Pit-L-19.Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit

A number of coal workings are known to have operated from the early 19th century around Lumphinnans, between Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly. To date, we have identified a number of ironstone pits and several coal-works including:

Lumphinnans Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; Little Gig; Nottingham; Stair; Lumphinnans Nos. XI, XII

Individual CENTRAL FIFE INDEX entries are currently in preparation but general information relating to facts and events of the Lumphinnans Colliery will be held in this entry which features the Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit.

The Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit was located to the north of the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly road near the now disused rail bridge, and almost due north of the present Lumphinnans bowling club green. Until the sinking of the No. XI Pit in 1925, the No. 1 Pit was the main coal producer for the Lumphinnans Colliery. Records indicate it was sunk to the Dunfermline Splint at a depth of 175 fathoms.

The life of Lumphinnans Colliery began as a number of small ironstone and coal pits dating from around 1826 when the Oakley Iron Company was operating in Cowdenbeath. They were prospecting initially for iron ore but they found much more profitable coal seams instead.

Lumphinnans Colliery - 1842

Mr. Adam Begg, lessee of the Lumphinnans Colliery, says: " I do not employ any male or female in my colliery under fourteen years of age. "

Lumphinnans Colliery (19th century report)

Information on coals worked at Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit

(based on reports from 1930 and 1934)

The deeper part of the Dunfermline Splint seam was apparently not worked until the 1920s. The Mynheer Coal seam in the Lumphinnans pits supplied a fair steam and good household coal with 3 ft. 2 in. to 4 ft. of coal overlain by a thin bed of coaly blaes separating the ironstone from the top of the coal. An earlier report described the Blackband Ironstone found in the area as being 2 ft. thick and of second class quality.
The Glassee Coal wrought at the pit was around 4 ft. 8 in. thick and the Lochgelly Splint and Parrot Coals were similar to the seams found in the Lumphinnans No. 7 Pit. Here the sandy layers above the Swallowdrum Coal were replaced by finer-grained sediments and the seam was closer to the Jersey Coals. It was in thin leaves with thick partings and was not a workable proposition.

After the 1921 strike, the No. 1 pit workings were in a particularly bad state when work resumed in July. Although, in general, production suffered for several months in the Cowdenbeath coalfield, it was not long before things gradually resumed some sort of normality.

"Fifeshire Journal"
4 May, 1848
LUMPHINANS COAL

A Regular Supply of this very Superior COAL, so much famed in the West of Fife for House purposes, Bakers, and Brewers, all fresh drawn from the Pit, can now be had at CUPAR and FALKLAND ROAD STATIONS of the EDINBURGH and NORTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY, by applying at CUPAR to MR WM. RAMSAY, Jun., and at FALKLAND ROAD STATION to MR DUDGEON, the Railway Company's Station Agent.

Great Coal ... ... ... ... 10s. 6d. per Ton.
Chew do. ... ... ... ... 9s. 6d. do.

Great Coal ... ... ... ... 9s. 6d. per Ton.
Chew do. ... ... ... ... 8s. 6d. do.

"Fifeshire Journal"
8 March, 1849

Colliery and Minerals in Fifeshire
(ON THE LINE OF THE EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN RAILWAY)
TO BE LET ON LEASE

THE various SEAMS of COAL, on the ESTATE of LUMPHINNANS, belonging to the EARL of ZETLAND, and immediately adjoining the Village of LOCHGELLY, will be Let on Lease for such period as may be agreed on, not exceeding 31 years.
The Seams are, at least, EIGHT IN NUMBER, varying thickness from FOUR to SIX FEET each, and situated at distances well adapted for profitable working. The whole Coal raised since the works were opened, twenty years ago, has been from one Seam and partially from another, the qualities of which are well known to the trade. All the Seams are wrought in the immediate neighbourhood.
There are also seams of BLACKBAND and CLAY AND IRONSTONE, as well as FIRE-CLAY, all of which will be Let either along with the Coal or separately.
The Railway passes through the centre of the Mineral Field, and presents great facilities for supplying the markets both in the North and South.
Particulars will be communicated on application to MR WILLIAMSON, Mining Engineer, Fingal Place; or MR HENRY G. DICKSON, W. S., No. 3, Dundas Street, Edinburgh; and offers will be received by MR DICKSON until the 30^th of April.

"The Scotsman"
21 September, 1860
VALUABLE IRON AND COAL WORKS AND
LAND, IN FIFE, FOR SALE.

THE IRON AND COAL WORKS OF LUMPHINNANS, near Lochgelly, in the Parish of Ballingry, and County of Fife, which belonged to the late Alexander Christie, Esquire - all as more particularly described in former advertisements.
Both Coal and Ironstone are held under a Lease from the Right Honourable the Earl of Zetland, of which twenty-three years are to run from Martinmas next. The field extends to about 1200 Acres. ...
The Iron Works were recently erected, by the late Mr Christie, at great cost, chiefly on a portion of Ground extending to upwards of 28 Acres, feud from the Earl of Zetland. ...

"Dunfermline Monthly Advertiser"
December, 1862

An accident occurred at this colliery last week, which fortunately, was not attended with fatal circumstances. Two hutches were being drawn up filled with ironstone, weighing some tons, when the rope broke, and the hutches fell down the pit. In their descent, with fearful violence, they tore down the bratticing which lines the pit, and also the mid wall, so that very soon the pit was blocked up with the wreck, and all out-going completely stopped. It was almost the Hartley Pit accident repeated, with the difference, that the pit possessed an inclined outlet to the surface in another part of the workings up which all the men and boys in the pit speedily made their escape to upper air in safety. The damage done is considerable, and it will be some time ere the pit is again in working order.

"The Scotsman"
Friday, 15 May, 1868
LOCHGELLY - FATAL PIT ACCIDENT.

Yesterday morning, a man named William Brown was killed in one of the pits belonging to the Lumphinnans Iron Company. Brown, who wrought at the "face", was in the act of throwing out some coal, when the head-piece gave way, and fell upon him. When extricated, it was discovered that he was dead. It seems he had neglected to prop up his place satisfactorily. The unfortunate man leaves a wife and family.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
16 May, 1868

On Thursday morning an accident took place in No. 1 Pit, belonging to the Lumphinnans Iron Company, by which a man named William Brown lost his life. It appears that Brown, who was a collier, was in the act of throwing out some coals from the face when the head coal gave way and fell upon him. No one was present at the time the accident happened, and it was only when his son called him to breakfast that it was discovered what had taken place. When extricated, life was extinct. Brown leaves a wife and family in very destitute circumstances.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 September, 1872

On Friday last, at the Lumphinnans pit, a man of the name of James Izatt was deprived of life under very painful circumstances. It appears that at the time the accident took place which was occasioned by a boy who was in charge of the hutches slipping his foot at the top of the hill on which Izatt was at work, and the hutches, instead of remaining at the hill-head, went down the incline with fearful force, surprising Izatt, and dragging him for a distance of over thirty yards - mangling him in a frightful manner. He was only conscious for about two or three hours after suffering excruciating agonies.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
26 April, 1879

On Friday last week, as James Paterson, sen., was at work in the No. 1 Pit, a square block of coal, weighing several cwts, came away upon his back, crushing him on a bing of small stones. He was cut rather severely about the head, and otherwise much bruised on the left side. Fortunately, his son James was close by and had him speedily brought to bank, and taken home, where he was properly cared for by Dr. Nelson, of Lochgelly.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 December, 1881

On Wednesday forenoon, while a miner named Alexander Ross was descending No. 1 coal-pit, Lumphinnans, he was caught between the roof of the workings and the frame of the cage, and before he could be extricated, life was found to be extinct.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 February, 1885

A serious accident occurred at Lumphinnans Colliery on Tuesday morning, whereby Janet Millar, a pithead worker, who was engaged spragging a waggon, was terribly injured. The girl unfortunately stood in front of the sprag, which knocked her down, and the wheels of the waggon passed over her left arm, destroying it completely.
Dr. Nasmyth attended and amputated the unfortunate girl's arm at the shoulder joint. She is progressing favourably.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 September, 1887

A sad accident occurred in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, belonging to the Cowdenbeath Coal Company, on Saturday afternoon, by which a miner named Alexander Foote, lost his life. He had been engaged as a brusher repairing the roads, when the roof gave way, and he was killed on the spot. He was found among the rubbish by a neighbour who had been working in another part of the mine. The body was conveyed home to Cowdenbeath, where the unfortunate man resided. He has left a widow and grown-up family.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
20 October, 1888

James Malcolm (20), miner, Lumphinnans, met with an accident on Thursday morning. He was engaged in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, when a piece of coal weighing about 2 cwt. fell from the face and struck him on the left leg. The result was that the leg was broken above the ankle. He was conveyed home and attended by Dr. Nasmyth, Cowdenbeath.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 April, 1889

An accident occurred on Friday evening last week at Lumphinnans Colliery, whereby a young man named William Butler lost his life. He had been engaged shunting waggons, and was caught between the buffers. He was conveyed home, but expired shortly afterwards. Deceased was about 20 years of age.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 August, 1889

A man named Thomas Rattray was seriously injured at Lumphinnans Colliery on Tuesday, by a fall of material from the roof at the bottom of the shaft.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
8 August, 1891
ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF THREE MEN

