Alternative Names Lewis Chemical Works; Harris Road
Site type PARAFFIN WORKS
Canmore ID 4325
Site Number NB43SW 21
NGR NB 403 327
Council WESTERN ISLES
Parish STORNOWAY
Former Region WESTERN ISLES ISLANDS AREA
Former District WESTERN ISLES
Former County ROSS AND CROMARTY

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Archaeological Notes

NB43SW 21 403 327

(Location cited as NB 403 327). Paraffin works: just W of the Harris road is the site of a remarkable experimental plant to extract paraffin from peat cut nearby, created in 1851 by Sir James Matheson. Constructed of local brick, it cost £33,000. Two railway lines were laid to bring in the peat. The experiment was successful, but short-lived.
J Butt 1967.

Butt, J (1967) The industrial archaeology of Scotland, The industrial archaeology of the British Isles series Newton Abbot
Page(s): 303-4 Held at RCAHMS J.4.11.BUT

Butt, J (1967) The industrial archaeology of Scotland, The industrial archaeology of the British Isles series Newton Abbot
Page(s): 303-4 Held at RCAHMS J.4.11.BUT.R

Crabbe, D (2000) 'The Lewis chemical works: a peat distillation vetnure of the 18060s', Trans Newcoment Soc, vol.71, 1
Page(s): 129-142