« Back to Argyll & the Isles listings

Bonawe Iron Furnace (HS)

Taynuilt

One of the most fascinating historic sites in Scotland, Bonawe is the largest and best preserved charcoal blast furnace in the country.Established in 1752, by Richard Ford, ironmaster from Lancashire in England, the furnace was in use until 1876. In its heyday this was a massive enterprise, with two tons of pig iron a day being made, many men working at the furnace and 600 more people being employed making charcoal in the surrounding oakwoods.Almost all the buildings and other elements associated with this once flourishing operation can still be seen: the solidly built furnace; the large and airy charcoal sheds; the ore sheds; and the houses for the workmen from England. The quay at which ships once unloaded iron ore, limestone and charcoal, and took on cargoes of pig iron, is still intact.Shop.