At an early hour on Tuesday morning an alarming accident, by which three men narrowly escaped with their lives, occurred at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, belonging to the Cowdenbeath Coal Company.
It appears that about an hour previous to the resumption of labour for the day, William Hynd, William Simpson, and John O'Hare, all resident in Lumphinnans, had descended the shaft to a point about 55 fathoms from the surface, for the purpose of carrying out some necessary repairs. Having successfully executed the work, the men gave the signal to be raised to a spot where it was proposed to carry out some repairs, and which was little more than thirty fathoms from the pit-mouth. Here the men accomplished the repairing work without accident, and on giving the signal to be drawn to the surface they were surprised to be driven at such a rate as suggested that the engineman was not conscious of the short distance they had to travel.
In a few seconds the men had passed the usual landing stage, and the top of the cage went crashing against the top of the pulley wheels. Happily, the tackling stood the strain, and the steam was shut off in time to prevent the cage being borne through the head gearing.
As it was, the occupants of the cage were thrown on to the top of the roofs of the engine-houses, where they were in danger of rolling into the pit-mouth. No time was lost in rescuing the poor fellows from their perilous position, and on medical gentlemen being summoned it was found that Hynd was suffering from a fracture of the skull and a broken arm, Simpson from a broken arm and severe shock to the system, and O'Hare from bruises and a shock to the system.
At the time of the accident, the workmen had just begun to collect on the pit-head to begin work for the day, and great excitement prevailed when the cage was run up to the pulley wheels and the three men were thrown out. The engineman is a thoroughly experienced man, and he explains that the accident occurred through his overlooking the fact that after the first repairs were executed he had raised the men to a point only thirty fathoms from the surface. He turned on the steam, assuming that he had a clear run of 55 fathoms, and not having looked at his indicator, he did not discover his error until the cage was run through the ordinary landing stage.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 June, 1892

While a miner named Alexander Skene was engaged at Lumphinnans coal pit on Monday, he was struck on the back and side by a large stone which fell from the roof. He was conveyed home, and attended to by Dr Craig, who found that his back had been seriously injured and some of his ribs broken.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 August, 1892
THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY, LIMITED

The Cowdenbeath and Lumphinnans Collieries are henceforth to be carried on by the New Company known as - The Cowdenbeath Coal Company, Limited. As referred last week, these works were thrown in the market to the public to be taken up by £10 shares, with the result that by Friday when the share list closed, the money was offered four times over. Moneyed men were rushing after shares from all parts of the country, thinking no doubt that they could invest their capital and derive a profit such as the old Company realised for the past three years.

The old Company announced in their prospectus that their average profit for the last three years was £45,825, 8s., and as so many would-be shareholders have come forward, many of them must be rejected. The new Company are to begin shortly to sink shafts on the Moss-side ground, a little to the west of Cowdenbeath, and on the north side of the burgh. A new field is to be opened up, known as Leuchatsbeath. Proving and experimenting on these places is to be gone into, and should they turn out favourable, the district will be in course of time one of the busiest coal centres in the county.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
12 November, 1892
A DANGEROUS WINDING ENGINE

At the Lumphinnans Colliery, the men of one of the pits have been idle for some days. It appears that the engineman detected one of the valves of the winding-machine somewhat out of order on Monday morning, and no men were allowed to descend.
On Tuesday, the miners, at a meeting, resolved that they would not be justified in resuming work until the Inspector of Mines, or some competent person, examined the machinery, to inform them that they would be safe to ascend and descend the shaft.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 January, 1893

Alexander Bewick, miner, Lumphinnans, met with an accident on Monday. While working at the wheel brae at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, he was knocked down by a hutch and his collar bone injured.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 January, 1893

On Saturday morning last, William Smith, a brusher, got one of his legs broken by a fall of coal in one of the Cowdenbeath Coal Company's pits at Lumphinnans.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
1 December, 1894
FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BOY

James Pow, 13 years of age, son of Henry Pow, miner, Lumphinnans, met with a fatal accident on Thursday afternoon, at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, Cowdenbeath Coal Company. The boy had been amusing himself on the pithead, when he observed the manager approach, and wishing to get quickly out of his way, he slipped into the engine-house. While attempting to make his escape through a hole in the engine-room, he fell between two wheels in motion, and was killed instantaneously.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 July, 1896

A slight fire occurred at the pithead of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Saturday, but it was got under before much damage was done.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
10 October, 1896
ACTION OF DAMAGES AGAINST THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY

In Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Tuesday, Sheriff Gillespie closed the record in an action of damages at the instance of John Ferris, Lumphinnans, against the Cowdenbeath Coal Company, Limited. The pursuer was an oncost man in the employment of the defenders at their No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. On 11 June, 1896, he was sent by the defenders' oversman to get a shovel and clean one of the wheel-braes in the pit. While the pursuer was so engaged he was knocked down, and suffered severe injuries. He alleges that the defenders are responsible for the accident, on the ground that while there were sufficient man-holes in the wheel-brae to comply with the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, these man-holes were not, in terms of General Rule 16 of the Act, kept constantly clear. At the time of the accident he was unable to take refuge in them while the wheel-brae was being run. The defenders admit that the pursuer received serious injuries, but deny responsibility. They deny that there was any redd or rubbish in the man-holes; but, alternatively, state that if there was, it must have been put there by the pursuer himself when he was cleaning the wheel-brae. The damages claimed are £250 at common law, or £150 under Employers' Liability Act. The defenders deny that there is any relevant case at common law. Sheriff Gillespie has appointed the case to be debated on this plea on Tuesday next. Agents - For pursuer, James Currie Macbeth, solicitor, Dunfermline; for defenders, Mr Connell, of Ross & Connell, solicitors, Dunfermline.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 October, 1896

Sheriff Gillespie has decided that in the action of damages at the instance of John Ferris, Lumphinnans, against the Cowdenbeath Coal Company, there is no relevant case at common law. Pursuer claims £150 under the Employers' Liability Act.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
19 December, 1896

This issue carried the report that John Ferris was awarded damages, and expenses, in the Court of Session yesterday. The jury, after fifteen minutes absence, returned a verdict for the pursuer, and assessed the damages at £50.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 June, 1897

We learn that Mr Thomas Borland, jun., of Lumphinnans Colliery, has passed his examination for colliery manager, and has received a first class certificate.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 July, 1898

William Hardie, roadsman, Lumphinnans, was employed at the wheelbrae in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, Fife Coal Company, on Tuesday, when a runaway hutch struck him on the back and knocked him down. His back was bruised, but he was able to walk home, where he was attended to by Dr Craig, Cowdenbeath.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 January, 1899

An action has been raised in Dunfermline Sheriff Court by William Hardie, roadsman, residing at Lumphinnans, against the Fife Coal Company, Limited. The pursuer was in the defenders' employment in June last as a roadsman or oncost man in their No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans.

"Dunfermline Press"
31 March, 1900

John Robertson, miner, Lumphinnans, met with an accident on Monday in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He was holing a piece of coal when the coal came away suddenly, knocking him against a wooden post whereby his collar bone was broken and his ribs were bruised. He was attended to by Dr W. E. Craig, Cowdenbeath.

"Dunfermline Press"
7 April, 1900

On Tuesday, whilst Bridget Reilly, pithead worker, Lumphinnans, was pulling an empty hutch on the cage at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, the safety gate descended and struck her on the back of the head, cutting and bruising it severely.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 September, 1900

John Hume, joiner, Lumphinnans, was seriously injured while employed at the pithead of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday. He was working at the screen when he slipped and fell to the ground, a distance of 18 feet. His nose and two ribs on his left side were broken, and his left eyebrow and the front of his left leg were severely cut. He was attended to by Dr Wm. Craig, Cowdenbeath.

"The Scotsman"
1 May, 1901

FATAL PIT ACCIDENT. - An accident occurred yesterday in the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans, by which Walter Brown, miner, aged thirty-four years, was killed. A fall of stone had taken place from the roof, and Brown had been buried.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 May, 1901

Thomas Boreland, colliery manager, deponed that he was the manager of Lumphinnans Colliery, which included the No. 1 Pit. On 30^th April last the now deceased Walter Brown was working in the pit. The place where Brown was working was what they called lipey; that was, the roof was apt to come away without giving any warning. It was reported to witness that day that Brown had been killed, and he was at the spot shortly afterwards.
The accident occurred in the Dunfermline splint seam. That part had been standing for two or three years until recently. The coal face had advanced about twenty yards since it had been restarted. The five-feet seam was worked above. The only effect of working the upper seam was to make rather a better roof. This piece from the roof fell on the rib side. It was about six feet long, two feet broad at one end, tapering to one foot at the other end, and one foot six inches thick. It came away from two lipes. There was timber set close to it. Brown had worked under witness for many years, and was a very experienced man.
Additional witnesses included: David Hunter, miner, Lumphinnans; Thomas Watt, miner, Lumphinnans; and, James Rattray, pit inspector, Lumphinnans. A formal verdict was returned.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 June, 1901

Margaret McGuire, 16 years of age, pithead worker, daughter of James McGuire, fireman, 79 Main Street, Lumphinnans, met with an accident at the No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Friday last. She was removing a piece of coal which had stuck in the spout leading to the screen, when a hutch of coal was emptied into the screen, with the result that she was forced into the down screen for some distance. Her body was bruised and she received a shock to the nervous system. She was removed home and attended to by Dr Craig, Cowdenbeath.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 September, 1901

While Robert Craig, miner, 4 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, was employed at his working face in the Lochgelly splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday, a piece of coal fell from the roof upon him, breaking his right leg a little above the ankle. He was attended by Dr Craig.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1902
TRAMP FALLS DOWN A PIT SHAFT

