Photo - pit pony at No.1 mine Philpstoun.
code: LVSAV2019.048
Description
B&W negative copied in 1990 from official albums then held at Grangemouth refinery.
Pit ponies were widely used underground in shale mines to draw hutches from working areas of the mine to the pit bottom. The spacious nature of shale workings meant quite sizeable horses could be used underground. Despite the introduction of underground diesel locomotives c.1940, ponies remained in use at many mines until closure of the industry. This view at No.1 mine, Philipstoun (closed 1962) shows underground worker and horse, both equipped with safety helmet and electric light. The slope of the roof, held in place with steel props, reflects the incline of the shale strata. Pit ponies were well looked after. They were given proper stables with electric lighting and a bed of straw and moss. The roads for the pit ponies were usually well made, often laid with bricks, to ensure a good and safe surface for the horses.
