Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, Argyll

Bonawe Furnace was built in 1753 by Richard Ford & Co. (the Newland Company) from Furness (now in Cumbria) to use Furness haematite ore with local charcoal. The same company operated the furnace until 1876.

The chief attraction of the area for the company was the extensive woodland of Argyll, guaranteeing an almost endless supply of charcoal. Plenty of water for powering the huge bellows was an added advantage. The iron ore was imported from Cumbria.

The furnace mostly produced pig iron for export. However, during the Napoleonic Wars it churned out cannonballs.

The ironworks proved successful. In its prime, the furnace produced 700 tons of pig iron a year, and employed up to 600 peopl. The works outlasted all the other Scottish ironworks using charcoal as fuel. It finally closed in 1876, after 123 years of operation.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Monday to Sunday
9.30 am to 5.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £4.50
Child £2.70
Concession £3.60

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01866 822 432

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