Between twelve and one o'clock on Sunday morning, Peter Conway, 26 years of age, a tramp labourer, fell down the shaft of No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Limited. The depth of the shaft is 150 fathoms, and Conway was killed instantaneously. Deceased had been at Cowdenbeath on Saturday night. On presenting himself at a lodging-house at midnight he was refused admittance. He had then gone to the pithead presumably with the object of finding shelter there. His body was discovered by a company of workmen, who were engaged at some repairs at the bottom of the shaft. They heard a rumbling noise in the shaft as if a breakdown in some part of the pumping gear, which was in operation, had occurred. All made for a place of safety, and almost simultaneously the body of a man struck the safety cover of the cage. Conway could only have got into the pit by creeping through or climbing over the safety fence, which the workmen had securely closed before descending, as a precaution against anything coming down the shaft upon them.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 August, 1902

Robert Paterson, miner, Christie's Buildings, Cowdenbeath, was injured on Saturday while at work in the Dunfermline splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. A large piece of coal fell from the face, striking Paterson, knocking him down, and causing a compound fracture of his left leg between the knew and ankle. He was attended to by Dr Fairweather, who ordered his removal to the Dunfermline Cottage Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
23 August, 1902

William Shaw, miner, 69 Main Street, Lumphinnans, accidentally knocked out a prop which was supporting his working face in the Dunfermline splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday. A quantity of coal came away, and falling upon him, broke his left shoulder bone and cut and bruised his left arm and breast.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 September, 1903
DEATH OF A COLLIERY MANAGER

Mr Peter Cummings, late colliery manager, Lumphinnans, died at Wilcum Terrace, Cowdenbeath. The deceased gentleman, who was a native of Prestonpans and came to Fife when a young man, was for many years connected with the mining industry at Lumphinnans. He obtained charge of No. 7 Pit, and in 1872, when a new Mines Act came in force, he was promoted to manage the whole colliery. About three years ago he retired on a pension from the Fife Coal Company.

"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 14 November, 1903

A miner named McDonald had his foot badly crushed at Lumphinnans Colliery yesterday. He was removed to Dunfermline Cottage Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 December, 1903
DISTRESS AMONG FIFE MINERS
HARD TIMES AT LUMPHINNANS AND COWDENBEATH

The miners employed at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, have probably suffered more during the past few months through idle time than any body of men in Fife. For many years this pit ranked among the best for steady working in Scotland, but of late the inflow of water has been so great as to task the pumping machinery beyond its capabilities, with the result that it has frequently broken down, and the workmen have been thrown idle for a number of days each time. This week, matters have come to a crisis, as the men have no work at all, and it is understood it will be most likely some considerable time before operations are resumed again, because of the necessary repairs and improvements to be effected. It is expected that efforts will be made to find employment for these men in some of the other pits belonging to the Fife Coal Company while many that do not occupy the colliery houses are searching for employment in different parts of the county. In consequence of the frequent stoppages at this Lumphinnans pit, there are cases of privation in several families, and it has been suggested that a small part of the Union funds should be given to relieve cases of the kind. Fully 300 persons were engaged at the pit.
The regrettable condition of affairs at Lumphinnans, and the adverse influence it will have on the men at the collieries around it by overcrowding, has been greatly aggravated by the large pit at Kirkford having been brought to a complete standstill on Tuesday by a breakdown of a part of the great pumping machinery. This shaft is the deepest in the Cowdenbeath district, and an enormous amount of water naturally flows to it. With the enforced suspension of pumping operations, a larger part of the workings will be flooded with the onrush of water. It is considered probable that the damaged parts of the machinery cannot be put in order again and the water cleared from the pit much before the end of the year. The men, who number something like 400, have, of course, been idle some days this week, and, like their unfortunate Lumphinnans neighbours, they are endeavouring to find work if possible in the other pits in the district. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904

An accident occurred on Tuesday at one of the Lumphinnans Pits, by which James Lindsay, Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, was injured. While working on a wheel-brae, a large stone fell from the roof upon his right leg, breaking the limb above the ankle.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904

In consequence of a breakdown of the pump at Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit on Saturday, notices have been posted at the pithead intimating that work will not be resumed in the pit for at least a fortnight. By the accident, between 500 and 600 men are affected. Arrangements were made for working a back shift at the "Peewit" Pit, and thus a good number of the men have found temporary employment. Owing to the previous scarcity of work, however, the stoppage of the "Big" Pit may naturally be expected to accentuate the great privation which has been experienced for some months past in the village. With the stoppage of the pump, the water is rising rapidly in the pit, and some time must necessarily elapse after the repairs are completed ere the workings can be cleared.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 March, 1904

It is now four weeks since winding operations were suspended at No. 1 Lumphinnans Pit, owing to the breakdown of the pumping engine. It has taken longer to get the machinery put right and the water drawn from the pit than was at first expected, the men only returning to work at the end of this week.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 September, 1904

A third accident was reported on Monday evening as having occurred at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, that forenoon. Hugh Kelso, the pit oversman, was ascending the shaft in a cage, on which were placed two pipes fastened by means of a rope. Owing to the vibration of the cage, the pipes caught the side of the shaft at a pint about seventy fathoms from the surface. By a couple of pitwrights, who descended the shaft, Kelso was found imprisoned, his right leg being fixed between the shaft and the cage. The injured man was removed home suffering from a broken leg between the knee and the ankle, and a severe scalp wound.

"Dunfermline Press"
12 November, 1904

George Blyth, a pony driver, residing at 54 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, had his left leg fractured on Thursday by being caught between two runaway hutches in the Mynheer seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 March, 1905

On Wednesday, Andrew Grieve, pony driver, Main Street, Lumphinnans, was severely bruised on the right haunch and side, by being knocked over by a race of hutches in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 April, 1905

At an early hour on Tuesday morning, Bernard Fox, pit inspector, sustained a severe injury to his left hand as the result of a stone bursting from the roof in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. Dr Young found it necessary to amputate the second and third fingers at the knuckle joints.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 July, 1905

Robert Torrance, miner, residing at Lumphinnans Road, Cowdenbeath, met with a serious accident in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday. He was employed at the face, when the roof gave way, and fell upon him. One of his legs was broken in two places, and his spine was also injured. He was attended to by Drs. Craig and Young.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 July, 1905

Robert Torrance (38), who resided at Lumphinnans Road, Cowdenbeath, has died in the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from the effects of a serious accident he sustained in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, a fortnight ago by a roof fall. He has left a widow and six young children. The funeral of Torrance took place on Thursday afternoon. It was attended by members of the "Thane of Fife" Lodge of Free Masons.

"Dunfermline Press"
16 September, 1905

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of a miner named Robert Torrance, Lumphinnans, who on 3^rd July was injured by a fall from the roof in No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans, and who died in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary on 17^th July. Those giving evidence included:- John Gray, manager; Christopher Innes, pit inspector, 15 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans; and Abraham Jamieson, miner, 11 Union Street, Cowdenbeath. The Jury returned a formal verdict after hearing all the evidence.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 October, 1905

While engaged in shunting waggons at a level crossing at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday, William Bain, residing at 12 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, had his ankle broken and his foot severely crushed by being run over by one of the waggons.

"The Scotsman"
10 November 1905
NOTICE TO PIT SINKERS

CONTRACTORS wanted to undertake the WORK of ENLARGING a SHAFT, from the Surface, to a depth of about 180 Fathoms. Specifications and full particulars can be had by applying to the Manager at Lumphinnans Colliery, and Offers, addressed to the Fife Coal Co., Ltd., are to be lodged at Cowdenbeath Office not later than SATURDAY, 18th instantaneous.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 May, 1906

While Alexander Bremner, pit engineman, Main Street, Lumphinnans, was engaged on Saturday at the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, in putting a strand on a crab engine rope, the pinion wheel of the engine broke. He was struck on various parts of the body by the broken pieces of metal, and sustained a fracture of the skull, a compound fracture of the left leg, and also received severe injuries to his left arm. After being attended to by Dr Young, Cowdenbeath, he was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died two hours after admission, without regaining consciousness.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 June, 1906

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Gillespie and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of engineman Alexander Bremner, lately residing at 133 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who on 20^th May died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from the effects of injuries received in the crab enginehouse of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by the engine pinion wheels breaking. Those giving evidence included:- Nurse Birrell; David Muir, engineer, Pit Cottages, Lumphinnans; William Sinclair, pit sinker, 16 Reform Street, Dunfermline; and George Cousin, surface fireman, 35 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans. A formal verdict was returned.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906

This issue carried the news that Mr David Muir, lately engineer at Lumphinnans Colliery, was leaving to fill a situation under the Bowhill Coal Co.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906

Andrew Clark, pit sinker, belonging to Hamilton, and residing in a lodging-house at Lumphinnans, met with his death in a shocking manner yesterday morning. Along with others, Clark was working in the shaft of the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit at Lumphinnans. A platform on which he was standing tilted, and the unfortunate man was dashed to the pit bottom. When the body was removed from the "sump", it was found to have been terribly bruised, death apparently having been instantaneous.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 December, 1906

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Friday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Andrew Clark, pit sinker, lately residing at 65 Union Street, Cowdenbeath, who was killed on 16th November in No. 1 pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by falling down the shaft from a scaffold hanging therein. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- John Gray, manager; Daniel Sinclair, pit sinker, 15 South Inglis Street, Dunfermline; Alexander Campbell, pit sinker, 11 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans; and Edward Reynolds, pit sinker, 33 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans. The jury returned a formal verdict.

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
25 January, 1907

George Duff, 30, Miner. Deceased apparently was at work at the coal face, when a part of the roof fell upon him, and caused his death.

