Preston Island is a former artificial island in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The reclaimed land was once used for salt production, using local coal. It is part of Fife.
Meaning of name | named after Sir Robert Preston |
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Location | |
OS grid reference | NT004856 |
Coordinates | 56.053°N 3.600°W / 56.053; -3.600 |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Islands of the Forth |
Highest elevation | <10 m |
Administration | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Fife |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
Preston Island, south of Low Valleyfield in the Firth of Forth, was reclaimed by Sir Robert Preston, 6th Baronet in the early 19th century.[1] A sea wall was constructed, followed by buildings and a coal mine, producing coal for the production of salt in saltpans on the island.[2][3]
Two further coal shafts were in development when a fatal firedamp explosion occurred in 1811, after which the mine was closed.[2][4]
Salt production continued for some decades, under lease from Preston.[3] The buildings later housed an illicit distillery.[1] Several well-maintained ruins remain.
The 'island' is no longer surrounded by water, following further land reclamation, using ash from the nearby Longannet power station.[2]
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