Frances ('Dubbie') Pit, Dysart

The Frances (earlier Francis) Pit, also known locally as the "Dubbie", was sinking above the sea cliffs to the north of Dysart, known as the Dubbie Braes, during 1874-77. The Fife Coal Company opened a surface mine in 1924 and redeveloped the pit in the 1930s. In March, 1980, the Frances Colliery was connected underground to Seafield Colliery. Closing in 1988, the pit headgear of the Frances has been conserved to stand as a memorial to the rich mining heritage of Fife.

		Displayed Courtesy of Methil Heritage Centre

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A check from the Frances

We are grateful to Peter Hall, Cupar, for his photographic contributions which are taken during his walks to former mining sites around Fife.
Below we see the Frances Colliery headgear, and the view (looking west) of the Frances Colliery site from the Fife coastal path.
M. Martin & Webmasters.

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Here are images of the Wolf Flame Safety Lamp (No. 2) owned by Tony Forster, who held the post of Technical Assistant to the colliery manager in 1982.

[See Seafield entry - East Index - for images of Tony's Garforth lamp.]

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The Frances Pit wrought coal from seams lying under the Firth of Forth and consequently it was a pit with a severe water problem, with this being pumped out of the workings at a rate of over one and a half thousand gallons per minute! The Frances Pit had access to vast undersea coal reserves and was eventually merged with the Seafield Colliery in 1979/80. While the Frances shaft continued to be used for men and materials, all coal production from the workings came up at Seafield a little further down the coast. Then, at the height of the Miners' Strike in 1984, fires caused by spontaneous combustion broke out in D51 workings. The Frances ceased operating as a production pit on 2nd February, 1985, and the pit finally closed along with Seafield in January, 1988. The recently refurbished headframe stands on the pit site as a reminder of Fife's great mining history.

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Information on coals worked at the Frances Colliery, Dysart
(based on a 1900 report)

In the Frances Colliery, a mile and a half north of Dysart, the Dysart Main Coal - the thickest seam in any part of Fife - was constituted as follows:

The top and bottom of the coal were not usually worked. As the seam ran inland, towards the north and north-east, it became thinner.

In the Thornton-Dysart area, there was developed towards the top of the Millstone Grit, a group of coals, the lowest of which was of workable thickness and was wrought to a very small extent at the Frances Colliery under the name of Lethemwell Coal.
Tentatively correlated with the Bowhousebog Coal of the Central Coalfield, it lay some 35 to 40 fathoms below the Lower Dysart Coal at the base of the overlying coal measures and was associated with a considerable thickness of fireclays, the probable equivalent of the Upper Fireclays of the Central Coalfield. Judging from the few available sections, the Lethemwell Coal was extremely variable in development and in quality.
It was classed as an inferior, steam coal and it appeared also that only in the area of the Frances Colliery was it likely to be thick enough and sufficiently free from partings to be considered as a possible workable subject. In the Frances workings, the seam was found to vary from 4 ft. 2 in. to 5 ft. 10 in. including one or two thin partings. The remaining few records in the Thornton-Dysart area show the seam to be split by many partings, some of them a foot or more thick, into numerous leaves under a foot thick. In some parts of the area the seam was absent or very poorly represented.

[The Productive Coal Measures are taken to include all the strata from the pavement of the Lower Dysart Coal up to Skipsey's Marine Band. The Group of coals was fully present only in the eastern part of the Dysart-Leven area.]

The maximum known development of the Group was attained in the south of the Balgonie, Dysart and Leven Coalfield, in the Frances Colliery, where the total thickness must have been of the order of 280 to 290 fathoms.
In the Frances, there may have been as many as twenty seams of coal of workable thickness. Northwards from this Colliery, along the Thornton-Balgonie Syncline, where only the lower part of the Group was preserved, thinning was again apparent and the number of workable seams became fewer, e.g. there were but four seams of workable thickness up to the Earl David's Parrot and only six up to the Chemiss Coal seam at the northern end of the syncline, compared with nine and fifteen, respectively, in the Frances Colliery.

A number of thin clayband ironstones occurred throughout the succession, but only one is known to have been worked; it occurred in the roof of the Lower Dysart Coal and was wrought to a small extent along with the coal during the latter half of the nineteenth century at Dysart, Wemyss, Earlseat and Balgonie.

As reported in the Dysart Colliery entry, coal has been worked in the Dysart area at least as far back as the end of the 15th century and, by the 1950s, most of the thicker seams were approaching exhaustion in the landward part of the field. Further developments would, of necessity, be more and more directed towards the undersea area where there were enormous reserves.
It is of interest to record, however, that well over a million and a half tons of coal were won around this time by opencast mining from outcrops in the Thornton-Dysart area and considerably more was proved as being readily available for this method of extraction.

The Lower Dysart Coal, or Seven Foot Coal, was an extremely variable seam of composite character, generally classed as a third class house or steam coal. A general section applying to this pit had:

The coal at the base of the seam attained its maximum known thickness of 38½ in. in the south-west where it approached most closely to the lower leaf. Though apparently part of that leaf, it is not so regarded from the mining point of view and when traced northwards and north-eastwards, it is found to deteriorate in thickness and to diverge from the rest of the seam, the intervening strata swelling to 10½ ft. at Methilhill.
The lower leaf, though highly variable and complex in composition, nevertheless showed a fairly regular increase in overall thickness from north to south. In the northern part of the Balgonie field it appeared to die out altogether. One of the principal features of the Lower Dysart Coal was the occurrence within its lower leaf, over the whole of the south-western part of the coalfield, of a band of cannel coal with an unusually high content of oil. While the coal with which it was associated was of relatively poor quality, the cannel itself was rich in high grade oil, the maximum yield having been 92 gallons per ton. It was not being worked for its oil content in the early 1950s but was merely taken out along with the rest of the lower leaf. Around 1920, however, it seems that small quantities of the cannel were being raised annually at Earlseat, Lochhead and Frances collieries and sent to the oil works at Broxburn and Pumpherston.
It appears that as late as 1940, five tons of cannel were daily being brought to the surface at the Randolph Colliery. The material was stated to have yielded 78.5 to 91.9 gallons of crude oil per ton and reserves were then estimated at 297,000 tons. It was also believed that daily output could be increased to 50 tons if the material could be utilised.

The main parting separating the lower from the upper leaf ranged from a few inches to over 3 ft. The upper leaf was relatively constant in total thickness compared to the rest of the seam. At the Lochhead Pit it was 36 in. (34 in. coal) but at the Frances Pit workings it was 48 in. (45 in. coal).

The roof metals of the Lower Dysart Coal consisted normally of fakes and blaes with thin beds of ironstone which were thick enough to have been worked. An 1835 report stated that the Lower Dysart Coal "has bands of argillaceous ironstone on its roof; about 2 feet thick. The coal is soft, but the ironstone has been wrought for many years by the Carron Company. At Balgonie, furnaces were erected for smelting this stone; the works were not very successful, and were abandoned in a few years; not, however, from any fault of the ironstone".

