I found this reference to “Blantyre Mining School” in a local newspaper of 1893. I’d never heard of a ‘Mining School’ until seeing this article and read with interest that it appeared to teach and qualify colliery management!
Classes were to be held from 30th September in the Low Blantyre School at Stonefield on a Saturday evening from 7pm until 9pm. Course included all subjects necessary for the ‘Colliery Managers’ Examination’ which was held under the Science and Art Department.
It would appear the tutor was Mr Black, not only a colliery manager, but also the Science teacher. Being a science teacher may have assisted this course in understanding chemicals, reactive forces, and gases!
I did wonder if miners stepped up for this opportunity or if people from other trades and walks of life put themselves forward. I’m presuming this work was above ground!
