Printed just before the March 2020 lockdown, Heritage Society members Bob McDonald and Colin Findlay finally saw the launch of their book which documents the history of coal mining in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. That industry once played a major role in the development of the two towns, providing employment which supported many families for generations.
The launch took place in Rutherglen Library on 18th. November and was one of the events which marked 2021's Book Week Scotland. Many thanks to Zen Boyd of Rutherglen Heritage Centre and to Rutherglen Library for their assistance in organising the book launch.
During the book launch, Bob and Colin gave a presentation based on the contents of the book, copies of which were donated to local schools.
Further copies of the book, written by Bob and Colin with Joe Cunningham, will be donated to local libraries.
Funding for the book's publication came from The Mining Institute of Scotland Trust, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Coal Industry Special Welfare Fund, Rutherglen Rotary Club. Larkhall Burns Club, Zen Boyd and Frank McKirgan, to all of whom, we are very grateful.
In their introduction to the book, the authors tell us that it was a result of collating research undertaken on coal mining in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang areas following a Heritage Lottery project undertaken by South Lanarkshire Council between 2014 and 2017, named Pits, Ponies, People and Stories.
Well done to Bob and Colin for finally getting their book launched!
Carrick McDonald
22nd. November 2021
Further information:
Glasgow Science Centre podcast featuring Bob McDonald and Colin Findlay who discuss the geothermal legacy left by the coal mining industry. Part of GSC's Climate Conversations series. Click here.