Over fifty years have passed since the village of Muirkirk was shaken by the news of an explosion at Kames Colliery.
While living memories of this event remain, Johnny Templeton has been gathering mining memories in audio format which will help preserve the history and heritage of Ayrshire's mining culture - a "living" record of what the men and women of Muirkirk experienced at that time and it's effects on the local community.
If you'd like to take part in this ongoing project, you will find Johnny's contact information here
Some of those who have already taken part in this project are listed below. Click on their names to hear and read their stories.
More Mining Links
- The Barony Pit's website - www.pitheidpatter.co.uk
- Michael Martin's Fife Pits and Memorial Book - www.users.zetnet.co.uk/mmartin/fifepits/
by Michael Martin, Colin Martin & Chris Sparling
The team have recaptured Fife's great mining tradition in this extensive and impressive collection of facts, figures, maps, pictures and tales of collieries, pits and mines throughout the 'Kingdom'.
- The Oral History Society - http://www.ohs.org.uk
The Oral History Society plays a leading role in the development of oral history, both in Britain and internationally. It is dedicated to the collection and preservation of oral history, and to making this accessible to everyone. The Society's members come from all kinds of backgrounds and occupations, but share a common interest in the past and believe in the value of oral history.
- Healey hero - www.healeyhero.co.uk
Begun as a tribute to Philip Healey, Mines Rescue Officer at Ilkeston, this site now concentrates on what it is/was like to be a miner what it was like to live in a mining family, or as in Philip's case a mines rescue family.
- Scottish Mining Museum www.scottishminingmuseum.com
The Scottish Mining Museum is a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the former Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, the last remaining colliery in Scotland.
