 It is believed that the mine was owned by Mendi Oxide & Ochre Co. Ltd., of Wick.The mines are also used as a hibernation site by Greater Horseshoe Bats ("Rhinolophus ferrumequinum").A rare and endangered species, the greater horseshoe bat is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is listed in Annex II of the 1992 European Community Habitats Directive.