Pit-V-1.Valleyfield Pit 1, 2 &3, Culross

The Valleyfield colliery of the 20th century lay close to Low Valleyfield, near Newmills, just to the east of historic Culross and west of Torryburn.

Although small coalworks are known to have been here, and near Culross, since very early times, in 1873 we find records of a Valleyfield No. 1 ironstone pit in operation (Carron Iron Co.) and also a shallower coal pit, the Valleyfield No. 1 (Carron Co.).
One very old pit at Valleyfield - exact name unknown - is mentioned in a 1930 Geological Memoir as having worked a coal called the 'Tod Hole', thought to be on the same horizon as two thin and variable coals occurring in the underlying 3 fathoms of strata beneath the Lochgelly Blackband Ironstone.
The exact locations of these early coal and ironstone works are not known but they are believed to have been just to the east of Shiresmill, by the small burn which served as a boundary between the Blairhall and Valleyfield estates.

"The Scotsman"
12 March, 1836.
VALUABLE AND EXTENSIVE COAL
FIELDS, AND SALT PANS

To be disposed of, by way of SALE or SUB-LEASE,
THE whole COAL and COALHEUGHS within the Lands and Estate of VALLEYFIELD, the Lands of Newmills, and Sea opposite to them, the Lands of Overton, and part of the Lands of Woodhead and Pitsoulie, in the parish of Culross, and shire of Perth; with the power of making and erecting SALT PANS, SALT GRANARIES, and others; all as contained in a Lease granted in the year 1770, and still current for a period of 34 years from Whitsunday next, and for an indefinite period thereafter, at the tenant's option. The premises comprehend the well-known Colliery and Works of Preston Island, which, if again put in operation upon proper principles, would, it is perfectly understood, be attended with results of magnitude and importance in the present state of this trade.
Particulars will be communicated on application to Mr PAUL, W. S., 21, Hill Street; or Mr HOGG, factor, Valleyfield, by Dunfermline.

"The Scotsman"
11 November, 1863
THE IRON TRADE IN THE WEST OF FIFE.

The advancing prices of iron have given an impetus to the iron trade in the western district of Fife. We understand that the Carron Iron Company have commenced operations for working coal and ironstone on the Valleyfield estate, near Torryburn. It is also reported that the ironstone pits on the Inzievar estate, in the same neighbourhood, are to be re-opened immediately after the term by the Summerlee Iron Company.

Early Valleyfield Coal Pits

* The coal given the name "coal crumpie", the coal probably worked in these early pits, was around 3 feet thick but was often foul and dirty and sometimes, in other places, it was hard and clear. However, another feature - the presence of sulphur - spoiled it as a household coal, and so it was probably wrought as a coal supply to fire the boilers of the pits that were being sunk to the main ironstone of the district.
The coal was worked by the stoop-and-room system; the stoops thought to have been 9 feet square. They were apparently left too small, and the workings eventually collapsed with the super incumbent pressure!

The 20th Century Colliery

There were eventually three shafts in the Valleyfield complex. No. 1 shaft opened in 1908 with No. 2 opening shortly afterwards. No. 3 shaft was 2250 ft. deep and was not sunk until 1954 and, in fact, was never to be used for coal production.
Valleyfield Colliery was linked by a tunnel under the River Forth with Kinneil Colliery, Bo'ness, in March, 1965. Sadly, as with a number of other collieries, the pit name is remembered for a major disaster which occurred at Valleyfield in October, 1939, with the catastrophic loss of 35 men. (See later report.)

Information on coal seams worked at, or near, Valleyfield Colliery, Culross

(based on a report from 1930)

The Dunfermline Splint Coal, one of the best known in Scotland, was extensively worked locally as the Four Foot Coal. It was overlain by about 2 fathoms of blaes in which shell fragments were occasionally recorded and varied from 20 in. to 45 in. in the district. A section of the Dunfermline Splint, well known as a good navigation coal, recorded at Valleyfield had the following composition:

Between the Dunfermline Splint and Five Foot Coals, a distance of from 13 to 19 fathoms, the strata consisted mainly of four sandstone posts alternating with a similar number of beds of blaes. At the base of each bed there was usually a coal present. The lowest of these coals was a variable seam reaching 22 in. (Wee Coal) but there was no record of it having been wrought in the Valleyfield area, where there was a rib of parrot coal on top of it. The second coal was rarely as much as 10 in. in thickness and was often absent. The third was the Two Foot Coal which varied in thickness from 11 in. to 2 ft. 7 in. It was generally associated with ironstone ribs which occurred both in the coal itself and in the overlying blaes. The Five Foot Coal which occurred from 4 to 6 fathoms above the Two Foot was as well known a seam as the Dunfermline Splint, and both were extensively worked throughout Fife. The Five Foot Coal, was a good steam coal which often had one or more stone partings and varied in total thickness from 3 ft. 1 in. to 4 ft.

