Prestonhill Quarry
Prestonhill Quarry looking South. | |
Prestonhill Quarry Location in Fife | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Location | Inverkeithing, Fife |
| Country | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°01′41″N 3°23′14″W / 56.02806°N 3.38728°W |
| Production | |
| Products | Dolerite |
| Type | Quarry |
| History | |
| Opened | 1896 |
| Closed | 1980's |
Prestonhill Quarry is a former dolerite quarry near Inverkeithing in Fife, Scotland.
Geography
Prestonhill Quarry is a quarry of igneous and metamorphic rock. The quarry is located adjacent to Inverkeithing Bay, an inlet of the Firth of Forth.[1][2] The formerly excavated area is now water-filled to create a current deep water pond bound by rocky cliffs.[3]
History
Quarrying began for dolerite rock at the site in 1896 and continued for nearly a century.[3] Over this time, it is estimated up to 2 million square meters of rock were taken from the site.[2]
In the 1980s, the quarry ceased to be used. The excavated area was water-filled.[4] The pond is 11 meters deep. The former loading pier opposite the quarry is still present.[5]
In 2022, plans to build 180 houses on the 44 acre site were put forward, but in 2025 due to the adverse impact of the proposals on Inverkeithing and its surrounding natural heritage these plans were rejected.[6][7][8]
Leisure activity
The quarry waters are a fishing spot.[9]
The quarry is adjacent to the Fife Coastal Path, and is used as a recreation space. Scenic walking paths allow walking above and below the quarry.[10]
Prestonhill Quarry is popular with swimming and is an important diving training facility. The quarry pond was used by people from the fire and rescue service and the Royal Navy.[4] Jumping off the cliff rocks into the water is unsafe and has been responsible for fatalities.[11]
References
- ^ "A Building Stone Survey for Inverkeithing Conservation Area, Fife" (PDF). Fife Historic Buildings Trust. 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Agenda Pack for West and Central Planning Committee 23 April 2025" (PDF). Fife Council. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ a b "What next for controversial quarry as site is put up for sale". Dunfermline Press. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 22 October 2025.
- ^ a b "What next for controversial quarry as site is put up for sale". Dunfermline Press. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Fife Coastal Path – Prestonhill Quarry". Squawking7000. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Plans to redevelop Inverkeithing's Prestonhill Quarry refused". Fife Today. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Scottish Government - DPEA - Case Details". www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "PRESTONFIELD QUARRY DEV". INVERKEITHING TRUST. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Inverkeithing – Murdo Eason – From Hill to Sea". Murdo Eason - From Hill to Sea. 5 December 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Geograph:: Preston Hill Quarry - Inverkeithing © frank smith cc-by-sa/2.0". www.geograph.org.uk. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "Mother's bid to buy Inverkeithing Quarry where son Cameron Lancaster died". BBC News. 2 July 2015. Retrieved 21 October 2025.