COWDENBEATH'S Central Workshops was the place which ensured collieries all over Scotland could keep working over a period of more than 60 years.

Work is continuing on the Cowdenbeath Social History Film project and the team is well on track in their quest to make short films about key individuals, businesses and organisations who have made a contribution to the life of the town.

The films will be available to be viewed by locals and visitors using plaques placed at key spots around the town and on a specially designated website.

This week the team is asking for your memories and memorabilia relating to the Central Workshops, now the Thistle Industrial Estate.

Said co-ordinator of the project, Martin Ayres: "By the early 1920s coal mining in Fife had reached the point where the amount of manufacturing and maintenance of machinery had become too much for existing colliery workshops that had neither the funds nor the space they required due to a significant increase in mechanisation.

"Fife Coal Board’s solution was the construction of a new centralised facility that brought together skilled staff from around Fife. "Opened in 1926, the workshops employed 750 men and women and serviced 40 collieries. "For many years the workshops made and maintained the machinery that allowed millions of tons of coal to be mined each year and provided employment and training for people in the town".

Added Martin: "We’d like to hear from people who’d like to share their experiences of working at the workshops. "Maybe you have a story to tell, a photo or two to share, or even some home movies somewhere in the attic. If so, we’d really like to hear from you!"

If you have anything you’d like to share please contact Martin on 01383 415598 or by email at info@anim8s.