A section taken at the workings at Valleyfield, 211 fathoms from the surface, had the following composition:

The Five Foot Coal was characteristically overlain by a few feet of blaes succeeded by a massive sandstone which reached a thickness of 6 fathoms. Above this sandstone there was a bed of blaes containing a thin coal seam which sometimes occurred as ribs of coal and ironstone, although sometimes only ironstone was present. Usually it lay from 6 to 10 fathoms above the Five Foot Coal and was the horizon of the Pittencrieff Blackband Ironstone of Dunfermline.

The Mynheer Coal was usually represented in borings by a thin seam found about 30 ft. above the Pittencrieff Ironstone, and these two horizons were sometimes useful, along with the underlying sandstone, in identifying the Five Foot Coal. The Mynheer Coal, a navigation coal, had a roof of irony blaes and was worked at Valleyfield:

The sequence above the Mynheer was very variable and the coals were difficult to correlate with those in the Dunfermline field and in Central Fife. The strata consisted chiefly of thick beds of sandstone alternating with blaes in which coals, fireclays, and occasional ironstone ribs occurred.

Three variable coals were present: Coal (1) 10 - 20 fathoms, coal (2) 18 - 24 fathoms, coal (3) 25 - 33 fathoms, respectively, above the Mynheer seam.

Coal (1) had been called the 'Glassee' but there was no definite evidence that this was the true Glassee of Central Fife. Coal (2) received the name 'Lochgelly Parrot' at the time of the sinking of the Valleyfield pit shafts (part of the seam was parroty in character). Coal (3) was called the 'Lochgelly Splint'.

It has, however, been shown since that the last two coal seams were too low in the sequence to be the true Lochgelly Splint and Parrot, and the highest coal seam was almost certainly the seam once worked at Torryburn as the 'Torry Four Foot', and called the Pilkin at Rosebank, Dunfermline.

The next important coal was the Jewel of Valleyfield, the lowest seam of the Main Group, and a good navigation coal. At one time, it was called the 'Swallowdrum' at Valleyfield but it is now believed to be almost certainly the equivalent of the Lochgelly Splint and Parrot of Central Fife, in the form of one seam which had the following composition:

The succession within the Main Group of coals was variable and complicated by the presence of intrusive whinstone sills nearly 120 ft. thick, which destroyed certain coals. At Valleyfield there was a difference of two fathoms in the level of the base of the whinstone in the short distance between No. 1 and No. 2 pits, resulting in a coal found in the No. 2 Pit being cut out in the No. 1 Pit. The Main Group, i.e. from the Jewel to the Diamond coals, was only about 50 ft. thick and a generalised section showed five seams. Six and seven seams were found in Valleyfield No. 1 and No. 2 Pits, respectively, but they could not all be followed throughout the Valleyfield area. The lowest seam of the Group was the Jewel (see above). Four fathoms above the Jewel at Valleyfield was the so-called 'Glassee' which was also cut in a mine and wrought to a very limited extent:

Five fathoms higher, i.e. 9 fathoms above the Jewel Coal, a 6 ft. coal occurred which was generally believed to be the Lower Jersey Coal. Owing to the underlying whinstone, the quality of the coal was poor and its extent was probably limited for the same reason. A 4 ft. coal, called the Upper Jersey, occurred 4 fathoms above the Lower at Valleyfield but no workings are known in the seam.

The Diamond Coal of Valleyfield was the top seam of the Main Group and appeared to be from 8 to 10 fathoms above the Jewel Coal at the colliery where it was extensively wrought as a navigation coal.

The remaining seams of the Limestone Coal Group were all included in the Blairhall Group. Coals and ironstones were numerous but, in many cases, they exhibited such marked local variation in number, thickness and relative position that correlation was difficult.

The Milton Main or Blairhall Three Foot Coal was an important seam which lay roughly 43 fathoms above the Valleyfield Diamond (6 fathoms above the No. 3 Comrie Ironstone). It usually occurred in leaves and was frequently associated with ironstone ribs both within the coal and in the overlying blaes. The seam was extensively wrought as a navigation coal.

This coal was the equivalent of the Ontake Coal of Comrie and Oakley and was correlated with the Rough Coal of Central Fife.

About 10 fathoms above the Milton Main there was a coal and ironstone horizon corresponding to the No. 2 Comrie Blackband Ironstone. On this horizon at Valleyfield occurred three 1½ ft. coals separated from each other by about a fathom of sandy beds, and with the top seam underlying a 6 in. ironstone. This seam was believed to correspond to the Lochgelly Blackband Ironstone.

