Carsphairn

Carsphairn is a village in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is located about halfway between Dalmellington and St. John's Town of Dalry, on the A713 road. Carsphairn annual sheep show is held in the village. Cairnsmore of Carsphairn is to the north east of the village in the Carsphairn and Scaur Hills. To the west is the ridge of the Rhinns of Kells in the Galloway Hills.The village has many features ranging from an ancient stone circle to a nuclear listening post, and includes local amenities such as a shop, tearoom, a primary school and a village hall.HistoryCarsphairn was made an independent parish around 1627, prior to which it had been a part of the Parish of Dalry, and was created a Free Burgh in 1672 under a charter requested by Robert Grierson of Lag.Notable residentsProf Thomas Jackson FRSE (1773-1837) physicist was born and raised here.IndustryIndustry is mainly rural, but, historically, a significant mining industry existed, particularly of lead, following the discovery of significant quantities in 1837. By the mid 1850s the mine was producing 1000 tons annually. Mining continued in the area, with peak production between 1906-1914. Following the end of the First World War, the industry collapsed and by 1928 all lead mining operations had ceased.