COWDENBEATH has honoured its coal mining heritage with a new memorial.
The tribute, unveiled in Brunton Square on Saturday, takes the form of a commemorative plaque and was installed by the Cowdenbeath Rotary Club as part of its centenary celebrations.
The memorial recognises the mining industry’s vital role in shaping the town’s development.
John Gilfillan, past president of the club, said: "This is a proud day for the members of the rotary club as we complete the celebration of our centenary by seeing the plaque unveiled which remembers the role the mining industry played in the development of Cowdenbeath as a town and community.
"King Coal was what saw the town grow and grow in the early 20th century and the miners played a huge role in making that happen.
"The rotary club has been involved with coal since day one with our first president, Charles Reid, being chairman of the Fife Coal Company."
The unveiling took place in front of an audience of around 60 people, including club members, supporters and Scottish NUM president Nicky Wilson.
Mr Wilson, who completed his training at Fordell Colliery in Cowdenbeath, said: "I remember working at Fordell and it was where I ended the process of learning how to be a miner, and it was a time when Cowdenbeath had many pits and also the NCB workshops."
The ceremony was led by the Provost of Fife, Councillor Jim Leishman, who said: "My dad was a miner and the coal industry created a tremendous community spirit, something I will never forget.
"I am very honoured to have been asked to carry out the unveiling of this fine plaque remembering the role coal played in creating the development of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area."
The plaque reads: "Cowdenbeath Rotary Club is delighted to celebrate its centenary (2022-2023) by creating this memorial to the industry which the town of Cowdenbeath was built on.
"Without coal mining the town would not be what it is today, and we would like to remember some of the pits which produced thousands of jobs between the late 19th century and mid 20th century, and also the Cowdenbeath NCB Workshops, in Church Street, which had 1,000 employees at its peak.
"Among the pits that made the Cowdenbeath District a key part of the Fife coalfield, were Fordell, Donibristle, Kirkford, Cowdenbeath No7, Foulford, The Dora, Mossbeath, Dalbeath, The Alice and The Gordon.
"Cowdenbeath flourished, when coal was king, and it is important that this is never forgotten, as are the miners who lost their lives in the production of the black diamonds.
"Stent Nae Stent."
Cowdenbeath councillor Darren Watt said: "It was a privilege to attend the miners' plaque unveiling ceremony at Brunton Square in Cowdenbeath.
"Despite the torrential rain, there was an excellent turnout from the community and visitors from further afield.
"Huge praise and recognition must go to Cowdenbeath Rotary Club for their exceptional work and efforts to ensure the local mining industry and the workers are rightly acknowledged, and their invaluable contribution and sacrifices are never forgotten."
The rotary club thanked all those that helped to make the project happen, which includes the Scottish Mining Welfare Trust, Cowdenbeath Community Council, The 4 Winds Trust, Cowdenbeath Area Committee, Andrew Allan Architecture, C V Carmichael Blacksmiths, Duncan Collier, Dennis Canavan, John Gardiner and Garry McKean.
A prayer was offered by immediate past president Hank John, followed by a minute’s silence in memory of the mining community.
Craig Bennet, the current club president, closed the ceremony by thanking members and contractors CV Carmichael and Eastway Construction for their efforts in creating the plaque.
The event concluded with a lament played by piper Dean Saunders.
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