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
1 April, 1907

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
2 April, 1907

George Auld, 19, Miner. Deceased was taking down coal, which, when it fell relieved the roof, and it came away on him, causing instant death.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 January, 1908

The last day of the year was marred by a sad calamity occurring at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. For some time back, Mr Henry Crawford, contractor, has been carting material from the burning bing for the making of the roadway in Mungall Street, and, on Tuesday, when one of his carts was sent back for filling, several tons of the burning mass fell and enveloped the driver and a labourer, besides the horse and cart.
The cries of the unfortunate men were heard at the pithead, and Mr A. Ramsay, fireman, and several workmen, ran to the scene and gave every assistance. The driver of the cart, Walter Scott, an old man residing at Millar's Buildings, Park Street, Cowdenbeath, was badly burned about the hands and arms and mouth, his tongue in particular being much singed. Patrick Hanley, labourer, suffered from burns on the legs, hands, and arms, and right side of the body, and Mr Ramsay dressed his wounds.
Another labourer, named David Walker, managed to run clear of the falling debris. For a time it was feared that the man had been buried, but he was not long in appearing after the thick of the dust had blown away. Scott was attended to by Dr Craig at his home, and Hanley was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. The horse was scorched on the sides and head. The affair created a great sensation in the village. Scott succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Walter Scott, carter, lately residing at Miller's Buildings, East Park Street, Cowdenbeath, and Patrick Hanley, labourer, lately residing at 2 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans.
On 31 December, the men were working on an ash bing at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, when a quantity of red hot ashes fell upon them. Scott died at his own house on 2 January, and Hanley, at the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 9 January. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Jeannie Anderson, nurse, Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital; David Walker, labourer, 19 Hall Place, Kirkcaldy; Henry Crawford, carting contractor, Foulford Farm, Cowdenbeath; Archibald Ramsay, surface foreman, 143 Main Street, Lumphinnans; and Ann Sanderson or Scott, widow. There was a suggestion made to the jury by solicitor Mr MacBain, that a rider might be added to their verdict to the effect that a different system might be employed and better precautions taken, in removing the overhanging top, to prevent slides down the bing in future. The jury gave effect to Mr MacBain's suggestion.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908

Patrick Lalley, a miner, employed in the five-feet seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, on Saturday, suffering from severe bruises caused by a fall of stone in his working place. Lalley resides at Richmond Place, Lochgelly.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 June, 1908

On Tuesday William Graham, miner, residing at Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, was admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from internal injures received while at work in the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit at Lumphinnans Colliery. Without any warning having been given, a large stone burst from the roof at his working place. Falling in a slanting direction, the stone struck a hutch, which, being derailed, pushed Graham violently against a prop supporting the roof. The unfortunate man, who was caught about the lower part of the body, succumbed to his injuries late on Tuesday evening.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 June, 1908

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of William Graham due to material falling upon him from the roof in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on 8 June. On the day of the accident he was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where he died on 9 June. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Nurse Duncan, Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital; and James Gray, colliery manager. After further evidence, the Sheriff remarked that nothing had been proved in the way of blame, and on his Lordship's suggestion the jury added to their verdict that "the accident was caused by a burst of coal which could not have been foreseen."

"Dunfermline Press"
15 August, 1908

Alexander Ewan, boilermaker, Union Street, Cowdenbeath, was struck on the eyebrow with a flying rivet while working at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, yesterday. It is feared that he will lose the sight of an eye.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 November, 1908

James Wilson (26), miner, Park Avenue, Cowdenbeath, was injured in the Glassee Seam, No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, yesterday. In pulling a hutch he injured himself internally, and had to be conveyed home in the ambulance van. He was attended to by Dr Primmer.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 February, 1909

A pitwright, named John Fowler, thirty-five years of age, residing at the Co-operative Buildings, Main Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death by falling down No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Sunday afternoon. Deceased, along with others, had been taking down material for a service pump that was being put in at the pit bottom. A long wooden rod, slung from one of the cages was on the point of leaving the surface, and Fowler had stepped on a spar, known as a bunting, stretched across the shaft to steady the rod. After doing this, he was stepping back when he overbalanced and fell to the bottom, a distance of over 1000 feet. The other men, who had noticed his disappearance, immediately had the rod taken from the cage so that they could descend, and they found the body in the sump. Deceased was well known in the district. The unfortunate man took an active interest in the public life of the village, and was a member of the local "Gothenburg" Committee. The funeral of John Fowler took place on Tuesday afternoon. There attended a number of the members of the Masonic Lodge "Thane of Fife", No. 781, of which deceased was a member, besides a large representation of the general public. The scene was very impressive, and at many points people gathered to watch the cortege pass on its way to the Beath Cemetery.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1909

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of John Ramsay Fowler, pit shanksman, Main Street, Lumphinnans, who fell down the shaft of the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, and was killed. Those giving evidence included:- John Dewar, engineer, Bridgend Cottages, Lumphinnans; William Fulton, engineer; and Alexander Anderson Malcolm, oversman. A formal verdict was returned with the addition that the accident was probably due to deceased's foot slipping when he was in the act of coming off the bunting.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 September, 1909

Mr Hamilton Graham, an oversman in No. 11 Pit, Lumphinnans, was on the occasion of his transference to No. 1 Pit, presented with a gold albert, along with a silver tea service for Mrs Graham. The ceremony took place in the Gothenburg on Saturday. Mr D. Campbell presided, and Mr W. Mulligan made the presentation.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 June, 1910

Mr John Hunter, oversman, was on the occasion of his being transferred from No. XI Pit to No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, met by a number of the workmen of No. XI in the Masonic Arms, Cowdenbeath, on Saturday, and presented with a roll top desk, a barometer, and umbrella together with a gold brooch and umbrella for Mrs Hunter. The presentation was made by Mr J. H. Campbell, Milesmark, Dunfermline. Mr. J. Bruce, presided.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 September, 1910

James Phillips (15), drawer, residing with his parents at 9 Dundas Street, Lochgelly, received severe injuries in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Monday. He had been "drawing", and when at the bench on the wheelbrae it was supposed that he was knocked down by the running hutches. He was cut about the face, and his nose was broken. He was also crushed about the body.

On Tuesday, James Phillips, brusher, 9 Dundas Street, Lochgelly, was admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from injuries sustained while at work in the old five feet dook of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. Phillips, who was struck by three runaway hutches, sustained lacerated wounds about the face, and body bruises.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Shennan and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of John Bissett, pit repairer, Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 26 November as the result of an accident stated to have taken place on 17 February 1909 in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. Those giving evidence included:- Allison Lawrie, Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, a daughter of deceased; John Gray, colliery manager; John Robertson; pit fireman; David Moffat, pit worker; and Dr Young, Cowdenbeath. The jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910

On Wednesday, Robert Pollock, son of David Pollock, Norwood Place, Cowdenbeath, had a foot badly injured by being crushed by the moving tables at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans. The lad was removed to Dunfermline and West of Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 March, 1913

Alexander Graham, miner, Beveridge Place, had his right leg broken below the knee, and John McDonald, 49 Sligo Street, his head cut in No. 1 Pit on Tuesday. The men sustained their injuries through a "fall" taking place in No. 3 old five feet section.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 June, 1913

John Blair, 17 years of age, who resided with his widowed mother at 121 Main Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday. He was driving a race of loaded hutches in No. 1 Road at the time, but how the accident exactly happened is not known. A fellow-worker hearing an unusual sound of harness rattling, went to ascertain the cause, and found Blair lying between the two hutches, one of which was off the road. Dr Craig, Cowdenbeath, who examined the body, found death to have been due to severe internal injuries.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 August, 1913

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of John Blair, pony driver, lately residing at Main Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 17 June in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, by being crushed between two loaded hutches. Those giving evidence included:- James Sneddon, hanger-on, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath; Edward Gormley, pony driver; Thomas Rattray, miner; William Rattray, miner, Main Street, Lumphinnans; and James Herd, pit fireman, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath.
The Sheriff said it was for the jury to suggest that sprags might have been provided, although not necessarily under Act of Parliament. There was no reason, his Lordship added, why the jury should not, in particular, place where an accident had occurred, make a suggestion which would prevent a similar accident occurring. The jury indicated that they preferred to add no rider to their formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 November, 1913
FIFE COLLIERY APPOINTMENTS

Mr William Richardson, who has had charge of the Fife Coal Company's collieries at Cowdenbeath for several years, has been appointed to the Company's extensive colliery at Lumphinnans. This colliery includes No. 1 and No. 11 pits at which nearly 2000 men are employed, the daily output of coal being 2000 tons. Mr Richardson, who belongs to the West of Scotland, has been about thirteen years a manager with the Fife Coal Company. Mr John Gray, who has been ten years in charge of Lumphinnans Colliery, has been transferred to Cowdenbeath district, which includes Moss-side Nos. 1 and 2 pits, Foulford, and No. 9. Mr Gray has an extensive knowledge of mining in various parts of Scotland, and is one of the best known managers in the county.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1914

... On Saturday, James Kerr, brusher, Perth Road, and William West, miner, Moss-side Road, had each a leg broken in Lumphinnans No. 1 pit and the Alice Pit, Fordell, respectively. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
14 February, 1914

Henry Beveridge (15), pony driver, Moss-side Road, Cowdenbeath, received a compound fracture of one of his legs in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Wednesday evening.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 April, 1914
COWDENBEATH MINER'S SUDDEN DEATH

William Scott, thirty-one years of age, a miner residing at 230 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, died suddenly yesterday. He took ill while at work in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and died within an hour after being raised to the surface. Dr Young, who was called in, found that death was due to natural causes.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 May, 1914

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of a miner named William Scott, lately residing at 230 Perth Road, Cowdenbeath, who became suddenly ill on 24 April when at work in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and died later on the same day in the workshop at the pithead. Those giving evidence included:- Margaret Scott, widow; Dr Craig; Arthur Scott, miner, Natal Place, Cowdenbeath; John Hunter, jun; and John Hunter, sen. The jury returned a formal verdict, finding that death was due to angina pectoris.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 August, 1914

James Morgan (31), who resided at 38 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, was instantaneously killed in the Lochgelly Splint seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, yesterday. He had been in the act of filling his lamp at the "face" when a piece of coal fell upon him, breaking his neck.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 March, 1915

Mary Duffy (16), a pithead worker, residing at 1 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, met with an accident at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday. The girl was engaged at a hoist, which she inadvertently set in motion. Falling to the bottom of the hoist, she was badly injured, there being a large wound on the right side of the head, and slight brain concussion. Dr Young, who was called, had the girl removed home.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915

"Dunfermline Press"
2 October, 1915

A haulageman, named Andrew Lindsay Paton, residing at 16 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, met with an accident in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Monday. He was engaged in the new five feet section dook when a race of hutches unexpectedly left the rails. The wheels of one of the hutches passed over his right foot, causing a compound fracture. The injured man was taken home and attended to by Dr Young.

