Bannockburn House Minewater Thermal Energy Project

I met with John Ross, one of the trustees of Bannockburn House Trust on Tuesday 4th November 2025 to discuss the possibility establishing a minewater thermal energy project in the grounds of Bannockburn House.

I was the first chair of the Trust when a group of us managed to secure funding to buy Bannockburn House for the local community. I understand it is still the biggest community buyout in the UK today.

I was aware of the history of mineworking in the local area as I live close to the House which is not far from the old Pirnhall Colliery. Just before we bought the House I had dealings with the Coal Authority as a sink hole appeared in the grounds not far from the House.

The Coal Authority fenced the area off and it is ironic this sinkhole could provide an opportunity for to site this scheme.

The trustees of Bannockburn House Trust contacted me to ask me to share any learning I had with them and are keen to explore this technology.

I will post updates here.