A 1903 report stated that the Lower Dysart Coal "was worked formerly at Dysart, Wemyss and Balgonie, more for the sake of the ironstone-bands in the shale above the seam than for the coal itself". At Earlseat, also, a small area of ironstone is known to have been worked, and though the horizon of the seam is not definitely known, there is little doubt that the material wrought formed part of the roof metals of the Lower Dysart Coal. This is the working conducted in the mid-nineteenth century in a 2 ft. seam of good clayband ironstone at the Tullybreck Pits (Wemyss Estate).

Opencast workings at Easter Balbeggie, Tullybreck, North Moor and Woodbank produced over 300,000 tons of coal from the Lower Dysart seam. The Dysart Main Coal was separated from the Lower Dysart Coal by 7½ to 15 fathoms of strata - thinnest on the crest of the Earl's Seat Anticline (44 ft.) and thickening to west and east. At the base of the strata was a variable thickness of fakes and blaes with ironstone ribs, constituting the roof metals of the Lower Dysart Coal. These were succeeded by an equally variable post of sandstone, sometimes with a thin coal near the centre, and this passed up into fakes and fireclay forming the pavement of the Dysart Main Coal.

The Dysart Main was described as a third class house and steam coal, whose content of volatile material decreased eastwards until, at Wellesley Colliery, it was almost an anthracite.
Though a comparatively low grade seam, its great thickness made it an attractive proposition from the earliest days of mining and in the early 1950s it was approaching exhaustion in the landward part of the coalfield. On account of its thickness, however, comparatively small areas of untouched coal can provide very considerable tonnages as was proved at Woodbank, 1½ miles north of East Wemyss where over 400,000 tons of coal were extracted by opencast mining from a narrow strip along the outcrop of the seam.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 August, 1875
DYSART - MINING OPERATIONS

Mining operations upon an extensive scale were commenced at Dysart Colliery upwards of a twelvemonth ago. A new engine pit has been sunk to the depth of about 40 fathoms, but owing to the great amount of water, the engine, which has two horizontal cylinders, has been found insufficient for working and winding, and nothing further can be done until the new pumping engine is erected. The engine seat is now finished, and rests upon a foundation of concrete several feet in thickness, and large freestone blocks, weighing altogether upwards of 1000 tons, have been used in its construction. On this are placed two strong cast-iron beams, weighing 7½ tons each, for carrying the sole-plate and cylinder which arrived at Dysart Station this week. The cylinder alone weighs 19 tons 16 cwt., is bored out to 8 ft. 4 in. diameter, and the piston has a stroke of 13 ft. The pit, when sunk, will be about 100 fathoms in depth. There are to be three lifts, two forcing sets and one lifting.

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2 October, 1875
DYSART - MINING OPERATIONS

For the past 18 months operations in connection with the sinking of a new shaft have been carried on at Dysart Colliery, with the view of developing the mining industry there, which is entirely in the hands of the Right Hon. the Earl of Rosslyn.
The new shaft will be nearly 100 fathoms, and the pumping apparatus will consist of two forcing sets and one lifting set. The building of the engine-seat was entrusted to a local contractor. It is a massive piece of masonry, reared upon a foundation of concrete of considerable thickness. The building consists of large blocks of freestone jointed and cemented together, the whole mass weighing upwards, it is believed, of 1000 tons. When completed, this heavy undertaking will be second to none in Scotland.

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1 July, 1876
DYSART - MINING OPERATIONS

The operation of sinking a new shaft at the Dysart collieries was commenced about two years ago, but on account of the excessive flow of water, was suspended, when about half the depth had been reached, till a new pumping engine had been erected. This having now been accomplished, the machine was put in motion last week. The cylinder weighs 20 tons. The piston is 100 inches in diameter, with 13 feet of stroke, and steam is generated in five boilers, conducted with "Galloway tubes", and the engine is over 300 horse-power. The shaft will be sunk to the depth of about 120 fathoms, to the Dysart Main coal, which is upwards of 30 feet in thickness.
The probable cost of this heavy undertaking will be about £35,000, before any return can be got.

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4 November, 1876
FIRE AT A COLLIERY

A fire of rather an alarming character broke out in the storeroom of the St. Francis Pit, about half a mile to the east of Dysart, on Saturday, at twelve o'clock noon. The building is of brick in the south-west angle of the works, and was used both as a storeroom and as a shelter for the men, and to dry their clothes, where a large fire was kept up. About noon flames were seen to burst from the building, and in less than an hour the whole contents of new and valuable ropes, stores, and the miners' working clothes, were completely destroyed. The house was entirely unroofed and completely gutted - the bare walls only left standing. The fire was so sudden and rapid that no attempt was made to save anything.

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16 December, 1876
DYSART - UNDERGROUND TRAMWAY

The Earl of Rosslyn, who is at present residing in Dysart House, has decided to commence operations to have an underground tramway from the St. Francis Pit to Dysart Harbour. This new pit will supply 450 tons of coal daily, which will be shipped at Dysart. The supply of the Lady Blanche is about 200 tons, and about 100 tons from the Randolph, which will increase our future shipping to something like 750 tons daily, which will exceed that of West Wemyss by 250 tons.
The new underground tramway will be 1476 yards in length, running under the lower part of the burgh.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
14 July, 1877

On Monday evening, a melancholy accident occurred at the new pit which is being sunk at Dysart. Several workmen had been engaged blasting the rock at the bottom of the shaft, about 80 fathoms deep. By an error on the part of the men, the signal to draw up was given to the pithead man prematurely. Consequently, the cage ascended while the fuse was being applied to a charge, and two of the men were left behind.
One of them, named John Blyth, caught hold of the cage as it was ascending, and hung on till near the surface, when the charge exploded, the shock of which caused him to relax his grasp, and precipitated him to the bottom. Death must have resulted instantaneously. Blyth has left a widow and family. The man who was left behind escaped almost uninjured.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
17 November, 1877
DYSART - MINING OPERATIONS

The new engine pit at Dysart Colliery has been sunk to the depth of 92 fathoms; the sinkers having "struck" the coal. It is expected that this undertaking which was commenced in 1872, will cost when completed about £40,000.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
28 February, 1880

A new line of railway has been opened between Dysart Station and the Francis Coal Pit. The opening of this line will prove a great advantage to the proprietor of the collieries, enabling him to get his coal more easily disposed of.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
6 December, 1884

On Monday morning an accident, which terminated fatally, occurred at Dubbie coal pit, near Dysart. While William H. Cunningham, a miner, was engaged in the under workings pushing one of the tubs underneath what is called "the clears", a portion of the roof fell upon him and killed him. Cunningham, who was 21 years of age, was only married a short time ago.

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"The Scotsman"
15 August, 1887

THE FIRE IN A DYSART COAL PIT. - It is believed that the fire in the Dysart coal pit has now been stamped out, as no trace of it can be found. Several miners engaged in Francis pit and a few employed on the "up load" of the Lady Blanche pit were idle during the past week in consequence of the fire.

