The late 18th to mid-20th century industrial prosperity of Scotland and its urban development depended upon the extensive deposits of approximately 325 million year old Carboniferous coal, ironstone and oil shale. Opencast coal sites at Spireslack in East Ayrshire and at Mainshill Wood in South Lanarkshire are now unique and stunning geological exposures. These sites can be retained for a wide range of uses and developed to provide a rich visitor and learning experience of coal geology, the coal industry and a way of life for previous generations of Scots.
The Scottish Mines Restoration Trust, the British Geological Survey and partners are exploring ways to fulfil the potential of the sites as an open-air laboratory and learning platform, alongside a rich visitor experience that can support local businesses and communities.
Scotland's Geodiversity Charter 