On the same day, also in No. 1 Pit, George Wilson Findlay, miner, 61 Main Street, Lumphinnans, had his right leg fractured above the knee by a fall of stone from the roof.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 May, 1916

Fire broke out in the report box on the pithead at No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, on Monday night, and it was assuming serious proportions when it was checked and extinguished. After the fire had started, it quickly spread along the insulation of the electric wires until it caught the woodwork around the shaft. Some workmen raised the alarm, and soon a plentiful supply of water was playing on the flames. Within twenty minutes all danger was past. The damage was estimated at £15.

Lumphinnans Memorabilia
Pay Tickets 1916-20

A quantity of Pay Tickets issued by the Fife Coal Company to individual miners have been presented to Fife Pits Webmaster, Chris Sparling, Dunfermline. They were rescued from the office of Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit many years ago but have only recently been presented. Dates of payment range from October, 1916, to January 1920 and the named miners are:- Dan Menzies, Arthur Reid, Archibald Ramsay, John Marshall, William Hunter, and John Ness.
Are these names known/familiar to anyone?

"Dunfermline Press"
10 February, 1917

... Yesterday morning, Thomas Conoby (58), a pit repairer, residing at 9 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, met with a serious accident at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He was engaged on a scaffold or gangway along which hutches were drawn by an endless chain. The rope slipped the drum, causing the chain to jerk and break. The result was that the hutches were sent out of control and jammed Conoby against the pithead staging. He was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where his injuries proved fatal.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 February, 1917

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Thomas Conoby, pithead labourer, lately residing at 9 Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 9 February from injuries received that day at the redd hill at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by hutches which had run away in consequence of the haulage rope breaking.
Those giving evidence included:- James York (15), haulage engine attendant; William Hunter, pitheadman; Archibald Ramsay, surface foreman; and W. E. Richardson, colliery manager. The jury returned a formal verdict, to which they added a rider to the effect that they were of opinion that a person in charge of a haulage engine ought to have some mechanical knowledge, and that there had been an absence of proper supervision and examination of the haulage rope which was in use.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 April, 1917

Thomas Brady (36), hanger-on, Foulford Place, Cowdenbeath, met with an accident in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Saturday forenoon. While attempting to fasten a gate on the cage at the side of the shaft, his foot slipped and he fell down the shaft, a distance of twelve fathoms. Landing on an empty hutch, he was rendered unconscious. He was attended to by Dr Primmer.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 June, 1917

A miner named Andrew Adamson, who resided at Main Street, Lumphinnans, was found dead in his working place in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Tuesday. His head was injured as if by an explosion, but it is not known how the accident happened. Deceased leaves a widow and seven of a family.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 July, 1917

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Andrew Adamson, miner, lately residing at 89 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 26 June in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, from injuries caused by the ignition of some explosive material. Those giving evidence included:- Dr J. B. Primmer, Cowdenbeath; Robert Skelton Watters, explosive storekeeper; James D. S. Bremner, pit fireman; Alexander Kellock, drawer; James Bathgate, repairer, 43 Bridge Street, Cowdenbeath; John Bayne, miner; James Japp, pit fireman; William Ormsby (78), explosives storekeeper; William Edward Richardson, manager; Adam Adamson, miner, a brother of deceased; James Adamson, a brother of deceased; Catherine Beveridge Nicholson or Adamson, the widow. By the direction of the Sheriff, the Jury returned an open verdict, finding that the man died from injuries received from the ignition of some explosive material.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 September, 1917

"Dunfermline Press"
5 October, 1918

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Henry Malcolm, tail runner, lately residing at 103 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 7th August in an ambulance on the public road in Dunfermline Parish, between Crossgates and Halbeath, from injuries received on said date in No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery from a race of loaded hutches of which he was in charge. Among those giving evidence at the inquiry were:- George Gilliard, oncost worker, 42 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans; Thomas Watt, oncost worker, 73 Main Street, Lumphinnans; and W. E. Richardson, colliery manager. The Jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 March, 1919

George Mathewson, pit repairer, Dunfermline Road, Crossgates, was injured by a fall in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Saturday.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 June, 1919

Between six and seven o'clock on Monday morning, James Millar (53), residing at 55 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. He was working at the coal face alone in the Lochgelly splint seam. A fellow-workman, James Moffat, in passing his working-place, observed that a large fall of coal had taken place. Calling to Millar, Moffat received no reply. The surmise that Millar had been buried by the fall proved correct. A number of men at once began the work of clearing away the accumulation. At the expiring of a couple of hours the rescue party came upon Millar, who was dead. Deceased was a widower, and leaves a family of six children.

"Dunfermline Press"
12 July, 1919

"Dunfermline Press"
6 September, 1919

A miner named John Colville was killed in the five feet seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery on Tuesday by a shot going off prematurely. A young man named Thomas Canavan, who was working beside him, was so badly injured, chiefly about the face, that he had to be taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Colville was married, and lived at 33 James Street, Dunfermline.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 October, 1919

In connection with the death of John Colville, stone miner, 33 James Street, Dunfermline, which occurred in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on 2 September, it was elicited that two shots of gelignite had been ignited in a stone mine. One shot was heard to go off. Deceased, under the impression that the fuse had not lit in the second shot, returned to the place, when a second explosion took place, killing Colville, and severely injuring Thomas Canavan, a miner who had accompanied deceased.
The Sheriff said that if the Jury desired to add anything to their verdict they had a perfectly clear case. Deceased went back to the shot after a few minutes, and he ought not to have done so. The Jury could add, either that the deceased committed a breach of the Explosives Order, or say that the cause of the accident was the man going back too soon to a shot which he had attempted to light.
The Jury added a rider, embodying the Sheriff's alternative suggestion.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1920

Thomas Laing, pithead worker, 77 Main Street, Lumphinnans, received a foot injury at a steam hoist at the colliery. He was getting a hutch ready for hoisting, when the cage came down and crushed his foot so badly that he had to be removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where the big toe was amputated.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 July, 1920

On Wednesday, Thomas Forrest (45), 34 Main Street, Lumphinnans, was seriously injured while employed as a waggon shunter at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery. In course of shunting operations, he was accidentally caught between the buffers of two moving waggons. His injuries were so serious that he was at once removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died shortly after admission.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 September, 1920

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Thomas Forrest, labourer, lately residing at 34 Main Street, Lumphinnans, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 14th July from injuries received at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by being crushed between two waggons. ... The jury returned a verdict and rider in accordance with the Sheriff's suggestion that this accident might have been prevented if sufficient protection against the shunting waggons had been given in accordance with the General Regulations.

"Dunfermline Press"
16 April, 1921

An oil store at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, containing 12 barrels of oil and other colliery supplies, was totally destroyed by fire early on Thursday morning. The loss is estimated at £1000.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 May, 1921
COMMUNAL MINING AT LUMPHINNANS.

Business principles are being applied to the coal-getting in Games Park, at Lumphinnans, where a seam, three feet thick, of fairly good quality, is yielding a rich return. Officials of the local branch of the Union have taken the matter in hand. Shifts of men are selected to work the coal, which, after the men's own domestic requirements have been met, is distributed among necessitous persons in the village. Even transport of the coal has been arranged for, although the scheme appears to be somewhat deficient in respect that, if it is not permissible to sell the coal, there will be no remuneration for those who undertake the cartage of the coal from the Games Park to the houses in the village.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 July, 1921

... A breakdown in the pumping plant has retarded the resumption of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and there has been nothing done so far in the way of coal getting in Kirkford and other pits at which pumping apparatus is installed for a series of collieries. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
23 July, 1921
COWDENBEATH PITS

All the pits at Cowdenbeath are producing coal again with the exception of Kirkford Pit, where the water is very heavy. At Lumphinnans, everything is being done to put the two pits into working order.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 October, 1921
DEATH OF COLLIERY FOREMAN.

Mr Arch. Ramsay, Stenhouse Street, who for many years was a foreman of the aboveground workers at Lumphinnans Colliery, died on Sunday. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
31 December, 1921

A miner named John Henderson, residing at 27 Main Street, Lumphinnans, had his ribs and back injured by a stone falling on him in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans, on Wednesday.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
24 May, 1922

Mr Andrew Hutt, Bowling Green Street, Cowdenbeath, has been promoted by the management of the Fife Coal Company from Donibristle Colliery, to be undermanager at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 August, 1922

A boy, named Myles Doolan, residing with his parents at 23 South Glencraig, had his hand so badly bruised while at work in Lumphinnans Pit that a portion had to be amputated.
William Brown, residing at 127 South Glencraig, while at work, was accidentally caught by the haulage rope, and was so badly injured that he was removed direct to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. One leg was fractured, and various other bruises made his removal necessary.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 March, 1923

Robert Kean (33), who resided at 1 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday afternoon from the effects of an accident which he received in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, earlier in the day. Employed as a tail-runner, he was at work on a wheel brae in the Dunfermline splint seam, when a steel haulage rope sprang off the wheel and struck him with great force on his legs. At the hospital, it was found necessary to amputate one of the injured limbs. Death took place from shock. Deceased leaves a widow and a family of four.

