| Preston Island | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
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Preston Island
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| Preston Island shown within Scotland | |
| OS grid reference | NT004856 |
| Names | |
| Meaning of name | named after Sir Robert Preston |
| Area and summit | |
| Highest elevation | <10 m |
| Population | |
| Population | 0 |
| Groupings | |
| Island group | Islands of the Forth |
| Local Authority | Fife |
| If shown, area and population ranks are for all Scottish islands and all inhabited Scottish islands respectively. Population data is from 2001 census. | |
Preston Island is a former artificial island in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The reclaimed land was once used for salt production, using local coal. It is part of Fife.
Preston Island, south of Low Valleyfield in the Firth of Forth, was reclaimed by Sir Robert Preston in the early 19th century.[1] He established a coal mine, producing coal for the production of salt in saltpans on the island.[2] The mine was closed following a fatal firedamp explosion in 1811.[2] The buildings later housed an illicit distillery.[1] Several well-maintained ruins remain.
The 'island' is no longer surrounded by water, following further land reclamation, using ash from the nearby Longannet power station.[2]
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