Document record MAB51826 - KEISELGUHR

Site of Monandavan Keiselguhr works, depicted on the 2nd edition OS map as one long rectangular on the S side of a track and three buildings on the N side.

Site of Monandavan Keiselguhr works, depicted on the 2nd edition OS map as one long rectangular on the S side of a track and three buildings on the N side. The buildings have since been largely removed - only the remains of part of one building north of the track are shown on current maps - but a later dwelling to the east retains the name of Keiselguhr. Kieselguhr is another name for diatomaceous earth (also know as white peat), a naturally occurring soft siliceous sedimentary rock, the primary industrial usage of which is for filtration. It is recorded that in 1885, 200 tons of 'white peat' was extracted from Black Moss and nearby Ordie Moss. Six tons of 'white peat' yielded one ton of Kieselgur when dried, and it was used in the manufacture of dynamite, paint and other commodities. This substance was extracted until the end of WW1. There are still substantial deposits left, but the area is now part of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve.

DEFENCE OF BRITAIN PROJECT, n.d., LETTERS, DoB records (Bibliographic reference). SAB4054.

Record last edited

Mar 8 2018 2:36PM