"Dunfermline Press"
31 March, 1923

Alexander Martin, under-manger of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, had just descended the shaft on Wednesday, and was talking to the oversman at the pit-bottom, when he suddenly dropped dead. Deceased, who belonged to Leven, had been employed for two years at the colliery, and resided in Main Street, Lumphinnans. He leaves a widow and family.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 May, 1923

Mr Hutt, who has acted as section oversman in the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, has been appointed under-manager at that pit in succession to Mr Martin, who recently died in the pit while attending to his duties.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 May, 1923

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Monday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Robert Rodgers, tail-runner, lately residing at 1 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 16th March in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received that day in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, by his left leg being crushed between a wire haulage rope and the wall of the haulage motor house. A pathetic circumstance disclosed was that one of the colliery officials who knew most about the accident was Alexander Currie Martin, whose sudden death in the pit on 28th March was also the subject of an inquiry.
Those giving evidence included:- W. E. Richardson, colliery manager; Henry Westwater, fireman, Zetland Place, Lochgelly; and Thomas Ward, motorman, Main Street, Lumphinnans. The jury returned a formal verdict.

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Monday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Alexander Currie Martin, under-manager, lately residing at Bridgend Cottage, Lumphinnans, who died on 28th March in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, when convening with other employees.
Those giving evidence included:- Dr Edwin Brooke Young, Cowdenbeath; Robert Syme, fireman, Moss-side Road, Cowdenbeath; Henry Westwater, fireman; and Andrew Hutt, oversman. The jury returned a formal verdict, death being due to heart failure.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 May, 1923
FIRE AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY WORKSHOPS.

Fire broke out at the colliery workshops at Lumphinnans on Monday forenoon, and so rapidly did it spread that soon the engineering shop, the joinery, and oil store were gutted. ... Recently new workshops have been in course of erection nearer the pits, and these will be brought into use now.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
16 July, 1924

James Bradford, son of Adam Bradford, 67 Foulford Street, Cowdenbeath, was the victim of an accident which took place at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans on Monday. Bradford is said to have been partaking of his lunch when a fall took place, crushing him badly. It took the miners who came to his assistance over an hour to get him from underneath the stone. He was removed home suffering from injuries to his back and arms.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
19 November, 1924
WHAT FOLLOWED A TWISTED KNEE

An inquiry was held at Dunfermline, on Thursday, relating to the death of Peter Mooney, miner, lately residing at 79 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, who died on 30 September in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, in consequence of an injury to his right leg, received on 23 September, in No. Lumphinnans Pit, when going to get a piece of prop wood. Among those giving evidence were:- Adam Brockie, fireman, Glenfarg Cottages, Cowdenbeath; Alexander Davidson, miner, Arthur Street, Cowdenbeath; and Mr George Robertson, F.R.C.S., Dunfermline.
The cause of his death was general septicaemia. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
18 February, 1925

William Baxter (62), Cowden Place, Hill of Beath, has died as the result of injuries received in the pit last week. Baxter was employed in the fourteen feet seam of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday of last week, when he was struck by a fall from the roof. When he was extricated it was seen he was in a serious condition, and he was removed to West Fife Hospital, where he passed away on Saturday morning. Deceased was a widower, and leaves a grown-up family. One of his sons was a centre-half for two years with Cowdenbeath, and he also played for Hearts of Beath.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1926

While at work in No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery on Thursday, James Kerr, a miner, residing at Rose Street, Dunfermline, met with a serious accident. He was in the act of placing a supporting bar in his working place when a fall of stone occurred. Suffering from severe injuries to his back, he was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he lies in a critical condition.

"Dunfermline Press"
10 April, 1926

UNEMPLOYED MINERS. - Owing to a section in No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, having been stopped, about forty men have been thrown idle.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1926

Andrew Penman (21), residing with his parents at Murrayfield, Lochgelly Road, met with an accident to his left hand in No. 1 Colliery on Tuesday. Three of his fingers were badly bruised between the pans and an empty hutch. Mr Robert Hunter, pitheadman, rendered first-aid at the ambulance room before the injured man proceeded to his home, where he was attended to by Dr Young.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1929

"Dunfermline Press"
10 August, 1929

PRESENTATION TO DR VEITCH. - Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery (Fife Coal Company Limited) Ambulance Class have presented Dr Veitch with medical books in recognition of his services as lecturer during the last session.

"Dunfermline Press"
31 August, 1929

PIT ACCIDENTS. - William Lowe, stone mine worker, 5 Mungall Street, while at work in No. 1 Pit on Wednesday morning received an injury to his left hand. While turning a hutch on the plates, a piece of stone fell from the roof causing him the loss of his middle finger.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 October, 1929
SUDDEN DEATH IN COWDENBEATH PIT.

An underground repairer named George Cook was found to have died in the Mynheer section of No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Wednesday morning. He had been erecting props, but the cause of death has not been given. Deceased was 65 years of age. He was a widower, and lived with his daughter at Park Street, Cowdenbeath.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 February, 1930

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of a miner named Gabriel McEwan, 15 Shamrock Place, Cowdenbeath, who died on 10th January at his home from injuries received by him on 3rd September, 1929, in No. 1 Pit of Lumphinnans Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, as a result of a roof fall. Those giving evidence included:- Robert Russell, underground fireman, 57 Main Street, Lumphinnans, and Dr Neilson, Cowdenbeath. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 February, 1930

PITS ON SHORT TIME. - The Lumphinnans pits have been on short time this week owing to dull trade. They were idle on Wednesday and at a late hour on Thurs night word was sent from the colliery office that they would be also idle yesterday.

"Dunfermline Press"
7 June, 1930

Andrew Johnstone (16), residing at 234 Foulford Road, Cowdenbeath, met with an accident in No. 1 Colliery on Thursday. Johnstone was employed in the Mynheer Seam. A rope came off the pulley and gripped his leg, causing severe bruises. He received first-aid from Mr Robert Hunter, and was afterwards conveyed home, where he was attended to by Dr Young.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 August, 1930

James Bain (14), rope splicer, Beveridge Place, Lumphinnans, met with an accident in course of his employment in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans yesterday afternoon. A race of hutches ran down an incline and caught him, causing serious injuries to his back and head. After medical treatment at the colliery he was conveyed to his home in an ambulance waggon.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 March, 1931

While David Martin (22) was at work in Archibald's Mine in No. 1 Pit on Wednesday a stone fell on him, causing severe bruises to his back and right knee.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 April, 1931

PRESENTATION. - Mr Barr, late manager of No. 1 Pit, was met by a large number of the employees on Saturday night in the Gothenburg Hall and presented with a chiming clock and a wristlet watch. Mr A. Sanderson occupied the chair and handed over the gifts. He spoke of the high esteem in which Mr Barr was held by the workmen.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 May, 1931

Mr Sanderson, who has been undermanager at No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., has been appointed to a similar position at the Company's Lindsay Colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
30 January, 1932

David Cunningham, 97 Main Street, Lumphinnans, a miner's drawer, working in the Glassie seam of No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, met with a serious accident on Wednesday afternoon. Cunningham was going out of a level haulage road, alongside a race of loaded hutches, with several other workmen, when he was seen to stagger. On his workmates running to his assistance they noticed that he was badly injured, and on removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital he was found to be suffering from severe injuries to his back. It is not known how the accident occurred.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 February, 1935
LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY EXPLOSION.
TWO MEN INJURED.

Arthur Martin (28), oversman, Bridgend Cottage, Lumphinnans, and William Wilson (47), under manager, 24 Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans, were injured as a result of an explosion of gas in the No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., on Wednesday.
They were in course of carrying through an examination of the air course of No. 6 old main gate of the Lochgelly section when a pocket of gas exploded in the roof. Martin was more seriously injured, and he was at once removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from burning injuries to the head, arms, and legs. His condition was regarded as serious, but on inquiry yesterday he was stated to be out of danger. Wilson escaped with slight injuries and was able to go home.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 February, 1936

While following his employment as a machineman in No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Wednesday, Robert Law, "Stanlaw", Natal Place, Cowdenbeath, was struck by a large stone which caused a fracture to one of his legs. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
10 October, 1936
LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY.
NEW SECTION OPENED.

After a lapse of a number of years, it has been found possible to work the Lochgelly Splint seam from No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, as a result of the opening up of a new section. This has given employment to a number of men who were thrown idle when Mossbeath Colliery adopted a single shift system.

"Dunfermline Press"
16 January, 1937
ACCIDENT AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY.

James Addison, shunter, 17 Grieve Street, Dunfermline, was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Wednesday as a result of an accident which occurred during shunting operations at the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans. He received internal injuries.

"Dunfermline Press"
16 January, 1937
DEATH OF FORMER COLLIERY MANAGER.

The death took place yesterday morning of Mr John Gray, Hillside, Foulford Road. Deceased, who was eighty years of age, came from Wishaw thirty-five years ago, and commenced a long association with the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., being manager of Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery for a number of years.
He was first chairman of the Lumphinnans Public-House Society, Ltd., and was one of those who were instrumental in presenting the village with a bowling green. He is survived by a grown-up family.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 May, 1937
FIFE COAL COMPANY APPOINTMENTS.

