On the anniversary of the Blantyre Pit Disaster, we commemorate the 215 miners who perished in a tragic explosion on October 22, 1877. Wreaths were laid at memorials in High Blantyre, honoring their memory and reflecting on the enduring grief and changes in community life over the past 148 years.
The annual general meeting of the Blantyre and Udston Accident Funds took place on November 30, 1892, chaired by Colonel James Reid. The fifteenth report revealed that 71 recipients received aid, while five had deceased. A total of £39,977 had been spent since the Blantyre Pit Disaster, with £27,559 remaining.
These men had a real difficult job in front of them in October 1977 when they gathered in the High Blantyre Old Parish Church Hall to judge the efforts of the town’s young artists. For this was the climax of the competition, open to Blantyre schools, organised as part of the commemoration of the centenary […]
Continuing a transcript of evidence given by Blantyre miners to the Blantyre Pit Disaster Inquiry in November 1877. On Page 187 is the evidence of local man Alexander Gardiner who was questioned by Mr Dickinson. Alexander said, “I am 59 years of age. I live in Auchenraith, High Blantyre, in the parish of Blantyre and […]
The Monument itself was transported from Fife to High Blantyre Cross and lifted into place and secured without any fuss, then immediately covered up. The day for the unveiling was fixed for Sunday the 23rd of October 1977 at 2 p.m, a day after the actual centenary. On the day of the unveiling, crowds quickly […]
Today, we remember the 215 Blantyre men and boys who lost their lives in the Blantyre Pit Disaster of 1877. To this day, it remains Scotland’s largest mining accident. In one instant moment at 8.45am on 22nd October 1877, 147 years ago today, almost 6% of Blantyre’s entire population at the time was wiped out […]
On 21st December 1877, the Inquiry report into the Blantyre Pit Disaster was published. Within it is over 8,170 lines of inquiry and testimony and evidence from many Blantyre miners about what happened that terrible day on 22nd October 1877 at High Blantyre. It’s a remarkable insight in itself into the friend and work relationships […]