POLICE have warned people illegally investigating Scotland’s only gold mine are risking serious injury or even death amid a spike in online postings of “urban exploring”.
The warning follows an increase in reports of people trespassing at a mine in Cononish, near Tyndrum, in Stirlingshire.
The gold mine was operated by Scotgold Resources which fell into administration last year, and it is unclear who now controls the site. Police have said it is still operational.
Several people have posted images and videos on social media platforms exploring the site which they believe to be abandoned.
Officers have warned people trespassing in the dangerous mine that not only do they risk injuring themselves, but it is also a crime to enter.
In a post online, Police Scotland's Forth Valley Division said they are continuing to make regular patrols in the area and will act against anyone found breaking into the gold mine.
The statement read: “Police Scotland has received numerous concerning reports of persons posting videos and pictures whilst illegally within an operational gold mine near Tyndrum, Stirlingshire.
“The public are reminded that there is a serious risk of injury or death at this site and should not attend.
“It is a criminal offence to cause damage or overcome the security to enter a property, regardless if you think a building is abandoned or not.
“Officers continue to make regular patrols in the area and action will be taken against anyone breaking the law.
“If you have any information regarding the above, please quote call card 1740 of 3/9/24 on 101 or contact the Crianlarich Community Policing Team.”
It was announced in September last year that the 80-strong workforce at Scotgold Resources would be placed on unpaid leave.
Gold production from the mine had trebled in 2022 to more than 8500 ounces (241kg), selling more than 1000 tonnes of gold concentrate for about £12 million.
However, the firm described the first half of 2023 as “disappointing” in terms of gold production and administrators were called in on November 24 last year.