The Fife Coal Company, Ltd., announce the following appointments:- Mr Benson, Kinglassie, to be manager of No. 1 Lumphinnans; Mr Hynd, undermanager at No. 12 Lumphinnans, to be manager at Kinglassie; Mr King, late manager at No. 1 Lumphinnans, transferred to Central Offices as assistant planning engineer.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 August, 1937
COWDENBEATH PIT FATALITY.
MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF YOUNG COLLIERY WORKER.

On Sunday, Robert Baillie, 20 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, met with his death under peculiar circumstances at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery. Under a chargeman, he and another youth named John Davie, were employed on the picking tables.
Preferring to work on Sunday mornings rather than Saturday afternoons, a small number of men is engaged at this colliery on Sundays.
Baillie's duty was at the picking-table known as the "Hartley". As coal had ceased to be delivered on to this table it was stopped, and the chargeman left the tables in order to shunt a waggon. The other boy, Davie, had also left the screening plant to ensure that there was no "redd" on top of the last filled waggon from his table. The latter was ascending a stair leading on to the screening plant when he heard Baillie crying, and was just in time to see him disappear, head first, down inside a vertical box-shaped fence protecting the return side of a dirt scraper-chain conveyor. Davie ran to the pitheadman, Robert Hunter, and shouted to him what he had just seen. Hunter immediately stopped all pithead machinery, and ran to the spot where Davie said he had last seen Baillie. The unfortunate boy was eventually extricated from the bottom of the box-shaped fence after the concrete floor had been burst up and the fence removed.
How he got inside this fence is a mystery, as there were no actual witnesses of Baillie's movements prior to the occurrence. He had been left alone at the picking tables for about five minutes. The fence concerned was built of sheet steel, and was 6 feet high, 2½ feet broad, and 1 foot wide at the sides; it was riveted to a brick wall. The return side of a dirt scraper-chain conveyor passed down inside this fence. While the particular table at which Baillie was employed was stationary when he was left alone, the slowly moving dirt conveyor was operating. The space through which Baillie's body passed was only six inches wide.
The deceased lad had attended both a first and second year safety class, and had successfully passed both examinations. His father is employed as a fireman in the Glassee Section of the colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
23 October, 1937

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Umpherston and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Robert Murray Baillie, pithead worker, 20 Mungall Street, Lumphinnans, who died on 22 August at Lumphinnans Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., from injuries received that day in course of his employment as a coal picker, caused by his being drawn into and crushed by a redd conveyor. Those giving evidence included: John Davie (18), pithead worker, 39 Main Street, Lumphinnans; Robert Hunter, banksman, 5 Nivingstone Place, Lumphinnans; and Samuel Benson, Bridgend Cottage, Lumphinnans, colliery manager.
The Sheriff, addressing the jury, said that the only thing they could add to their formal verdict was that the boy had no duty which took him to the part of the conveyor where he was injured. The jury, after considering the matter, decided to return only a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 May, 1939
COLLIERY OFFICIAL PRAISED.

At a recent meeting of the Central Safety Committee of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., a letter was read from Dr J. Veitch, Cowdenbeath, wherein he highly commended the skill which Mr Andrew McKenzie, 6 Sligo Street, Lumphinnans, had shown when administering first-aid treatment to a stripper at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, who had sustained a large wound in his right leg while at work. Dr Veitch stated that the wound had been perfectly cleansed and dressed with evident skill before the man was brought up the pit and seen by him at the ambulance room.
It is the desire of the Central Safety Committee to recognise tangibly all cases of praiseworthy administration of first-aid at the Company's collieries, and all local doctors have been asked to report to them any such cases which they consider meritorious.
Mr Andrew McKenzie, who is a fireman at Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery, is the first case to be brought to their notice.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 November, 1939
FIFE COAL COMPANY APPOINTMENT.

Mr Christopher Inglis, who was under-manager at Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery some years ago, has been appointed to take charge of Pitwood and substitutes at the collieries of the central area of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. Mr Inglis has been employed for some time in England.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 June, 1940
COWDENBEATH SHAFTSMAN FALLS DOWN PIT SHAFT.

George Guthrie, Wilson Street, Cowdenbeath, shaftsman at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, was seriously injured when he fell down the pit shaft at No. 10 Colliery, Kirkford, on Tuesday night. He was engaged in salvage work in the pit shaft when the accident occurred. Safety precautions had been taken, but when he was sawing through an old wooden pump beam the beam swung awkwardly, and, in trying to get clear of it, he lost his balance and fell from his platform. The shaft was over 100 feet deep, but he managed to grasp a ledge 30 feet down and cling to it until he was rescued.
In his fall he fractured one of his ankles and received spinal injuries. He also suffered from shock. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Guthrie is well-known as a chess player, and was formerly a keen golfer.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 March, 1943
COLLIERY BREAKDOWN
CRITICAL SITUATION SAVED

Early on Sunday morning, 28 February, a serious main shaft cable breakdown occurred at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery of the Fife Coal Company Ltd., resulting in the cutting off of the electrical supply to the main pump. The fault was quickly located and a new portion of cable joined into position and the supply restored. For a time the position was distinctly critical as there was danger of the colliery being drowned out with the consequent loss of plant and output. The prompt action of the local electrician and engineer, combined with the Company's mobile staff, saved the situation. Credit is due to Mr A. H. Hoggan, No. 1 electrician; Mr J. Fowler, No. 1 Engineer; Mr H. Birnie, mobile transmission staff; Mr A. Banks, mobile transmission staff; Mr W. Todd, mobile transmission staff; and Mr Mitchell Ramsay, electrical inspector.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 July, 1943

Mr Alex. Thomson, recently under-manager, Lindsay Colliery, and now manager at No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery, was met by officials and workmen in No. 1 Gothenburg supper room on Saturday evening and presented with a wallet and notes. Mr Keddie, who succeeded Mr Thomson, presided, and Mr Robert Penman made the presentation. Songs and recitations were contributed by members of the company.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 November, 1943

William McKay (62), pitheadman, residing c/o Oliver, 20 Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans, died in hospital on Thursday from the effects of injuries which he received at his work at No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, on Tuesday night. He fell from a platform on which he was engaged on the pithead.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1943

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff MacLean and a Jury - into the circumstances attending the death of William McKay, colliery pitheadman, 20 Viewfield Terrace, Lumphinnans, who died on 4 November in Larbert Hospital from injuries received on 2 November at Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery, caused by a fall to the ground from the tippler platform of the pithead gear at the colliery. Those giving evidence included:- Alexander Thomson, Viewfield House, Lumphinnans, manager; Robert J. Stevenson, winding engineman, Main Street, Lumphinnans; and Thomas Dunn, electrician, Perth Road, Cowdenbeath. The Sheriff recorded a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 July, 1944
KELTY - PRESENTATION

Mr George Thomson, foreman engineer, Lindsay Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., has been appointed chargehand at the Company's No. 1 Lumphinnans Colliery. He was met by a representative gathering of the management and employees in No. 2 Gothenburg supper room on Saturday and presented with a wristlet watch. Mr Alex. Drysdale, chief engineer, presided, and Mr Reid, colliery manager, made the presentation. Songs and recitations were contributed by members of the company. The arrangements were made and tea served by Messrs Miller, Smillie and T. Boyd.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 February, 1946
MINING DEVELOPMENTS IN WEST FIFE.
Fife Coal Co.'s Vast Programme.

The Government's policy of nationalisation of the mines has tended to dwarf in the public mind all other questions affecting the industry. Yet in Fife a vast programme of development and modernisation is being undertaken by the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., and will assure the continued pre-eminence of the county as one of the greatest coalfields in Britain.
A well-known figure in the Fife coal industry, in conversation with a Dunfermline Press representative this week, said nationalisation was not regarded as a bogey to the future of the industry in so far as development was concerned, and the present schemes, and probably even larger plans for the future, would be proceeded with as a normal and necessary job of work.
The necessity of such schemes is emphasised by the falling output and reduced manpower, etc., and, briefly speaking, the aim of all concerned with the industry is to discard all but the most modern methods - both on the surface and underground - in order that production may be raised to meet the requirements of the country for home needs ad foreign consumption; and, in general, the reconstruction of the industry aims at an output per manshift equal to approximately two tons, or almost double that obtained now. ...

One of the most noteworthy schemes being undertaken by the Company concerns the Lumphinnans Collieries. These are the No. XI and XII Pits, over fifty years old, and No. I Colliery, sunk over ninety years ago. In view of the comparatively short distance between the collieries, it was obviously essential that there should be a scheme of centralisation evolved, and that the two establishments should be merged into one as a preparatory step toward the efficient handling of the coal from a level common to the collieries.
In the early examination of this question, consideration was given to the closing of No. I Colliery altogether, but instead a scheme of mechanisation was introduced as a preliminary to the reorganisation of the three pits, with, it is happy to say, a very substantial increase in productivity resulting.
For the reconstruction operations, which are scheduled for completion before March of next year, several schemes were examined, and finally it was agreed that the advantage of a scheme whereby a mine would be driven from the surface to the remaining coal reserves of the two collieries - estimated at some 7,000,000 tons - would be very great indeed, and would eliminate the existing small haulages and intermediate landings, which the working of the coal further and further away from the shafts has necessitated.
The new mine will be driven through 750 yards of stone by completely mechanical operations, and will terminate in the heart of the coal reserves of the two collieries. ...

