During the great miners’ strike of 1926, the price of coal had increased and colliery owners were more vigilant than ever to ensure people did not trespass on their collieries to gather coal or the refuse “gum” on the bings.

As with most places in Scotland, this caused a phenomenal rush towards burning wood and timber. By October 1926, as the strike had raged on for many months, there were signs of the environment changing around Blantyre.

Trees along the roadsides, in plantations such as at Priory and even in the Calder woodlands, were being cut down and disappearing with great rapidity! Even railway fences and sleepers were being removed, some being cut deliberately with cross saws.

The situation was alleviated in November 1926, when miners returned to work and production rates saw coal prices return to normal.