Mining memorial meetings

Two public meetings will be held to determine whether there is a appetite for a miners memorial in Rutherglen.

In the middle of the 19th century, the Burgh was home to several mines, including those at Stonelaw, Eastfield and Bankhead in Spittal.

The last, near Farme Cross, closed in 1921, but there is nothing to mark the part the industry played in the town’s history.

The project is being spearheaded by retired chartered mining engineer, Bob McDonald, 83.

A member of the South Lanarkshire ‘ Pits, Ponies and People’ group, Bob was giving a talk on mining history at the library last year.

When someone pointed out there was no memorial, Bob approached the Rutherglen Heritage Society who agreed to take it forward.

He has now arranged two events at the end of this month to gain ideas for what shape it might take.

Bob said: “It was very evident when I spoke that people had very little knowledge of the town’s mining past.

“This chap got up and pointed out the other towns - Cambuslang, Blantyre, Hamilton - all had memorials but there was nothing here.

“I really can’t understand that, but hopefully we can put it right.

“Hopefully we can get something where people would notice it, maybe something in stone.”

Once he’s gauged public support, Bob hopes to apply for funding to take the project forward.

And he hinted he would like ideas from local artists as to what shape or form it could take.

The first meeting will take place in the library on Wednesday, March 23, from 3pm to 4pm.

The second will take place on Thursday, March 24, from 6pm to 7pm.