The Blairhall Main Coal (or Oakley Main) occurred 30 fathoms above the Milton Main and about 26 fathoms below the Index Limestone. It was apparently not worked around the 1920/30s but the wastes of old workings in the seam have been encountered at Valleyfield. This is the Lowrie Graham seam of the old pits on Preston Island (see historical section). It was a 3 ft. seam, without partings, and appeared fairly constant throughout the district.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 September, 1907

MINERAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST FIFE
PURCHASE OF VALLEYFIELD BY FIFE COAL COMPANY

It is understood that the Fife Coal Company Ltd., have purchased Valleyfield, situated between Torryburn and Culross, with a view to working the minerals on the estate. The Company may also undertake the mineral development of the adjoining field, and extensive mining operations in the locality are predicted.
The estate of Valleyfield has historical associations. At one time it belonged to Culross Abbey, whose Commendator and Abbot conveyed it in 1543 to Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan. It was afterwards passed into the possession of James Preston, a grandson of whom was knighted by King James VI. Another descendant of the family had a baronetcy conferred upon him in 1637. Early in the nineteenth century the owner of the estate was Sir Robert Preston, at one time M.P. for Dover. Sir Robert, who purchased the adjoining estate of Culross and made additions to the mansion house, had the honour of a visit from Sir Walter Scott. Sir Robert died without issue, and Culross estate passed to the Elgin family; while Rev. W. Clark Preston succeeded to Valleyfield.
The most recent owner was a son of the last-named, Mr W. P. Clark Campbell Preston, who, in recent years, leased Valleyfield House to Mr George Younger, Alloa. An attempt to wok the minerals were made as long ago as the beginning of last century. A pit was sunk on Preston Island, but, after an expenditure of �30,000, the venture was abandoned on the occurrence of a fire-damp explosion, by which all the miners engaged at the coal face were killed.
Eight or nine years ago the late Mr James Hutton contemplated the reopening of the pit, in which connection it may be said that Mr Hutton was the author of the present Dunfermline - Kincardine Railway. He originated a movement for the construction of a light railway, and thereby induced the North British Railway Company to undertake the laying down of the line as it now exists.
The development of the Valleyfield minerals by an organisation with the resources of the Fife Coal Company, together with the sinking of new pits at Blairhall, and the operations at Bandrum, point to the certainty of great industrial activity to the west of Dunfermline in the near future.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 August, 1908
LOW VALLEYFIELD PITS

At the end of last week the Fife Coal Company commenced sinking operations at Lowvalleyfield. Some time ago the Company secured a lease of the minerals of Torry and Low Valleyfield. The two large pits which are to be sunk will be upwards of 200 fathoms, and are expected to take a fairly good grip of the coalfield. The Fife Coal Company's operations in this district will soon convert it from the quietness which has always characterised it to a busy centre of industry. It is expected that a good deal of water will be encountered in opening up the filed, but this difficulty will be easily overcome by powerful and up-to-date machinery with which the Fife Coal Company invariably equip their pits.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 September, 1908

The contract for the sinking of the Fife Coal Company's two shafts at Valleyfield has been let to Mr McCallum, who is at present engaged in pit-sinking at Blairhall for the Coltness Iron and Coal Company. An early start is likely to be made with the operations at Valleyfield.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 March, 1909

This issue carried the news of the appointment of Mr Thomas Borland, jun., Hill of Beath Colliery, as manager of the Fife Coal Company's two new pits at Lowvalleyfield. Mr Borland was previously manager at Townhill, Saline, Kincardine, and Lumphinnans.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 August, 1909
FIFE COAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

Now that all danger of water being encountered has been overcome, the sinking of the two pits at Lowvalleyfield by the Fife Coal Company is being rapidly proceeded with. Since the shafts are being brick-lined, the work is necessarily slower than in cases where the ordinary method is adopted. The Dunfermline splint coal lies at a depth of 225 fathoms, to which distance the shafts are being sunk. So far a depth of 56 fathoms has been reached. In that area, three seams of coal, each upwards of three feet in thickness have been struck. By way of giving an idea of the magnitude which the operations, when completed, may assume, it is expected that at least eleven workable seams will be available. Although a period of from eighteen months to two years must elapse before the shafts are completed, the preparations are already being made for the housing of the new population which will settle in the neighbourhood of Lowvalleyfield. So far, it has been left to private enterprise to provide accommodation. Quite a number of houses are in course of erection in the vicinity of the pits.

