Tribute to victims of Auchengeich mining disaster

Sep 23 2009 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Alex Salmond unveils the statue in memory of the Auchengeich mining disaster

COATBRIDGE and Chryston MSP Elaine Smith has paid tribute to the victims of Scotland’s worst mining disaster as a special memorial statue was unveiled to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.

The bronze statue of a miner was unveiled at the site of the Auchengeich Colliery by First Minister Alex Salmond to commemorate the 47 men who died in the disaster on September 18, 1959.

Elaine currently has a motion lodged in the Scottish Parliament commemorating the anniversary, which has gained massive cross-party support.

She said: “This tragedy devastated families and continues to be significant to the people of the area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the local community for the dignity and respect that it has shown to the memory of the victims and their families during previous commemorative events.”

To mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster, many community events have been organised, which included the unveiling of the new memorial statute last Sunday.

Elaine said: “We have a great mining tradition in the west of Scotland but, unfortunately for the victims and families of Auchengeich, that has meant first-hand experience of tragedy.

“Commemorating the disaster also allows us to reflect on the hard work and sacrifice of the working class in this area over hundreds of years.

“We can remember the difficult circumstances in which those people worked and lived. Scotland’s prosperity was built on their blood, sweat and tears and that should never be forgotten.”

She added: “I have attended commemorative events for many years now and I am consistently impressed by the level of support and solidarity shown by those who turn up year in, year out to mark the loss of 47 miners.

“My relatives worked in Auchengeich and assisted with the aftermath of the disaster.

“The family shared the loss of friends and comrades with the other families in the area and it is clear that the whole community suffered from this tragic event which will never be forgotten.”