Mine Sinking Engine, around 1900

This very rare steam winch by the Motherwell firm of Chambers, Scott and Company was used to 'sink' mine shafts when a coal mine was being started. When the shaft was complete, a bigger permanent winding engine would be built in its place.

Little is known about Chambers, Scott and Co, who were based in the Park Street area of Motherwell. The firm built cranes and marine winches but in 1926 the Motherwell Times reported a very serious fire at the company's premises and that may have put them out of business.