It is currently reported that the Carron Iron Company have secured a lease of the minerals on the estate of Brankstone Grange, with almost marches with Valleyfield, which is about to be developed by the Fife Coal Company. So far, no boring tests have been made. The existence of coal, however, is regarded as certain.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 September, 1909
ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LOWVALLEYFIELD
FOUR MEN INJURED

The pit sinking operations which are being carried on by the Fife Coal Company at Lowvalleyfield were marred by an alarming accident on Thursday morning. Happily no loss of life fails to be recorded. Six men, however, had a miraculous escape from death, and four of them were injured.
The shafts, which are elliptical in shape and are being lined throughout with brick, have already been sunk to a depth of fifty-eight fathoms. It was in what is known as number one shaft that the accident occurred. The men were standing on the scaffold, which was suspended in the shaft at a distance of about twenty-eight feet from the bottom. The movement of the scaffold is regulated by means of a wire rope attached to a steam winch at the pit bank. The men who had been working during the night were about to go off duty, when, without the slightest warning, the scaffold toppled over, and four of the men were precipitated to the bottom of the pit along with other building material which they had been using. It was afterwards ascertained that the brake of the winch had become overhauled, the result, it was stated, of an unusually heavy weight on the scaffold.
Hugh Love, Martin Hanlon, James Bell, Barney O'Donnell, and Patrick Findlay, pit sinkers, and Jacob Pollock, bricklayer, were the men concerned. At a few minutes past six o'clock several men descended the shaft in order to relieve those who had been on duty during the night. When the day-shift men reached the up-turned scaffold, they found O'Donnell and Findlay clinging to one of the permanent ropes in the shaft, and they were soon apprised of what had befallen the other four men. With little difficulty O'Donnell and Findlay were rescued from their perilous position, and the day-shift men, having signalled to the engineman, afterwards proceeded to the bottom of the shaft. There they found Love, Hanlon, Pollock, and Bell in a terrible plight. All seemed to be suffering from injuries. When the men were raised to the surface the serious nature of the injuries, which at least three of them had received, was more fully realised. Acting promptly, Mr Thomas Borland, the colliery manager, and Mr William Sinclair, whose firm have the sinking contract, summoned medical assistance, and also telephoned to Dunfermline for the ambulance waggon. Dr Sinclair, Culross, did all that he could to alleviate the sufferings of the injured men, three of whom - Hanlon, Pollock, and Bell - were removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Love, who resides at Cairneyhill, was conveyed to his home in a cab, his injuries not being regarded as serious enough for hospital treatment. Hanlon suffered from a severe scalp wound and bruises about the ribs and lower part of the body; Pollock's injuries consisted of a scalp wound and bruises on the breast and arms; and Bell was injured about the lower part of the body.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 March, 1910
PIT SINKING AT LOWVALLEYFIELD

At Lowvalleyfield the Fife Coal Company's pits have been sunk to a depth of about 140 fathoms. The pits will be sunk to a depth of about 200 fathoms, at which point the Dunfermline splint seam has been struck. The Fife Coal Company have made a beginning with the erection of workmen's houses in Shore Park. It is intended to erect eight blocks, to accommodate forty-eight tenants. A shop, to be occupied by a chemist and druggist, is being erected close by the site of the dwelling-houses.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 May, 1910

Patrick Hunt, a pit sinker, employed at the Fife Coal Company's new pit at Lowvalleyfield, fell from a scaffold in the shaft on Thursday morning and sustained a fracture to one of his legs, besides minor injuries. The man was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 May, 1910
TORRYBURN MINERAL DEVELOPMENTS

In view of the anticipated great increase in population in the Torryburn district consequent upon the development of the Valleyfield minerals and the sinking of pits by the Coltness Company, we understand there is a probability of its being proposed that Dunfermline should supply the village with gas lighting. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
6 August, 1910

Sinking operations are being rapidly pushed forward at the Fife Coal Company's new colliery at Lowvalleyfield. Only other 38 fathoms require to be sunk, when the deepest seam will be reached. Already a number of seams of excellent quality have been tapped. The brickwork is all but finished for the screening plant. Altogether the rate of progress has exceeded expectations.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 August, 1910

The Fife Coal Company's two pits at Valleyfield have now reached a depth of 175 fathoms. On Saturday the sinkers pierced the Mynheer coal, below which there are three more seams - the two-feet, five-feet, and Dunfermline splint. As the sinking operations are expected to be finished in the course of three months, preparations are in progress for the housing of the screening plant, which will be of the most up-to-date kind. For the purpose of siding accommodation, the Company recently purchased a field on the east side of the Bluther burn, which has been bridged by a structure of concrete reinforced with metal. The railway lines are to be laid out so that the waggons on being released will run by their own gravity underneath the screens, and when filled, traverse the intervening distance to the main line by the same process, thus avoiding the use of mechanical means. It is expected that the lower coals will be particularly suitable for navigation purposes, and as they have been subjected to great heat from the superincumbent whin rock they will have a large share of the smokeless quality which is characteristic of the Welsh coal, and which is desired for the coaling of His Majesty's warships.
Employment will be afforded at the new colliery for at least 1000 men, and experts consider that, as the coal area extends well inland and also two miles under the bed of the Forth, there is sufficient mineral wealth to provide work for a period of 100 years.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 September, 1910
THE FIFE COAL COMPANY'S
VALLEYFIELD PITS.
THE FIVE-FEET COAL STRUCK AT A
DEPTH OF 191 FATHOMS

