THE operator of the St Ninian’s Opencast Mining site has stepped in at the last minute to sponsor the gents and ladies events at the Scottish Coal Race being held before Kelty Gala this Saturday.

Coal race organiser, Michael Boyle, confirmed the news on Monday and said, “Hargreaves Mining have come in to back the ladies and gents races which is very welcome news indeed.

“And the move is very poignant in that the coal race is part of the history of the village which is built on the black diamonds.

“We are delighted that Hargreaves have offered to support us and we thank them and the other sponsors of the many races which cover all age groups.” Peter Gillatt, Managing Director of Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd, said, “The Kelty Coal Race is a fantastic event and we are delighted that our support can allow it to build on its excellent reputation and the unique challenge it offers competitors.

“Fife’s relationship with coal goes back many years and with St Ninian's and Muir Dean, Hargreaves is proud to part of this amazing heritage and having the opportunity to continue growing the kingdom’s association with mining.” Everything gets underway at noon with the mascots' race which was last year won by Cowdenbeath FC’s Bluebell, but this year the popular Coo could be under pressure!

This pipe-opener will be followed by the children’s races, the ladies’ and then gents’ events and Michael reported this week he had a record entry.

The primary school kids will carry 5kgs of coal while the secondary school first, second and third year youngsters will have 10kgs of coal to deal with and the older age group 25kgs.

The men’s race will start at Flower Road and it is one of the historic connections with the origins of coal racing.

Said Michael, “In the old days there were as many as 14 small pits in the Kelty district and the competition between them was pretty fierce, which eventually led to races taking place with coal being carried. I decided to start the modern coal race in 1995 and it is great that it still goes on today and is very popular with the villagers.” He added that the sponsorship of the event is very good with the business community rallying around.

The Royal Bank of Scotland’s branch has been on the village Main Street since 1902 and manager Nicola Davidson said that her staff were pleased to be helping the Coal Race continue to be successful.

Added Michael, “The bank has been brilliant as have all our sponsors, including Fife Council, Asda, the St Ninian’s Trust, Laviera Chip Shop and Amies Supermarket. Their efforts make it possible to stage the various races in the village and at the same time allow us to raise money through collections on the day and sponsorship from entrants, to support the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

“Last year we raised enough to train a young Labrador pup called ‘Kelty’ who is almost ready to go out and become a guide dog in the community and we hope to raise enough again this year to fund another pup which can be trained.” The 2014 gents race is certain to be a thriller with the likes of last year’s winner, Graeme Crane, previous winner John Hunter and Cowdenbeath man Grant Cotter in the field.

One absentee will be Jimmy McIntyre, from Kirkcaldy, who is a coal merchant, who has had a shoulder operation.