Preston Island, Fife
Not to be confused with Preston Island, in the Antarctic..
Location | |
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![]() ![]() Preston Island Preston Island shown within Scotland | |
OS grid reference | NT004856 |
Names | |
Meaning of name | named after Sir Robert Preston |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Islands of the Forth |
Highest elevation | <10 m |
Political geography | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Fife |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
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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.
History
![](../I/m/Preston_Island.jpg)
Abandoned buildings on Preston Island
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]
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Nature reserve on island". West Fife Villages. Retrieved 26 December 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Preston Island". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 26 December 2009.
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