R14-00004-photograph
code: R14-00004
Collection code:
R14-00004
Collection:
Description
Black and white photographic print of a rotary oil well drilling rig at West Calder, 320m south-south-west of United Presbyterian Church and 25.8km south-west of Edinburgh. The exploratory oil borehole commenced on 14th June 1919 and finished in October 1921. It was one of 11 oil wells drilled in Great Britain for the Mineral Oil Production Department of the Minstry of Munitions. The view shows the whole height of the derrick, drilling was conducted by Messrs S Pearson & Son Ltd using the American cable system with percussive tools. Drilling reached the depth of 3923 feet through the oil shale measures without encountering any petroleum. Original photograph aken on 1st January 1921