LEADHILLS

leadhills, a village of lanarkshire, scotland, 53⁄4 m. w.s.w. of elvanfoot station on the caledonian railway company's main line from glasgow to the south. pop. (1901) 835. it is the highest village in scotland, lying 1301 ft. above sea-level, near the source of glengonner water, an affluent of the clyde. it is served by a light railway. lead and silver have been mined here and at wanlockhead, 11⁄2 m. s.w., for many centuries--according to some authorities even in roman days. gold was discovered in the reign of james iv., but though it is said then to have provided employment for 300 persons, its mining has long ceased to be profitable. the village is neat and well built, and contains a masonic hall and library, the latter founded by the miners about the middle of the 18th century. allan ramsay, the poet, and william symington (1763-1831), one of the earliest adaptors of the steam engine to the purposes of navigation, were born at leadhills.