At the Fife Coal Company's pits at Valleyfield, Culross, work proceeds in every department in a manner calculated to meet the expectations of the most sanguine. Little more than a month ago the Mynheer seam was struck, and on Saturday the sinkers touched the Fife-Feet coal at a depth of 191 fathoms. Before the end of the year the Dunfermline Splint, or lower seam, will be struck.
Both the Mynheer and the Five-Feet are Navigation coal, and it is expected that the Dunfermline splint will be of the same quality.
The Valleyfield pits are nearer Rosyth Naval Base than any other pits in Fife county, and great importance is therefore being attached by colliery people to the discovery of seams which it is expected will meet all the conditions which the Admiralty attach to Navigation coal.
In addition to the Valleyfield coal, the Fife Coal Company have secured leases of the Torrie and Culross fields, the former from the Trustees of the Wemyss and Torrie estates, and the latter from Lord Bruce and the Burgh of Culross.
The Torrie and Culross fields adjoin that of Valleyfield, and the combined subjects therefore become a most valuable one.
With the mining operations, history is only repeating itself at Low Valleyfield and Culross. At a point a little to the east of the Fife Coal Company's pits an old shaft was struck, and about 300 yards to the east, mineral water bubbles up through a green patch of grass on the side of the Culross road. This is the site of another pit.
These were the pits in which the upper seams of coal were operated upon by the Earl of Dundonald and latterly by Sir Robert Preston.
The pits of today present a striking contrast to the Valleyfield mines of nearly a century ago, and the pits which were sunk by Sir George Bruce on the shores of the Forth at Culross.
Sir George's pits, with their Egyptian wheel system of pumping, were driven by a horse-gin, and the coals were drawn by the same kind of power. The coal output of each pit would not be more than 50 tons a day, and the shafts would not go beyond a depth of from 20 to 40 fathoms.
From a depth of from 200 to 250 fathoms the great winding engines which have been erected by the Fife Coal Company on Nos. 1 and 2 Pits will, when the seams are fully developed, each draw 1500 tons a day to the surface. The pits will be drained of water by electrical power, and electricity will be introduced on all the main roads.
On the surface in the vicinity of the pits the whole aspect of things is changed. The public highway has been diverted from the foreshore behind the pits, and a stretch of the roadway from the old toll to a point 400 yards to the west, and the foreshore, are being appropriated as sidings.
The two pithead frames are of steel, and huge buildings are being erected in connection with the coal cleaning plant.
The Newmills burn water is being impounded for boiler purposes, and rows of houses are rising up on the field to the west of the pits. Large drainage pipes are being laid in the centre of the zig-zag road running from Valleyfield to Culross burgh boundary, and an abundant supply of water has been introduced. In anticipation of the coming industrial boom, all is activity in the building trade of the district. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
24 September, 1910
GOOD PROSPECTS AT VALLEYFIELD

On Thursday, what is known in Fife as the two feet seam was struck at the Lowvalleyfield pits which are being sunk by the Fife Coal Company. The coal, which is of a thickness of two feet seven inches, is of excellent quality, and far surpasses the seam both in thickness and market value, as found in other parts of the Fife coalfields. The contractors have another fourteen fathoms to sink before the Dunfermline Splint is reached.
It is not expected that this, the ultimate depth of the pits, will be reached until the expiry of several months. Present indications show that the coal will be drawn from the pits in the early part of next year.

