Buccleuch plans for coal mine in the south-west

BUCCLEUCH Estates has applied for a licence to develop a surface coal mining scheme near Canonbie in south-west Scotland.

The Duke of Buccleuch’s property company has teamed up with Keir Minerals, which operates the Greenburn coal mine in Ayrshire, to determine if the coal field is commercially viable.

The UK Coal Authority has offered a licence subject to a “formal and final agreement between the parties”, the company said.

John Glen, chief executive of the Buccleuch Group, said a decision to go ahead with the coal mine would bring “significant employment” to the area.

He said: “There are a number of potential energy resources at Canonbie and on other land managed by the group which could make a meaningful contribution to energy provision and needs. Furthermore, should these opportunities be explored successfully there will be significant employment opportunities in the area.

“The Buccleuch Group is looking to develop a strategy which would utilise these energy resources in an integrated and structured manner and this is a key reason why we are working in conjunction with experienced partners including Kier, a renowned and reputable company.”

Mark Harrington, director of Kier Minerals, part of the Bedfordshire-based civil engineering firm, Keir Group, said: “As a long-established mining company, we are pleased to working with Buccleuch Estates to explore the potential energy opportunities in the Canonbie coalfield.

“Together, we will approach this in a strategic and considered way. As part of this process, we will consult and engage with the local community and other interested parties and seek feedback and views as our proposals are developed.”