Tomnadashan Mine

Tomnadashan Copper Mine


Useful Information

Location: Aberfeldy FK21 8SX.
Perth and Kinross, on the south side of Loch Tay. Northwest of Killin, South of Ardtalnaig. Above the road between the farms of Kindrochit and Wester Tulloch.
(56.513989, -4.127880)
Open: no restrictions.
[2023]
Fee: free.
[2023]
Classification: MineGold Mine MineCopper Mine
Light: bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours: self guided
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography: John W. Bainbridge (1970): A Nineteenth Century Copper Working: Tomnadashan, Lochtayside, Industrial Archaeology, Vol.7 No.1, pp.60-74
John W. Bainbridge (1980): Lord Breadalbane's Mines, Scots Magazine, CXIV, pp.38-45
Address: Tomnadashan Mine, Aberfeldy FK21 8SX,
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1842 mining started by the Welsh miner Griffith Roberts, working alone.
1846 sixteen men and two boys were employed.
1862 the Earl died and the mine was abandoned.
1975 filming location for the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Geology


Description

Tomnadashan Mine is not a show mine, it is a famous film set, although nobody knows its name. It is the locality, where the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog lived in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Actually it was called the Black Beast of Arrrghhh... and lived in the Cave of Caerbannog. Thanks to Monty Python, the rabbit is now dead, killed by the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch!

It was mined in the last century by the John Campbell, 2nd Marquis of Breadalbane. He spent a lot of his time and money on the search for a fabulous mineral wealth in the Scottish highlands. Unfortunately he never found it. Tomnadashan was the centre of his obsession.

Normally we do not list undeveloped mines, as they are generally very dangerous. This one seems to be rather harmless, but nevertheless we suggest to be careful. Good shoes and appropriate clothes are essential, a lamp is helpful, and bring a holy hand grenade.