"Dunfermline Press"
12 November, 1910
VALLEYFIELD COAL PITS

It is now within the bounds of probability that at no very distant date the Fife miner may shake hands with the Lothian miner in the bowels of the earth far below the bed of the Forth. For years the Lothian miner has been winning coal that has lain for untold ages beneath the waters of the firth, and in a month or so a beginning will be made by Fife men to work the same seams from the north side.
At the Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., a commencement will be made in the near future with the winding of coal. This colliery is destined to be one of the largest not only in Fife but in Scotland; and, as the bottom seam has been pierced, the moment is opportune for an examination of the great undertaking and for reflection as to what the establishment of it means for the locality.
Valleyfield is situated on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, about five miles to the west of Dunfermline. Long ago it enjoyed, like neighbouring Culross, a reputation for the manufacture of girdles, and many a year and day after that trade had been ruined it had a glimpse in another direction of industrial prosperity. A century ago Sir Robert Preston sank three pits on Preston Island, which lies in the Forth about a mile directly south from Valleyfield Colliery, and for a time the experiment looked as if it would be crowned with success. The occurrence, however, of a disastrous explosion of firedamp caused an abandonment of the scheme.
The field which was tapped then will now be wrought with all the vigour that is characteristic of the Fife Coal Company. A straggling little village will evolve into a big, important, mining community in a few years time, for when the colliery is in full swing there will be over 1000 men employed.
There are two pits, officially known as No. 1 and No. 2, and when regard is had to the fact that both shafts are built with brickwork throughout, the work has been carried on very expeditiously. A start was made in March 1909. The depth is roughly 217 fathoms, and in their downward progress the sinkers have proved the usual workable seams to be in splendid condition.
What is known in Fife as the five-feet seam was discovered at Valleyfield at a depth of 190½ fathoms, with a thickness of 7 feet 3 inches. As to quality, it is of the navigation standard; and, as to thickness, it has turned out beyond expectation.
It has a splendid roof, and should be a profitable working. It has been affected to such an extent by whinstone that it will possess the smokeless qualities that are desired by the Admiralty; and looking to the proximity of Rosyth, the Company naturally except to secure orders from the Government Department.
From the first seam struck, Diamond, Cairncubie, or Duddy Davie, at 108 fathoms, will be won fine household coal; and the Swallowdrum seam will also produce a good quality of coal for gas-making purposes.
Both shafts are elliptical in shape, No. 1 Pit measuring 28 ft. by 15 ft., and the smaller pit 18 ft. 7 in. by 12 ft. 6in. As already indicated, they are brick-lined throughout, the larger having a wall with a minimum thickness of 18 inches, and the other a wall with a minimum thickness of 14 inches.
Along with the other pithead machinery, the cages are designed to draw over 2000 tons a day; this being the expected output when the colliery is fully occupied. The cage of No. 1 Pit will be capable of drawing eight hutches, holding at least 10 cwts. of coal each; and the cages of No. 2 Pit are constructed to carry four hutches of the same carrying capacity.
No expense has been spared in the equipment of the colliery. Every machine is of the most modern construction, and every detail at the pithead suggests that the management have no fear as to the result. The winding engine of the bigger pit has 36-inch cylinders, a six-feet stroke, and works with a steel-built drum 18 feet in diameter. It is fitted with a steam reversing engine, a steam brake, and a new apparatus for preventing overwinding. This apparatus, which has been introduced by Mr Landale, of Messrs Douglas & Grant, engineers, Kirkcaldy, is positive in its action, and good results are expected from its adoption. It is so arranged that the cage cannot possibly go higher than from 3 to 5 feet above the landing stage, nor is it possible for the engineman to start his engine in the wrong direction. Capable of lifting a net load of 10 tons, the winding engines of No. 1 Pit are fitted with automatic cut-off Corliss valves, which undoubtedly economise steam, and are one of the special features of the colliery.
The winding engines of No. 2 Pit are less powerful machines, their lifting capacity being a net load of five tons. The cylinders are 28-inch, with a stroke of 5 ft. 6 in., and they operate on a steam-built drum 16 feet in diameter. Its fittings include a steam brake and equilibrium piston valves. Both pairs of engines are capable of drawing their respective loads up the 217-fathom shafts in 30 seconds.
The electric engine is of the Willans & Robinson three-crank type, which means nine steam cylinders in all. These are coupled direct to a three-phase alternator, having a capacity of about 800 K.V.A. This machine is capable of generating all the energy required for the electrical pumps, electrical haulage, and coal-cutting machines that will be utilised for years to come.
There are nine boilers of the Lancashire type, 30 feet by 8 feet 6 inches in diameter, fitted with dish ends and corrugated tubes, all coupled together, and working at the pressure of 160 lbs. to the square inch. They are fed by a Weir steam pump, and two large injectors are maintained as a standby.
Over the Bluther burn has been erected a concrete bridge for the purpose of carrying empty waggons into the sidings to the east of the burn. Here the waggons will be stored, and from this storage ground the waggons will feed the pit by gravitation, the ground having been formed to give a fall of 1 in 60.
At present the permanent railway for this siding is being laid by Fife Coal Company's employees. Besides this bridge, a dam has been formed the effect of which will be to keep out the sea water of the Forth, as it would have an injurious effect on the boilers and condensers. As in the case of the other appliances, the screening plant, which is now being fitted up, will be of the most up-to-date description, and will permit of the handling of the large output that is expected in the most approved fashion.
The ventilating fan is a Walker Indestructible. Its diameter is 18 feet, and by means of it 300,000 cubic feet of air will be sent whirling through the workings every minute.
The buildings on the pithead are of brick, and as an average of 30,000 bricks per week from the various brick works of the Fife Coal Company have been transported to Valleyfield for a long time now, it is not surprising to learn that over two million bricks have been used at the colliery during the last eighteen months.
Having regard to the dangerous nature of the work and the number of men in employment, some 150, of whom half are sinkers, it is remarkable that not one fatal accident has occurred. The shaft sinking operations have been carried through under the supervision of Mr Borland.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 December, 1910
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY

To mark the completion of sinking operations at Valleyfield Colliery, the Fife Coal Company on Saturday entertained one hundred sinkers and other workers at dinner in the engineering shop. Mr Thomas Borland, jun., manager of the colliery, presided.
Dr Gordon, Culross, proposed the toast of "The Fife Coal Company." Mr Borland, in replying, stated that the Fife Coal Company on an average paid higher wages than any other Company in Scotland. Notwithstanding the murmurings about the Fife Coal Company swallowing up smaller concerns, the Company did not act in an autocratic fashion.
It did not use its power to coerce men, and money was no object to the Company where the safety of men was concerned. (Applause.)
Within a short period there would be more men employed at the Valleyfield Colliery than at any other in Fifeshire, if not in Scotland. (Applause.)
Mr William Brown, oversman, proposed the toast of "The Contractor Sinkers, Messrs Wm. Sinclair & Son". He said that the Messrs Sinclair were the most up-to-date sinkers that he knew. They had carried the work out all through with an eye to the safety of their servants, combined with the speedy execution of the work. (Applause.)
Mr Wm. Sinclair, senior partner of the firm, in replying, said there had been more difficulties to overcome at Valleyfield than at many pits in Scotland. In proof of that, he might say that since commencing work at Valleyfield in April 1909, they had sunk 860 yards, about 96 yards of which was hard whin; they had driven 70 yards of lodgement; built two and a quarter million bricks; burned 19½ tons of explosives; fired 59,300 shots, and for over two months they barrelled to the surface at least 4000 gallons of water per hour. That was surely a record, and he would have been disappointed if it had not been a record, when one considered the able co-operation they had received from Mr Borland, and the willing service which had been given by the men. If they took off five months' time for building that enormous quantity of bricks, they would find that there was not much time left for sinking. (Applause.)
"The District and Trade" was proposed by Mr George Kirk, and Dr Gordon asked the company to pledge the health of the manager and Mr John Sturrock.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 January, 1911
BLAIRHALL AND VALLEYFIELD MINING DEVELOPMENTS
HOUSING AND EDUCATION

Contrary to expectations, it is improbable that the dwelling-houses for the accommodation of the men who will be employed at Blairhall when the pits are in full operation will be erected at Shiresmill. At all events ground at Fernwoodlea, to the east of the colliery, has been surveyed on behalf of the Coltness Iron Company, with the view, it is understood, of erecting between 200 and 300. This site will have an advantage over that of Shiresmill inasmuch as it is more convenient so far as railway facilities are concerned, being within ten minutes walk from the North British Railway Company's station at Oakley.
To some extent the Fernwoodlea site would relieve the anxiety of Culross School Board, who, as formerly pointed out, are face to face with the provision of extended educational facilities. Negotiations are still in progress between the Board and the Fife Coal Company with a view to the acquisition of Valleyfield House, which, it is felt, might be easily adapted to school purposes, and thus solve the problem of providing for the children of the large population which will, in the immediate future, be located in the neighbourhood of the Fife Coal Company's pits at Valleyfield.
Rapid progress is being made with the opening up of the Valleyfield Pits. Roads are being formed in the Dunfermline Splint seam, which is the lowest measure to be worked. Close upon eighty tons of coal have already been brought to the surface. The greater portion of the mineral has been sent abroad in the form of samples to prospective customers. It is a coal of first-class quality.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 January, 1911
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

Phil McKenna, a pit sinker, residing at Back Causeway, Culross, met with his death at one of the Valleyfield Pits on Tuesday. He had been ill for some time, and had just returned to work. While standing on a scaffold, engaged in putting in slides in the new shaft, he overbalanced himself and fell to the bottom, a distance of forty feet. His skull was fractured, and death was instantaneous. Deceased was unmarried.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 February, 1911

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 Philip McKenna, pitsinker, Culross, who on 24 January, was killed in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield, by falling down the shaft from a scaffold which was suspended in the shaft. Those giving evidence included:- Thomas Borland, colliery manager; Robert Marshall, pitsinker, Silver Street, Kincardine-on-Forth; and Daniel Sinclair, a son of the pit sinking contractor.
The jury returned a formal verdict, to which was added a rider to the effect that no one was responsible for the accident.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 February, 1911
TORRYBURN - LAW.

The new town which has followed the sinking of the two pits at Valleyfield by the Fife Coal Company, Limited, is gradually assuming large proportions. Already various merchants have established themselves in the place. A law office has been opened by Mr J. B. Davidson, solicitor, Dunfermline.