These are but a few of the many schemes which the Company is undertaking. At many collieries smaller operations have been successfully completed, but in all of them, whether large or small, all modernisation has been directed towards three phases of mining - transport, face mechanisation, and surface reconstruction.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 July, 1946
NEW FIFE INDUSTRY.
COAL BRIQUETTE FACTORY AT LUMPHINNANS.

A new industry has been set up at Lumphinnans where, as the result of the initiative of a Lochore mining engineer, a new and up-to-date plant has been installed for the production of coal briquettes. The promoter of the project is Mr John Hally, who was formerly employed by the Wilsons & Clyde and Fife Coal Companies, and recently returned from abroad.
The site of the factory is near No. 1 Pit, Lumphinnans Colliery, and the plant is capable of producing 40,000 briquettes per day. Production started last week, and the daily output has already reached the 20,000 mark. Primarily a one-man effort, Mr Hally's enterprise is now giving employment to some twenty men. ...

"The Lochgelly Times"
15 September, 1955

Pithead baths erected at a cost of £5000 at No. 1 Colliery, Lumphinnans, were officially opened on Sunday. Mr George Henshilwood, manager of the colliery, presided and the opening ceremony was performed by the oldest employee, Mr John Ross, who is 68 years of age and has worked in the pit for 56 years. The principal speaker was Mr James Hutchison, Area Production Manager for West Fife. In his opening remarks, Mr Henshilwood said it was a memorable day in the life of No. 1 Pit which had been existence for a long number of years. He hoped the baths would prove a boon to the workmen and the wives of the men who would also benefit directly from the scheme.

"The Lochgelly Times"
10 January, 1957
Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit to Close Down

Lumphinnans No. 1 Colliery, one of the oldest coal-producing pits in the Cowdenbeath district, is due to close down at the end of January. Arrangements have already been made for the 160 men employed at the colliery to be transferred to the other units of the N. C. B. in the area.
The earliest record of workings from the No. 1 shaft date back to 1826.

The original owners were the Christie brothers who sank the shaft to work ironstone. It was acquired and developed by the Cowdenbeath Coal Company in 1881.
This led to the growth of the Lumphinnans village, and today, two of the streets, namely Mungall and Sligo, bear the names of the proprietors of the old Cowdenbeath Coal Company.

In 1896, the pit was taken over by the Fife Coal Company and continued to give employment to a large number of men. At its peak, the colliery had an output of 400 tons a day. With the gradual working out of the various seams of coal, output in more recent years has been reduced to about 180 tons a day.
Most of the men are to be absorbed at Bowhill Colliery but in the re-allocation of work due consideration has been given to the area in which the displaced men live.

Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit

Lumphinnans Colliery - 1842

Lumphinnans Colliery (19th century report)

Information on coals worked at Lumphinnans No. 1 Pit

(based on reports from 1930 and 1934)

"Fifeshire Journal" 4 May, 1848LUMPHINANS COAL

"Fifeshire Journal" 8 March, 1849Colliery and Minerals in Fifeshire (ON THE LINE OF THE EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN RAILWAY) TO BE LET ON LEASE

"The Scotsman" 21 September, 1860VALUABLE IRON AND COAL WORKS AND LAND, IN FIFE, FOR SALE.

"Dunfermline Monthly Advertiser" December, 1862

"The Scotsman" Friday, 15 May, 1868LOCHGELLY - FATAL PIT ACCIDENT.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 16 May, 1868

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 28 September, 1872

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 26 April, 1879

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 3 December, 1881

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 21 February, 1885

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 24 September, 1887

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 20 October, 1888

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 13 April, 1889

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 3 August, 1889

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 8 August, 1891 ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF THREE MEN

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 4 June, 1892

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 13 August, 1892 THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY, LIMITED

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 12 November, 1892 A DANGEROUS WINDING ENGINE

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 21 January, 1893

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 28 January, 1893

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 1 December, 1894 FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BOY

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 4 July, 1896

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 10 October, 1896 ACTION OF DAMAGES AGAINST THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 24 October, 1896

"Dunfermline Saturday Press" 19 December, 1896

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times" 30 June, 1897

"Dunfermline Press" 2 July, 1898

"Dunfermline Press" 14 January, 1899

"Dunfermline Press" 31 March, 1900

"Dunfermline Press" 7 April, 1900

"Dunfermline Press" 1 September, 1900

"The Scotsman" 1 May, 1901

"Dunfermline Press" 18 May, 1901

"Dunfermline Press" 29 June, 1901

"Dunfermline Press" 14 September, 1901

"Dunfermline Press" 25 January, 1902TRAMP FALLS DOWN A PIT SHAFT

"Dunfermline Press" 2 August, 1902

"Dunfermline Press" 23 August, 1902

"Dunfermline Press" 19 September, 1903DEATH OF A COLLIERY MANAGER

"Dunfermline Press" Saturday, 14 November, 1903

"Dunfermline Press" 5 December, 1903DISTRESS AMONG FIFE MINERS HARD TIMES AT LUMPHINNANS AND COWDENBEATH

"Dunfermline Press" 13 February, 1904

"Dunfermline Press" 13 February, 1904

"Dunfermline Press" 5 March, 1904

"Dunfermline Press" 3 September, 1904

"Dunfermline Press" 12 November, 1904

"Dunfermline Press" 11 March, 1905

"Dunfermline Press" 29 April, 1905

"Dunfermline Press" 8 July, 1905

"Dunfermline Press" 22 July, 1905

"Dunfermline Press" 16 September, 1905

"Dunfermline Press" 21 October, 1905

"The Scotsman" 10 November 1905NOTICE TO PIT SINKERS

"Dunfermline Press" 26 May, 1906

"Dunfermline Press" 2 June, 1906

"Dunfermline Press" 17 November, 1906

"Dunfermline Press" 17 November, 1906

"Dunfermline Press" 1 December, 1906

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907 Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd. 25 January, 1907

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907 Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd. 1 April, 1907

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907 Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd. 2 April, 1907

"Dunfermline Press" 4 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 25 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 25 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 13 June, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 27 June, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 15 August, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 21 November, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 6 February, 1909

"Dunfermline Press" 27 March, 1909

"Dunfermline Press" 11 September, 1909

"Dunfermline Press" 4 June, 1910

"Fifeshire Journal"
4 May, 1848
LUMPHINANS COAL

"Fifeshire Journal"
8 March, 1849

Colliery and Minerals in Fifeshire
(ON THE LINE OF THE EDINBURGH AND NORTHERN RAILWAY)
TO BE LET ON LEASE

"The Scotsman"
21 September, 1860
VALUABLE IRON AND COAL WORKS AND
LAND, IN FIFE, FOR SALE.

"Dunfermline Monthly Advertiser"
December, 1862

"The Scotsman"
Friday, 15 May, 1868
LOCHGELLY - FATAL PIT ACCIDENT.

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
16 May, 1868

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 September, 1872

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
26 April, 1879

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 December, 1881

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 February, 1885

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 September, 1887

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
20 October, 1888

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 April, 1889

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
3 August, 1889

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
8 August, 1891
ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LUMPHINNANS COLLIERY

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE OF THREE MEN

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 June, 1892

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
13 August, 1892
THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY, LIMITED

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
12 November, 1892
A DANGEROUS WINDING ENGINE

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
21 January, 1893

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 January, 1893

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
1 December, 1894
FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BOY

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
4 July, 1896

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
10 October, 1896
ACTION OF DAMAGES AGAINST THE COWDENBEATH COAL COMPANY

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
24 October, 1896

"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
19 December, 1896

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 June, 1897

"Dunfermline Press"
2 July, 1898

"Dunfermline Press"
14 January, 1899

"Dunfermline Press"
31 March, 1900

"Dunfermline Press"
7 April, 1900

"Dunfermline Press"
1 September, 1900

"The Scotsman"
1 May, 1901

"Dunfermline Press"
18 May, 1901

"Dunfermline Press"
29 June, 1901

"Dunfermline Press"
14 September, 1901

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1902
TRAMP FALLS DOWN A PIT SHAFT

"Dunfermline Press"
2 August, 1902

"Dunfermline Press"
23 August, 1902

"Dunfermline Press"
19 September, 1903
DEATH OF A COLLIERY MANAGER

"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 14 November, 1903

"Dunfermline Press"
5 December, 1903
DISTRESS AMONG FIFE MINERS
HARD TIMES AT LUMPHINNANS AND COWDENBEATH

"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904

"Dunfermline Press"
13 February, 1904

"Dunfermline Press"
5 March, 1904

"Dunfermline Press"
3 September, 1904

"Dunfermline Press"
12 November, 1904

"Dunfermline Press"
11 March, 1905

"Dunfermline Press"
29 April, 1905

"Dunfermline Press"
8 July, 1905

"Dunfermline Press"
22 July, 1905

"Dunfermline Press"
16 September, 1905

"Dunfermline Press"
21 October, 1905

"The Scotsman"
10 November 1905
NOTICE TO PIT SINKERS

"Dunfermline Press"
26 May, 1906

"Dunfermline Press"
2 June, 1906

"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906

"Dunfermline Press"
17 November, 1906

"Dunfermline Press"
1 December, 1906

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
25 January, 1907

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
1 April, 1907

H. M. Inspector of Mines Report 1907
Mr. Robert McLaren's Report

Fatal Accident at Lumphinnans, Fife
Owner: Fife Coal Co., Ltd.
2 April, 1907

"Dunfermline Press"
4 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
13 June, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
27 June, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
15 August, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
21 November, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
6 February, 1909

"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1909

"Dunfermline Press"
11 September, 1909

"Dunfermline Press"
4 June, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
17 September, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
24 December, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
15 March, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
21 June, 1913