and housing cannibalised for slates & timber during WW II. Land reverted to sheep farming. Surviving house became holiday let with others in row becoming implement sheds.