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"Dunfermline Saturday Press"
11 August, 1888

Fire broke out on Monday morning in the underground workings of the Dubbie Pit, Dysart Colliery, belonging to the Earl of Rosslyn. It seems to have originated in the high workings, and so great was the smoke when the men went down the pit about five o'clock that they had to re-ascend the pit at once. The men employed at the Lady Blanche Pit, had also to stop work; the workings of both pits being connected, the smoke coming through the passage was so great that it was considered dangerous to remain longer down. On the alarm being given, an effort was made to have the fire built up. The origin of the fire seems to have arisen from the refuse that is left in the workings by the miners after the coal is removed.
About 180 men will be thrown idle by the occurrence. This is the second time that fire has broken out in the same mine during the last twelve months. The fire has since been got under by the building-up of the passages. The miners have again resumed work.

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"Dunfermline Press"
4 June, 1898
DEVELOPING DYSART COLLIERIES

A great impetus is about to be given to the output of coal from Dysart collieries by the new company, who have now assumed management. A new shaft is being sunk at Randolph Pit, while Francis Pit is being increased in depth by 70 fathoms. New and more powerful machinery is being provided for this colliery, where new seams of coal will be wrought. The output by these developments will be more than doubled.

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"The Scotsman"
22 June, 1898

DYSART COLLIERIES. - The Dysart coalfields are to be greatly developed by the new Company, who have now taken over the collieries. Considerable developments to increase the output of coal are now in operation. A new shaft is being sunk at Randolph Pit, while the Francis Pit, which is already nearly a hundred fathoms deep, is being sunk another seventy. New engines are being provided for this pit, the present engines being transferred to New Randolph shaft.

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"Dunfermline Press"
20 January, 1900
SEQUEL TO A DYSART PIT FATALITY

Lord Kincairney, in the Court of Session on Tuesday, closed the record in an action by James Kelly, miner, 34 Diamond Row, Cowdenbeath; Private John Kelly, of the Cameron Highlanders; and Mary Ann Kelly, millworker, 114 Trongate, Glasgow, the children of the late John Kelly, pit sinker, Dysart, against the Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries, Limited, Dysart. The pursuers sue for £500 as damages for the death of their father. The defenders were engaged in the deepening of the shaft at their Francis Pit, at Dysart, and John Kelly was in their employment. On 11^th May 1899, Kelly fell down the extended portion of the shaft, a depth of 28 fathoms, and was killed. It is maintained that there ought to have been a platform across the mouth of the extended depth, or that other reasonable precautions should have been taken for the safety of the workmen. The defenders say that Kelly walked into the pit when he ought to have seen that the mouth of it was uncovered, and they deny fault. Issues were ordered for trial by jury.

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"The Scotsman"
12 April, 1901

FIRE AT EARL OF ROSSLYN'S COLLIERY. - Fire has broken out in an old working in one of the Dysart collieries, between the Lady Blanche and Frances pits. The smoke became so intense that the miners had to leave the pits. At Lady Blanche pit an experiment was made by lowering down to the bottom of the shaft a cage containing several mice for the purpose of ascertaining as to whether the air was foul, and if it would be safe for the men to descend to work. When the cage was drawn up to the pithead it was found that all the mice were suffocated, thus showing that the pit was unsafe. A number of workmen, however, were able to descend the Frances pit, and are now engaged building up the passages leading to that portion of the workings where the fire existed. The men engaged at both pits have, unfortunately, been thrown idle.

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"Dunfermline Press"
3 January, 1903

On Saturday afternoon, an alarming accident occurred at the Francis Pit, Dysart, belonging to the Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries (Limited). Sinking operations have been going on for some time past at the pit, and in this connection a number of pipes were being lifted by a crab engine on Saturday afternoon, when some part of the engine gave way, causing the pipes and a heavy steel rope to which they were attached to descend at a great speed. Eight men were in the shaft at the time - four in the lodgement and four in the cage - but happily all escaped without injury, the escape of the men who were in the cage being most miraculous. The engine was totally wrecked, while great damage has also been done to the engine-house and the pit-shaft in which the great steel rope, measuring about 200 fathoms in length, and weighing about two tons, is entangled.

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

Fatal Accident at Dysart, Fife
Owner: Earl of Rosslyn
29 August, 1907

John Penman, 45, Miner. Deceased was taking down the upper bed of the second working in the Dysart main coal seam, when it fell upon him and he was killed instantly. The coal fell away from between two keen parallel lypes which were unseen.
The Report commented that this was a very common accident in East of Scotland.

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"The Scotsman"
30 August, 1907

FATAL MINING ACCIDENT. - Yesterday, John Penman, residing at Union Street, Kirkcaldy, while working in Dubbie coal pit, near Dysart, was killed by a fall of coal from the face. He leaves a widow and nine children.

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"Fife Free Press"
Saturday, 31 August, 1907

On Thursday forenoon, an accident occurred in the underground workings at the Dubbie, or Francis Pit, Dysart Colliery, which resulted in the death of John Penman, 44 years of age, a miner, residing at Union Street, Sinclairtown. Penman was working at the coal head, and had almost cut through when the accident occurred. Generally, the coal begins to crack and give warning before coming away, but on this occasion the coal suddenly collapsed and came down on the unfortunate man's head and body. He was thrown violently down to the floor of the pit, his head striking the coal stoppings with force. His son and another man, named Lawson, were working with him in the neighbourhood and, hearing the fall, they followed the usual custom by asking if he was all clear. As they did not get the usual answer they went forward, and seeing his condition they at once gave the alarm. Assistance was immediately procured and the unfortunate man was raised to the pithead, but he expired within a few minutes. Deceased had been a long time in the colliery, and was considered one of the best and most careful miners in the pit. He was an office bearer in St. Serf's U. F. Church and, being of a quiet and obliging disposition, he was held in high respect by his fellow workmen and many friends. He leaves a widow and large family for whom deep sympathy is expressed.

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"The Scotsman"
12 October, 1911

DYSART MINER SERIOUSLY INJURED. - An accident occurred in the underground workings of the Frances Pit, Dysart, yesterday, John Parish (33), a miner, sustaining three broken ribs, a dislocated collar-bone, and severe bruises about the left shoulder and side. He was engaged at the coal face, when a fall of material, weighing about three tons, took place. Parish was caught and pinned to the ground.

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"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
10 July, 1912

Alexander Heron, 35 years of age, a miner, residing at 5 East Port, Dysart, was admitted to Kirkcaldy Hospital on Saturday suffering from a fracture of his right thigh, the result of an accident which occurred in the underground workings of the Frances Pit, belonging to the Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries. Heron had been at work in No. 10 level of the pit on Saturday, when he was caught by a large piece of coal, which burst suddenly away from the face. Dr Carroll attended to the injured man at the pithead.

