'PROUD to be a Lochgelly boy and proud to be a miner's son'.

These were the words of Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, as he officially opened the town's Mining Heritage Trail on Thursday at a special ceremony held at the the site of the legendary mining estate in the town, The Happyland.

Said the Provost: "This is a immensely proud moment and a privilege for me.

"I was born and brought up in Lochgelly, my grandfather lived in The Happyland and my father worked in the Nellie. Mining was why Lochgelly developed into a major town and it is great to see pupils from local schools here."

Pipers from Lochgelly High School Pipe Band played for the good gathering at the park and pupils from Lochgelly South, West and St Patrick's Primaries took part in the official gathering.

Provost Leishman added: "Mining kept the homes of Fife, Scotland the the UK well heated each winter, trains and ships moving and industry manufacturing.

"The community spirit in the miners' rows of The Happyland was brilliant and it spread to the whole town.

"It is fitting that the Trail starts here and the Lochgelly Heritage Group and those who helped them deserve great credit."

He added that it was also fitting that the Miners' Cottage Visitor Centre facility was to be constructed nearby.

Lochgelly Development Forum members and Heritage Group activists welcomed a excellent turn out on a fine sunny forenoon to see Provost Leishman cut the tape.

In welcoming everyone Helen Ross said that members of the Heritage Group had spent a lot of time researching the information which make up the five boards which tell the story of Lochgelly mining at the Nellie and Jenny Gray Collieries.

She added: "This is indeed an important moment and I thank everyone who has made this happen."

The five boards start at the south end, on the site of Happyland which was near the Jenny Gray, and run north. These contain information about the coal industry and the people who lived and work in Lochgelly.

There are future projects planned by the Heritage Group, including the Heritage Visitors Centre and more boards to celebrate Lochgelly's history and people.

The chairman of Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Councillor Linda Erskine, said the Trail was a fitting tribute to the industry which Lochgelly was built on.

"The Heritage Group have done a lot of very good, but very hard work, to make this happen," she added.

After the official opening there was a tea held in the Salvation Army Hall which saw over 50 people enjoy excellent catering.