Beta Help us improve: share your feedback on our new website.

View gallery

Witness a true industrial relic, the only reasonably complete water-powered beam pumping machine in Britain.

Wanlockhead's beam engine forms part of the fascinating mining landscape that survives in Scotland's highest village.

It was built in about 1870 to pump water from the Straitsteps lead mine beneath it. It was in action for about 40 years, until around 1910. Commercial lead mining here ceased in 1928.

Wanlockhead and neighbouring Leadhills are known as ‘God’s Treasure House in Scotland’ because of the gold and lead lying beneath them.

A wooden swinging gate leading into an enclosure housing a beam engine. There is retro-looking metal sign beside the gate offering information about the site.
A panoramic photo of a desolate glen. In the foreground there is a wooden pump, a relic from the mining industry which once thrived in the glen. Beside the beam engine there is a small stone cottage,
A wooden pump or beam engine. In the foreground there is an interpretation panel to provide visitors with information.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man

Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online