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"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
30 July, 1913

An unfortunate accident befell David Cunningham, 21 years of age, an engineman, residing at 16 Francis Row, Boreland, on Saturday. It appears that he had been engaged in connection with the engine at the Francis Pit, where he was caught by part of the machinery, and carried round the fly-wheel. As no one was in the vicinity at the time he lay unconscious for a considerable period, having sustained a fracture to his leg above the knee and several wounds and bruises to his head and body. On the mishap being discovered, Cunningham was immediately removed to Kirkcaldy Hospital.

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"Fifeshire Advertiser"
Saturday 14th February, 1914
DYSART FIREMAN'S TERRIBLE DEATH.
FALLS DOWN SHAFT OF PIT.

A terrible accident occurred on Saturday night at the Frances Pit, Dysart, belonging to the Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries, Limited, resulting in a pit fireman or inspector named David Sim, about 32 years of age, residing at Watt Street, Dysart, falling down the shaft and being dashed to pieces.
It appears that Sim was going on duty about eleven o'clock, and after being served with his lamp proceeded to the pit mouth.
How the accident actually happened in unknown, but it would seem that Sim, under the impression that the cage was at the pit mouth, opened the protecting gate, and stepping into the shaft, was precipitated to the bottom, a distance of 840 feet.
The body had evidently come in contact with the sides of the shaft several times in the course of the descent, and was dashed to fragments. Deceased, who was unmarried, was believed to belong to the Ellon district of Aberdeenshire.
He served seven years in the Scots Greys, and was a reservist at the time of his death. The remains were conveyed to the mortuary at Dysart Cemetery.

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"Dunfermline Press"
30 May, 1914
SEQUEL TO DYSART PIT EXPLOSION.
COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

In Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, three actions under the Workmen's Compensation Act, and arising out of the gas explosion in Frances Pit, Earl of Rosslyn's Collieries, Dysart, have been settled extra-judicially. The actions were at the instance of Mrs Ethel Pearson or Suttie, widow of Alexander Suttie, miner, 244 Links Street, Kirkcaldy, who claimed an award of compensation at the rate of £265 for the death of her husband; Wm. Duncan, miner, Edington Place, Dysart, who claimed £150 for the death of his son, David Duncan, 20 years of age; and Peter Sommerville, 30 Dovecot Crescent, Dysart, who claimed £150 for the death of his son, James Sommerville, 20 years of age.
It was alleged that on 5th October last, the three deceased men were proceeding to fill a hutch when an explosion of inflammable gas took place, with the result that they were so seriously burned that they died in Kirkcaldy Hospital.
Defenders denied liability, and averred that the accident did not arise out of and in course of their employment, and they further stated that on the day in question Suttie had been specially warned and instructed not to go into number 13 heading on account of the presence of gas. They further averred that the explosion was caused by one or either all of them smoking or attempting to smoke, and that the accident was caused by their going into number 13 heading for their own purposes and in disregard of the warnings and instructions of the inspector.
Under the settlement Mrs Suttie is to be paid £80 and £7 expenses; Wm. Duncan, £20 and £5 5s expenses; and Peter Sommerville, £20 and £10 10s expenses.

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"The Scotsman"
12 May, 1915

THE DYSART PIT FIRE - WORK RESUMED. - After having been idle for about three weeks on account of an extensive outbreak of fire in the workings, the Frances Pit, Dysart, was restarted yesterday. The outbreak occurred in the old workings on the south side of the dook of the Lady Blanche Pit, and although steps were immediately taken to have the affected area built off, both the Lady Blanche and the Frances Pits were thrown idle. A week later the work had progressed sufficiently to permit of two sections of the Lady Blanche Pit being reopened, but owing to the pressure of black damp in large quantities the Frances Pit could not be restarted until a new road had been driven through one of the coal pillars for ventilation purposes. This was completed towards the end of last week, and yesterday the miners, numbering over 200, resumed work.

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"Dunfermline Press"
7 August, 1915

The Frances Pit, Dysart, is once again on fire. For many years fire has almost continually been present in the old workings of the pit, and has been coped with by means of building up air courses. Periodically, however, the smouldering workings seemed to be fanned into flame, and last May the management was confronted with a serious situation, when the fire broke out with greater severity than ever before. Elaborate plans were carried into effect in order to stifle the flames and prevent their spreading. All air courses were blocked, and gradually, after a fight of over a month's duration, the outbreak was to some extent subdued. At the end of last week, however, it became evident that fire was again active in these workings, and very rapidly smoke began to fill the pit. No work has been done this week, and many miners are employed building up the air courses still further and endeavouring to locate any source by which air may be getting through.

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"The Scotsman"
8 January, 1919

Robert Lawrie (38), miner, 18 Rosslyn Street, Kirkcaldy, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital from injuries sustained while at work in Dubbie Pit, Dysart Colliery. He had been engaged in the shaft assisting to repair the pumping rods when a large stone crashed on to the roof of the cage on which Lawrie was standing. The stone did not puncture the roof of the cage, but it made a dent about two inches deep. Lawrie must have been standing with his head close to the roof of the cage, as he received a punctured wound on the top of the head.

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"Dunfermline Press"
13 November, 1920

A fall of stone at the Dubbie Pit, Earl of Rosslyn's colliery, Dysart, about three o'clock on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a miner, 25 years of age, named Robert Gillespie, residing with his parents at 157 High Street, Kirkcaldy.
The deceased miner was working at the coal face with no other miners in the near vicinity when the fall occurred. Death was instantaneous, the weight of the debris fracturing the unfortunate man's neck. Gillespie was the only son of a large family.

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"The Scotsman"
10 February, 1926

DYSART PIT FATALITY. - A fatal accident occurred at the Frances Pit, Dysart, early yesterday morning, the victim being James Forsyth, 40 years of age, an oncost worker, who resided at 97 Sutherland Street, Kirkcaldy. It appears that while Forsyth was at work in the lower Dysart section of the pit at the coal face there was a fall of coal from the roof, and he was buried. Before he could be extricated he had succumbed, death being due to asphyxiation. The deceased is survived by a widow and one child.

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"The Scotsman"
12 August, 1931
Lightning Strike at Dysart

As a result of the new conditions of payment for pithead workers coming into force, a lightning strike took place yesterday morning at the Frances Pit, Dysart, the property of the Fife Coal Co.
The day shift men did not go on duty, and it is learned that some 600 operatives are affected by the stoppage, as a result of which work at the colliery is practically at a standstill.
It is not anticipated, however, that the strike will be of long duration as at the other pit in the vicinity belonging to the Fife Coal Co. work proceeded as usual.

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"Dunfermline Press"
29 July, 1933
DYSART PIT TO BE CLOSED
150 MEN INVOLVED

The surface dipping at Frances Colliery, Dysart, is to be closed. It is anticipated that as a result 150 men will be thrown out of work.
Notices have been posted by the owners, the Fife Coal Company, intimating that at the end of fifteen days the dipping may become unworkable. Although it has been recognised for some time that such a contingency was likely, the decision to close the dipping has come rather sooner than was generally anticipated.
An official of the Company on Tuesday night declared that practically all the 150 men would be rendered temporarily unemployed, but many of them, if not all, might be re-absorbed in developing another seam.

