During the late nineteenth century Scotland was the worlds largest producer of oil. It was extracted from deep mined shale and used in the production of many products, notably paraffin. The bi-product of this process was huge quantities of red shale which was piled into heaps or 'bings' as they are known locally.
These icons of Scotland's Industrial heritage have remained untouched for between fifty and ninety years and have become habitat for over three hundred and fifty species of flora, lichens and mosses which thrive in the alkaline environment.
In the UK, bings only occur in one small area of West Lothian in central Scotland and add a dramatic element to the now largely rural landscape.
I am a landscape photographer based in Scotland.
