Review to look at policing impact in Fife during miners’ strike

An independent review of the impact of policing on Scottish communities during the miners’ strike is coming to Fife.

Two meetings have been arranged in the region to allow review leader John Scott, solicitor advocate, and his advisory panel, to hear about the experiences of local people during the bitter strike of 198485.

Picket lines became a daily feature at collieries, and there were many flashpoints and violent confrontations between miners and police during the protests.

The sessions will be held at the Lochgelly Centre on Tuesday November 20 and the Oakley Community Association and Social Club on Wednesday November 28.

Members of the public are invited to simply go along to either event and share their stories.

Mr Scott said: “If you were a miner, part of a mining community, a police officer or in some other way affected by, or involved in, the strike, I am really interested to hear about your experiences.

“If you can, please join us at one of these events, or respond to our call for evidence.”

The advisory panel comprises former MP and MSP Dennis Canavan, Jim Murdoch, professor of public law at Glasgow University, and Kate Thomson, former assistant chief constable.

Evidence gathered will help inform an interim report to ministers before a final report and recommendation is published by June 2019.

Similar meetings have been arranged in Cumnock, Newtongrange, Fauldhouse, Fallin and Auchengeich.

All will be held between 6pm and 9pm.