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"Dunfermline Press"
22 September, 1934
WEST WEMYSS MAN ELECTROCUTED.
PIT ACCIDENT AT DYSART.

A West Wemyss man was electrocuted while employed underground at the Fife Coal Company's Frances Colliery, near Dysart, on Saturday. He was James Thomson (21), electrician, residing with his mother at Salmond Terrace, West Wemyss. The accident occurred after a breakdown in one of the coal-cutting machines. Dr Lachlan, Dysart, went down the pit, but before his arrival Thomson was dead.
Thomas Ireland, machineman, residing at Kirkcaldy, also received burning injuries and had his shoulder dislocated. He was removed to Kirkcaldy Hospital.

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"The Scotsman"
30 January, 1935
NEW COAL MINE NEAR DYSART
Sinking Operations Begun

Sinking operations were begun yesterday by the Fife Coal Co. (Ltd) on a new coal mine near Dysart. The shaft will be about 160 yards deep, circular, and, with a finished diameter of 21 feet, while the sides will be lined with brickwork 4 feet thick. The site of the new pit adjoins the Francis Colliery, where about 800 men are employed, and when the new shaft is completed hundreds of extra miners will be required. Some time ago the Company asked Fife County Council to build more houses to cope with this development.
All the power used will be electrical, including winding and haulage engine, pumps, and coal-cutting machines.

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"Dunfermline Press"
23 February, 1935
DYSART PIT DEVELOPMENT.
WORK FOR 400 MINERS.

Intimation by the Fife Coal Company that they will be employing an additional 400 men in connection with the development of the Frances Pit and an application for the provision of housing accommodation, was described by Provost Wilson as "a great opportunity for Dysart" at a meeting of the Housing Committee of Kirkcaldy Town Council on Monday. ...

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"The Scotsman"
22 March, 1935
WORK ON NEW FIFE PIT SHAFT
TEMPORARILY STOPPED

Work at the new pit shaft at Dysart, owned by Fife Coal Co. (Ltd.), has been suspended. The shaft was commenced some time ago, and is sunk down to 20 feet, and lined with four-feet-thick brickwork. It was intended to work seams under the Forth. One of the Company's officials stated yesterday that the stoppage will be of short duration, being necessitated by a change of plan. Another survey would be taken and larger plant installed, leading to the new pit becoming a much larger concern than was at first contemplated. The Company own the Frances Pit, situated near the locus of the new shaft. Recently the firm made a request to Kirkcaldy Town Council to build a number of workmen's houses in the vicinity to cope with this new development.

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"Dunfermline Press"
21 September, 1935
ACCIDENT AT DYSART COLLIERY.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL REFEREE INJURED.

A Kirkcaldy miner received serious injuries when a shot went off prematurely while he was engaged at the coal face on Monday morning.
Alec Motion (45), 17 Bank Street, Kirkcaldy, was employed in the upper Dysart section of the Frances Colliery, Dysart, and had just started work when the accident happened. He was taken to Kirkcaldy Hospital, but later in the day it was thought advisable to remove him to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Motion was working near a shot hole when one of the explosives went off and seriously injured him about the face. At the hospital he was found to be suffering from burns to his face, arms, and shoulders. It is stated that he has lost the sight of one eye, while the other is affected. Motion is well-known in junior football circles in Fife and Dundee districts, where for many years he has been a referee.

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"Dunfermline Press"
9 May, 1936
MINING DEVELOPMENT IN FIFE.
NEW PIT AT DYSART.

An important development is being planned by the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. A double shaft is to be sunk near Dysart, which, when fully developed, will provide work for nearly 3000 men. Plans for the sinking of the new pit and the erection of the pithead are about complete, and work may be started very shortly.
The pit will be 2700 feet deep, stated a colliery official, and will tap the Lochgelly Splint seam and many of the lower seams at present untapped in the Wemyss coalfield.

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"Dunfermline Press"
12 March, 1938
SAFETY IN MINES.

Under the auspices of the Townhill Men's Guild, a lecture on "Safety in Mines" was delivered in the Co-operative Hall on Tuesday by Mr Andrew B. Orom, surface foreman at the Frances Colliery, Dysart. He said that the secret of reducing accidents was not just a simple matter to be overcome by legislation, but must have the wholehearted support and co-operation of master and men.
Systematic education and reducing risky methods so often employed, and protective measures all played their part in procuring safety.
Mr Lumsden moved a vote of thanks. Mr David Veitch occupied the chair.

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"Dunfermline Press"
23 November, 1940
DYSART PIT FATALITY.

A 36-year-old miner, Clayton McLellan, 44 Alexander Street, Dysart, was electrocuted on Thursday in Frances Colliery, Dysart, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd.

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Frances miners - 1942
[Contributed by W. H. MacLeod, Guardbridge]

Click on Image to Zoom In

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"The Scotsman"
10 June, 1944

FIFE PIT DISPUTE. - Dissatisfaction with the Porter Award is believed to be the cause of a dispute which has arisen at the Frances Colliery, Dysart, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. The men affected came out on strike on Thursday night, and at a meeting yesterday they decided to remain out. Normally the pit employs about 800 men, and work is practically at a standstill.

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"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. ...

RECONSTRUCTION OF OLD COLLIERY.

Other schemes for which plans were prepared in the last year dealt with the reconstruction of several of the Company's old collieries. Probably the most outstanding is that which concerns the Frances Colliery, Dysart. This colliery though over fifty years old, has still reserves of coal, amounting to approximately twenty-three million tons, part of which lay beneath the Firth of Forth.
The reconstruction programme included the sinking of the shaft a further fifty fathoms, and to introduce the most modern methods of transport underground, and the estimated output of 1600 tons per day, with an output of per man-shift of over forty cwt., was some 650 tons per day, and nineteen cwts per man-shift in excess of previous production figures.

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.

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"Dunfermline Press"
11 February, 1950
FIFE COAL DEVELOPMENTS

Mr George Mullin, general manager of the Fife and Clackmannan Area of the National Coal Board, released information on some of the planned developments for Fife collieries at a Press conference held in the Central Workshops, Cowdenbeath, on Tuesday. ... In addition, Mr Mullin gave the information that reconstruction schemes were in progress for the purpose of increasing output and efficiency. ... at the Frances Colliery, the shaft was being deepened to increase output from 950 to 1600 tons per day; ...

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"Dunfermline Press"
26 August, 1950
TOWARDS GREATER SAFETY IN MINES
Shot-Firing Competition

The second annual shot-firing competition of the Fife and Clackmannan area of the N.C.B. was conducted at Mossbeath Training Centre, Cowdenbeath, on Wednesday evening when nine competitors, out of an original entry of 300, contested the final stage.
The prize-winners were:- 1 Wm. Young, Bowhill, 161½ pts; 2 P. Orr, Lumphinnans No. XI Colliery, 152½ pts; 3 A. Crawford, Frances Colliery, Dysart, 147½ pts.
Mr L. R. Milligan, area production manager, presided at the presentation of prizes which was made by Mr H. R. Houston, H.M. Divisional Inspector of Mines for Scotland.

