File:Keiselguhr - geograph.org.uk - 551144.jpg

English: Keiselguhr I was told by someone I met near here that there is a particular kind of moss growing in the Black Moss which was apparently used to line trenches during the First World War. This corrugated iron house was built to house the people who harvested the moss and prepared it for shipment to France and Flanders. Its curious name looks vaguely German-like, and it may have been prisoners of war who were obliged to live and work here.

Since writing the above, I have learned that Kieselgur is the German name of a natural substance, diatomaceous earth, which is used in filtration, and which was once used in making dynamite. Further investigation has revealed that deposits of so-called 'white peat' on Black Moss were indeed worked in the 19th century. In 1885, 200 tons from each of Black Moss and Ordie Moss nearby were extracted. Six tons of 'white peat' yielded one ton of Kieselgur when dried (I am unsure whether the 200 tons quoted above refers to the quantity of 'white peat' extracted or to the quantity of Kieselgur yielded), and it was used in the manufacture of dynamite, paint and other commodities. Diatomite was extracted until the end of WW1. There are still substantial deposits left, but the area is now part of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, and the only market for it now is cat litter! (Thanks to Mr Rob Farrow for alerting me to the story, Mr Don Cameron for access to information, Dr Peter Craig for a copy of his article on the subject, and Mr J M M Humphrey.)

The 1902 Ordnance Survey map shows buildings of 'Monandavan Works (Keiselguhr)' on both sides of the road here.