Lindisfarne Lime Kilns

In the 19th Century, Lindisfarne had a long-established lime-burning industry. Limestone was quarried from the north side of the island and used in local buildings as well as being burnt to create quicklime. To do this lime and coal were added in layers into kilns and then fired to create a burnt powder.

The kilns at Lindisfarne were built by William Nicoll of Dundee in an area northwest of Holy Island village, however, this site was vacated after two years and in 1860 a move to Castle Point was undertaken. This had the advantage of being close to the harbour and easily connected to the limestone quarry.

The products produced had several uses. Quicklime could be used to make lime mortar for use in buildings, destroy infected corpses, and to create limelight in theatres. When added to water, slaked lime is created which could be used to make whitewashing, plaster, mortar, to neutralise acidic soil and as a disinfectant.

The kilns are now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and are some of the best-surviving examples in the country.