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"Dunfermline Press"
29 December, 1951

Reconstruction Schemes

... Work is proceeding in previously projected reconstruction schemes at Frances, Michael, and Wellesley collieries. ...

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"Fife Free Press"
29 November, 1952
COLLIERY GASSING TRAGEDY
Two Kirkcaldy Men Dead

Two Kirkcaldy pitworkers lost their lives in a gassing accident which occurred at Frances Colliery, Dysart, on Saturday.
They were William Gourlay (41), safety officer, 18 Roomlin Gardens, and Harry Cunningham (43), deputy, 15 Harriet Street. Both were married, Gourlay having two children aged 16 and 14.

  

H. Cunningham             W. Gourlay

Edward Graham, "Stratheden", Hill Street, Dysart, under-manager of the colliery, was also overcome by gas fumes but was revived underground and later conveyed home by ambulance.

Edward Graham

Gourlay and Cunningham, both safety experts, had been detailed to open up a section of the mine which had been sealed off some time ago because of the danger of "white damp". They were found lying dead in a compartment at the entrance to the sealed-off portion, the inner door of which was still closed, and it is presumed they were overcome by gas while opening up the section. A canary, which the men had with them, was dead in its cage.
Graham, who was overcome when he went to investigate, was dragged to safety and given artificial respiration at the pit bottom. Later, the bodies of the other two men were brought to the surface.
It is understood that the section in question was being opened up for the purpose of salvaging equipment. Following the rescue, the section was again completely sealed off.

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"Fife Free Press"
24 January, 1953
COLLIERY GASSING ACCIDENT
SHERIFF'S TRIBUTE TO RESCUE WORKERS

After hearing evidence at the public inquiry into the deaths of two Kirkcaldy men - a colliery deputy and a colliery training officer - who died as a result of an underground gassing accident at the Frances Colliery, Dysart, on November 22 last year, Sheriff J. W. More commented that it was a sad story and yet a story of which they ought to be proud. He paid high tribute to the behaviour and courage of mining officials and workers on their effort in rescue work.
The inquiry was into the deaths of Henry Cunningham (43), colliery deputy, 15 Harriet Street, and William Gourlay (41), colliery training officer, 18 Roomlin Gardens. It was conducted before Sheriff More and a jury of five men and two women at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday.
Sheriff More said: "I am sure we have all been very much moved by the evidence we have heard. I know I have. It is a sad story and yet a story of which we ought to be proud that, when so many people are falling below standard, we have men of the quality of some of these witnesses we have heard and of the men - of one man at any rate - who died.
"I am sure we all wish to extend very great sympathy to the widows and families of the two men who have gone, and we would also like to commend the behaviour and courage of some of the witnesses who have given the evidence they have today."
His lordship went on to say: "I am afraid the public don't get enough of this sort of thing we put before them. We get sensations about murders, people flourishing fire-arms, and people like that, but we don't get enough of what is really very characteristic of our people - good, strong, enduring courage."

JURY'S RECOMMENDATION

The jury found that Cunningham and Gourlay died on November 22 at No. 3 Section, Lower Dysart Seam, of the Frances Colliery from carbon monoxide poisoning when Gourlay, wearing "blowman" breathing apparatus had entered a sealed-off section to prepare it for salvage operations and had been overcome by carbon monoxide gas and Cunningham then entered the section to rescue Gourlay and was also overcome.
The jury added a rider recommending that more than two men should be employed when "blowman" breathing apparatus was being used.
Thomas Finnie (59), 98a Loughborough Road, who is colliery agent at Frances Colliery, said, in answer to Mr A. S. McNicol, Procurator Fiscal, that the section had been sealed off on June 1 last year because of an underground fire which had taken place in part of the workings. A considerable quantity of equipment had been left in the sealed-off section, which had subsequently been opened on June 14 and on September 20 when some equipment had been successfully removed. Gourlay had taken charge of these operations, being well-trained and dependable in that type of work.
Witness was aware that arrangements had been made to open the section again on November 22 for the final salvaging of equipment.
While at lunch that day he had received a message about the accident and had gone at once to the locus at the bottom of the surface mine. There he saw the bodies of Cunningham and Gourlay who had been successfully brought out of the sealed-off section.
As on previous occasions, Gourlay used "blowman" breathing apparatus. This equipment consisted of a long tube and mouthpiece which was strapped on to the head by harness. The tube extended out on to the fresh air intake.
Tracing the procedure, he said that Gourlay, having donned this apparatus, would go from the main heading which was the main intake and advance along a sub-passage to the first door in the brickwork of the sealed-off section, a distance of 54 feet. The door was 2½ feet square. His next purpose would have been to go forward to a second door and open it.
Cunningham would not be wearing any breathing apparatus as his job was to stand by at the fresh air base looking after the fan in the box containing the apparatus. The box would be situated in the main passageway where there was plenty of fresh air and the fan drove fresh air along the tube. Cunningham was a skilled man in the working of the apparatus. He must have known in going into the danger area that he was undertaking a risk.
Witness said that from what he could find out afterwards, Gourlay had not opened the second door. He had been overcome by gas between the two doors.
He went on to relate that he had examined the "blowman" apparatus concerned after the accident "not because it was under suspicion but because it was the sensible thing to do", and he found a minute hole at the junction of the tube and face mask. The hole was probably ¼ inch in diameter. Even with this hole there, there would be a positive pressure inside the tube created by the fan and this would force fresh air out of the hole without allowing gas to come in.
Asked if he was prepared to say how the accident occurred, witness replied that that could only be conjectured. The mask on Gourlay's face had been displaced. When he had seen Gourlay after his body had been brought out, there was a slight cut on the bridge of the nose. This led him to form the opinion - and it was purely an opinion - that Gourlay could have fallen probably against the side of the road or on his face and displaced his mask, otherwise witness could not account for the small cut on the face. This was only one possible explanation.
In answer to Mr L. H. Rhydderch, Mines Inspector, witness said the operation was carried out successfully on the previous occasions in June and September. Gourlay was always the leader. On the second occasion, there was no sign of fire in going into this particular area.
Witness agreed it was quite reasonable to assume that on the third occasion it would be a straightforward operation of opening the doors.
Answering Mr R. Ross, representing colliery deputies, witness agreed that Cunningham had been found beside Gourlay at the first door. He thought it would be a reasonable assumption from that that Cunningham had observed that something had happened to Gourlay and had made the attempt to rescue him.
In reply to Mr R. C. B. Currie, solicitor, appearing for deceased's relatives, witness said that when the section was sealed off, the only way of finding out what was happening on the inside was to open it up. To find out what conditions were like inside, Gourlay had to go inside.
On the two previous occasions in June and September, there had been found no trace of carbon monoxide.
When Gourlay started the job, there were only the two of them in the section. All other men had been withdrawn.
Mr Currie - It is necessary to work this "blowman" apparatus for there to be one man wearing the mask and the other pumping air? Witness - Yes,
So that if something happened to the man wearing the mask, there is very little which could be done about it unless the man stops pumping and goes to help? Witness - But even without the pump, the man with the mask could still be sustained with fresh air through the tubes.
Questioned about the small hole in the mask, witness expressed the opinion that sufficient air would have reached Gourlay despite the hole.
In reply to Mr D. E. Willis, for the N.C.B., witness said Gourlay was a very experienced worker and had training in the use of the apparatus. On this occasion, he had another set of apparatus at the locus. It was definitely Gourlay's job to examine the apparatus.
Gourlay carried a canary for the detection of noxious gases and a flame safety lamp to indicate any inflammable gas. The canary had been found at the door. The man was safeguarded.
A member of the jury asked if it would be possible for Gourlay to have missed the small hole in the mask. Witness replied that it was possible, and then said: "I want to say, this in Gourlay's favour - he was a most thorough officer."

