Dismantling the retorts

How the oil works came down

By Billy Kane

The Shale Industry - the End Of An Era  

Closure of production and dismantling of retorts at Addiewell Works was July 1956. The work on the retorts started after the summer holidays in August 1956.

My father collapsed on site,and died a few hours later with a cerebral haemorrage.  His name was Michael Whelan, and the date was 6 August 1956.

A small team from Burngrange Pit who had mining experience took on the job of blasting some of the more difficult bases holding the steel.  Some of the team members I recall are Jim Barrons, Jim Kinsman, Wullie Whigam and Danny McLean.  I (James Whelan) was serving my apprenticeship as an electrician and helped Arthur King (electrical foreman) to wire up the shots, take readings on ohmetres, etc. to ensure all the circuits were healthy.

A very thorough operation was carried out to reclaim scrap metals, copper etc., especially digging up cables. Mark Hutchison from West Calder was the main dealer for all the scrap. 

Jimmy Whelan.