It’s 149 years to the day since Blantyre lost 215 men and boys in Scotland’s worst Mining disaster.
At 8.45am on 22nd October, 1877, explosions ripped underground at Dixons Pits 2 and 3 in High Blantyre. Tragically, taking the lives of 215 men and boys, the youngest being only 12 years old.
We’re part of a community group preparing something very special for next years special anniversary. Meantime though, we mark the solemn occasion as always with a beautiful wreath at the Disaster Memorial, the wreath obtained from Blantyre shop, supporting local business.
With thanks to our Supporters Group who again made this possible. If you would like to mark the event today and perhaps find out more, there’s a couple of way you can do that.
1. If you go to https://blantyreproject.com/blantyre-pit-disaster/ you can exclusively read many of the life stories of the victims, along with the most detailed accounts of the Pit Disaster and rescue. All for free.
2. Also, why not consider coming along to Blantyre Old Parish Church tonight at 6pm where local historian Gordon Cook is hosting a wonderful history talk about the disaster.
This explosion reduced Blantyre’s population by almost 6% in an instant. Can you imagine the horror and grief in that. Today, we remember all those families affected and especially the miners who lost their lives on that darkest day in Blantyre’s past. May they all rest in peace.