RESCUER WAS OVERCOME

A graphic account of how he had attempted to rescue Cunningham and Gourlay was given by the colliery under-manager, 26-year-old Edwin Thomas Graham, 26 Hill Street, Dysart. Graham himself was overcome by the gas fumes but was removed to safety and revived underground.
Graham, who has held his present appointment since last April, said that a week prior to the accident he had, along with the manager and Gourlay, discussed arrangements for opening up the sealed-off section with a view to salvaging further material. In conjunction with his oversman and Gourlay witness had subsequently made arrangements with regard to the number of men to be employed in the salvaging operation. Witness saw Gourlay on Friday November 21, and again the next day - the date of the accident - and told him that he (witness) would make sure for himself that everything was in order for the men who were to carry out the work.
Witness thereafter proceeded down the pit where he was delayed and did not return to the surface until 11.30. He then immediately went down the surface mine and satisfied himself that all men had been withdrawn from the sections. On being informed that Gourlay was at No. 3 section, he made his way there, and as there was no sign of anyone at the main intake he sat down for a few minutes.
Answering Mr McNicol, Graham said that there was no "blowman" breathing apparatus at that particular point but a flame safety lamp was hanging nearby. From the information that he had received, he thought that Gourlay should at that moment have been at the bottom ready to open the door on the main intake in order that, after an interval, the section could be inspected.
After waiting for a while, without anything happening, and in view of the fact that the men had not turned up, witness decided to go up to No. 3 return to find out what was wrong, if anything.
On reaching No. 3 return, he saw the "blowman" apparatus box resting on the belt on the main road, with tubes leading into the passageway. To the right of the box were a flame safety lamp and a canary in a cage. Gourlay, he added, should have taken his lamp with him although, in view of the fact that he was wearing breathing apparatus, it was unnecessary for him to take the canary. The safety lamp was lit but there was no other light to be seen.

"HELD CANARY IN FRONT"

With the aid of a spotlight on his lamp, witness could see some distance ahead. He grabbed the cage and walked cautiously forward, holding the canary in front of him. When he had travelled about half the distance to the door leading to the sealed-off section, which he could then see had been opened, the canary showed signs of toppling off its spar. He laid down the cage and moved further forward. Although finding difficulty in breathing, he carried on until he saw the battery of a cap lamp.
Realising someone must be lying there, he struggled out, picking up the cage on the way. He hung the cage at the side of the main road and went to obtain assistance. At No. 3 intake he attempted to phone but received no answer. He carried on to another point where he got through by telephone to the surface. He informed the manager that he thought there had been an accident and that assistance would be required immediately, particularly that of a first aid man.
He then carried on and intercepted the back shift men who were coming on duty. He hurried them up and brought them to No. 3 top road, instructing them to keep on the intake side of the return. He also told them to get the reviving sets on to the belt and to assist him to couple up the spare "blowman" apparatus. At the same time, he told one of the men to keep turning the handle of the other apparatus with the object of supplying fresh air to the person wearing it. Witness assumed that this apparatus would be worn by Gourlay.
"I knew it could do no harm and that it might do good to pump fresh air into the place where Gourlay would be", he said.
Witness donned the spare "blowman" breathing apparatus, and as there were no straps, string was used to fasten it. He also attached a safety line to himself, being fully aware that he was taking a risk in entering the passageway.
Taking with him the canary, which was still alive, witness went in and saw Cunningham, lying on top of Gourlay. He tried to get Cunningham out but had just managed to get his leg partly through the doorway when his (witness) mask slipped.
He went half-way back along the passageway and shouted to the men to give him more air. He then went back in again and managed to get another part of Cunningham's leg through the doorway. After that he remembered nothing, having been overcome by fumes.
In reply to Mr Currie, Graham said that when he went into the passage wearing the "blowman" breathing apparatus he laid the cage with the canary on one side. What happened to the bird after that he could not say.

SAFETY PRECAUTION

The manager of Frances Colliery, Andrew Cairns (44), 20 Hill Street, Dysart, said that arrangements were made to carry out the final salvaging operation on November 22 at noon. At that time, the normal shifts would have stopped working and there would be no people in the mine. This was as a safety precaution. It was intended that the salvaging of machinery would be carried out over Saturday night and on to Sunday and then the section would be sealed off again before the main colliery resumed work on Monday morning.
The procedure would be for a man equipped with breathing apparatus to allow him to breathe in an atmosphere which he knew would probably be foul to open one door in the section, cross a 10 ft. space, and open the second door. Air would thereafter be allowed to circulate through the section and, after a lapse of time, he would test the sealed-off area to see if it was safe for men to enter without breathing apparatus. The test would be carried out with a canary and flame safety lamp - the recognised test. The man would have no need to use the canary or safety lamp until he had opened the doors and waited for some little time.
About 12.30 p.m. on November 22, he had received a telephone message from witness Graham, who was underground, that he thought there had been an accident and that he wanted a trained rescue man to come along with witness to No. 3 Section. Witness had contacted Alexander Cook, colliery deputy, and got a safety lamp and canary. They went to the scene as quickly as possible.
He had found Graham in a dazed state coming out of the return road. Graham was in a state of collapse. They had revived him with resuscitators. Witness had then ordered that Graham should be taken to the surface.
Afterwards, witness asked Cook to don the standby apparatus which was at the locus, and report back immediately. Cook had done so and reported that Cunningham and Gourlay were lying inside the first wall. Cunningham was lying partly on top of Gourlay. Working in relays with the breathing apparatus, they had brought Cunningham out and started artificial respiration. Following the same procedure, they had brought Gourlay out. At no time were there any signs of life in the two men.
When he first saw Gourlay, his mask was on one side. They had brought Gourlay out in his apparatus, the tubing of which was very light.
Regarding the small tearing apart of the rubber in the face mask of the apparatus, he estimated it was about ¼ inch. The rubber was in good condition and there was no strain on the mask.
In answer to Mr Currie, witness said he understood that, at certain distances, it was possible to use the apparatus without having the fan working.

BROUGHT MEN OUT

Alexander Cook (35), colliery deputy, 21 Overton Road, Kirkcaldy, who accompanied the manager to the scene of the accident, said he was instructed to enter the passage and ascertain the position of the two men. Wearing the spare "blowman" breathing apparatus, he went in and saw Cunningham lying on top of Gourlay. He immediately reported to the manager and was then told to go back in and lift Cunningham up.
He lifted Cunningham into a position to enable him to be pulled through the door and was then signalled to return. The manager then took over and brought Cunningham through the door, witness completing the manoeuvre by bringing him out to the belt where artificial respiration was applied. The same procedure was then adopted with Gourlay.
Cook told Mr McNicol that there was no possibility of Gourlay's mask having slipped off his mouth and nose while he (witness) was moving Cunningham. He was satisfied that the mask had been displaced before anyone, other than Cunningham, had entered the passage.
In the course of further examination, he said that a flame safety lamp was hanging on the outer aspect of the door. It was not lit. The canary was lying dead in its cage on the right of the door.
Cook agreed with Mr Currie that had Cunningham gone to assist Gourlay he would have had to go through the door to help him.
Alexander Stevenson (62), rescue station superintendent, Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath, with 42 years' experience in colliery rescue work, said he had examined the breathing apparatus which he learned had been worn by Gourlay. He found a leakage in the inhale tube due to a small tear about 1/8th of an inch in diameter. There were no other defects.
When the apparatus was tested in heavy smoke conditions, the wearer experienced no discomfort. When the fan was stopped, however, there was a slight trace of smoke inside the mask.
Evidence was also given by Robert Lindsay Mann (44), shot firer, 35 Cleish Gardens, Kirkcaldy; Police Sergeant George Biggar, Kirkcaldy; and Dr George A. R. Brown, 44 Loughborough Road, Kirkcaldy.

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Coal from Frances Colliery was used in the boilers at Guardbridge Paper Mill, near St Andrews. William MacLeod, former chief engineer at the mill, has kindly sent analysis details on the incoming coal which was evaluated on its arrival.

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"Dunfermline Press"
18 January, 1964
Effect Of Pit Closures In Fife Area

... A colliery with a consistently good record, Frances (Dysart), suffered a set back in 1962 due to geological difficulties, but recovered well in 1963. Productivity, at nearly 35 cwts per manshift, was the highest of any of the large collieries in the Fife Area. ... Following upon reconstruction work at Frances Colliery, revised dirt tipping arrangements are now in operation, to eliminate direct tipping into the sea. The dirt is now being tipped to the flanks of the old bing, and consolidated above high water mark. Slurry recovery arrangements are now in operation and the slurry is being stocked for eventual use at the South of Scotland Electricity Board's power station at Methil. ...

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"Fife Free Press"
19 September, 1969
Glenrothes Miner Killed

A Glenrothes miner was killed in an underground accident at Frances Colliery, Dysart, last Friday.
He was Thomas Moffat Gillies (25), of 17 Queen Margaret Drive, a married man with three children. He received crushing injuries and when brought to the surface and examined by a doctor was found to be dead.

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"Fife Free Press"
18 December, 1970
Miner Killed

A 49 year-old Kinglassie man, George Lessels, of 18 Burnlea Terrace, was fatally injured while working underground at Frances Colliery, Dysart, early on Tuesday morning.
Mr. Lessels, a back brusher at the colliery, was killed instantly as a result of being struck by falling stone in one of the pit sections.
He is survived by a wife and married daughter.

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We are grateful to Bob Johnston, Cowdenbeath, ex surveyor, for his personal account of this feat.
M. Martin & Webmasters.

"I was deputy surveyor at Seafield from 1965 until its closure. By this time, I was Colliery Surveyor in charge of both collieries. Both pits were connected underground on 20th March, 1980, the connection being 'spot on'. This was one of the largest connections undertaken in Scottish pits. Underground surveying was in excess of 10.5 miles under very difficult conditions. The in-line drivage being 1200m using laser beams for direction. This was surveying to a very high standard - I might be a wee bit biased, as I was the surveyor involved! However, this did not prolong the life of the collieries as expected, and dams were put in at the Frances and both collieries flooded. Hope this helps to update your magnificent web site."
Kind regards,
Bob Johnson, Ex Surveyor Seafield/Frances Collieries

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"Courier"
11 June, 2005
Pit hero Mr Willie Kerr

A Fife man who was honoured for his bravery during a pit disaster more than 30 years ago has died at the age of 63. Willie Kerr, who came from Dundonald, spent all his working life in the mining industry. He joined the then National Coal Board in 1956 and stayed with the organisation for 40 years, before joining IMC Consultants in 1996.
For many years Mr Kerr worked at the former Seafield and Frances Collieries in Kirkcaldy, and was general manager of the joint complex when all operations finally ceased. He came to Seafield as a deputy oversman in 1967 and had been promoted to senior oversman when a roof fall at the colliery killed five miners in May, 1973.
Mr Kerr, who is survived by his wife Moira and daughter Karen, was actively involved in helping to save two men trapped 1600 feet below the Firth of Forth. He was later awarded the British Empire Medal. He left Seafield for Monktonhall Colliery in 1982, but later returned as general manager.
Mr Kerr was a keen motorcyclist, refurbishing and rebuilding old racing machines. He was also an enthusiastic hill walker with several Munros to his credit.

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"Courier"
December, 2005
Former colliery landmark set for bright future

Click on Images to Zoom In

A WELL-KNOWN Kirkcaldy landmark will light up the night sky from now on to commemorate Fife's mining heritage.
The former Frances Colliery mainframe, situated on the Dysart coastal path, was floodlit for the first time last night as part of an ongoing project designed to highlight the region's proud coal-mining tradition.
Fondly known to locals as The Dubbie, the Frances pit was reputed to have been Scotland's oldest colliery before finally closing as a working pit in July 1987.
But organisers of the Dysart/Kirkcaldy regeneration project wanted to pay a long-lasting tribute to the work done there over the years by illuminating the winding gear permanently so passers-by can see it in its full glory.
Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone and local councillor Jock Cameron were on hand to perform the official 'switch-on' yesterday evening.
Ms Livingstone said, "This latest project is a fitting commemoration to the history of this community and will be here for future generations to see."
Other works as part of the Dysart/Kirkcaldy regeneration initiative will see further upgrading of the Fife Coastal Path and improved signs from Dysart to the pit head site.
An interpretation board was erected a few months ago as part of the scheme and provides a brief history of the pit, information on the B-listed colliery headframe and an overview of the minewater treatment facility which now occupies the site.
Future proposals include a memorial to the men who lost their lives while working in the Frances Colliery.
Last night's ceremony was also attended and supported by Fife Mining Heritage Scociety, Dysart Community Regeneration Forum, Dysart Trust and Fife Council staff.

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Frances Memorial
Dedication Ceremony - 2 p.m. Friday 20th June, 2008

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Please note that names of miners who lost their lives at the Frances Colliery are engraved on panels on the front and on the rear of the memorial stone.
M. Martin & Webmasters.

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