"The Dunfermline Journal"
9 March, 1911

DISASTER AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY
LOSS OF THREE LIVES

A NEW MINING DANGER

A disaster occurred at Valleyfield Colliery on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the loss of three lives. As is probably well-known, the colliery is situated by the side of the highway between Dunfermline and Culross, immediately to the west of the historic Newmills Bridge, The colliery is the latest and most important of the Fife Coal Company ventures. It is also the last word in mining engineering. No finer equipment exists at any colliery in Scotland. The coal seams are thick, and of the very best quality. But the pits are fiery. Unpleasant evidence of the existence of the dangerous firedamp was had when the shafts were being sunk. The result was that the concluding portion of the sinking operations had to be undertaken with the use of safety lamps only.
The disaster occurred in what is known as the lower Five feet seam, which lies several yards above the Dunfermline Splint (the lowest seam). At the time of the disaster there were only twelve men in the pit. Some of the men were working at the coal face, which is about 100 yards from the shaft. What actually happened is not likely ever to be known. Conjecture will require to take place of solid fact. The three workers who have met their death were the only ones in the place at the time, although some of the others were not far from them. Those workers were James Jamieson, Newmills; John Peden, miner, Eden Villa, Low Valleyfield; and his brother, George Peden, residing at the same address. The other men were not far from them. They felt the concussion, heard the terrible crash of debris, and experienced for a brief period the effects of the gas impregnated atmosphere. By a happy stroke of mental readiness, one of the workers, William Anderson, Newmills, burst through some brattice cloth in the place where he was, and at once gave vent to the fresh air. This prompt, timely act probably saved his own life and the lives of his brother and a comrade, John McNeill. All three had been bowled over by the force of the escaping air. Anderson, knowing that his brother was in peril, went further into the works, and in the darkness dragged him in a semi-conscious condition to a place of safety. All the three were more or less dazed as the result of their terrible experience, but they soon recovered when they reached the pithead.
  Rapidly the news of the disaster spread. Mr Borland, the colliery manager, was in the vicinity, when tidings reached him. Without seeking to change a stitch - he was not attired in working garb - he immediately organised a rescue party, consisting of James Twaddle, under-manager, James Williamson, fireman, and John Hamilton, but their efforts to reach the imprisoned men were futile, in consequence of the obstructions caused by the fall resulting from the outburst. The force of the escape had carried away about 50 tons of material, the most of which had been shattered almost to powder. Another party descended later, but they were no more successful, notwithstanding the most determined efforts. The rescue work could not be rushed. Nature in a moment's work had accompanied what men could not overtake in half a day.
  The district manager of the Company, Mr Henry Rowan, Cowdenbeath, was apprised of the occurrence, and he arrived on the scene, practically simultaneously with Mr C. L. Robinson, H. M. Inspector of Mines, who motored from Kirkcaldy, and Mr J. S. Soutar, Procurator-Fiscal, Dunfermline. Doctors Gordon and Tolmie, the colliery physicians, were also summoned, and as it afterwards turned out they had a long weary vigil. The suggestion having been made that the rescue party from the rescue station at Cowdenbeath might be of service, they were motored to the scene, along with their apparatus. Unfortunately, their first summons to practical work did not prove to be one to test the efficacy of their training and appliances, and after descending the shaft they found that the occasion was not one demanding their services. They returned home early in the morning. Mr Rowan and Mr Robinson made straight for the shaft as soon as they arrived. Below ground they directed the operations, and remained till yesterday at midday. The rescue work was continued without a moment's cessation throughout the night. Although not immediately dangerous, that work had to be undertaken with great caution. A second outburst would have been a calamity. The first object was to clear the air, and carry the purified atmosphere along with them as they proceeded. With this object in view the pumps at the bottom were unfastened and the steam was permitted for a time to penetrate the road for the purpose of driving out the firedamp. Another precautionary measure which was taken was the covering of the workmen's mouths and noses with wet handkerchiefs in order to clarify the air as much as possible before its inhalation into the lungs. When a rescuer became faint from exhaustion, he was taken to the pit bottom, where he soon recovered in the pure air coming from the bottom of the companion shaft. About six o'clock in the morning the rescuers discovered the bodies of Jamieson and the younger Peden lying together. Jamieson's body partly covered that of his unfortunate companion. Both, it is believed, had had an instantaneous death. A hutch which had been blown on to the top of the victims had to be removed before the bodies could be got. The faces of both were perfectly pleasant, but they bore terrible evidence of the force of the blast. Eyes, ears, noses and mouths were inled with coal dust, which had come from the face. Jamieson had also had one of his legs fractured, in all probability by the fall resulting from the concussion. On being brought to the surface the bodies were examined by the doctors, and were afterwards reverently conveyed on stretchers to the respective homes.
  Throughout the whole of the night the large crowd which had assembled remained on the ground eager to hear the tidings. By midnight the general impression was that the men could not be got alive. The scene at the pithead was a weird one, the sickly illumination of the glaring electric arc lamps in themselves suggesting something awesome in the circumstances, in consequence of the deathly pallor reflected on the countenances of the bye-standers. The moaning of the water of the firth as they fell on the shallow shore afforded another melancholy note. Women wandered in and out among the men discussing the circumstances and occasionally seeking more comfort from the shawls in which they were enwrapped by drawing them firmer around them. Men stood on all points of vantage to gain a possible sight. On the metal framework of the pithead, and on the stairs and gangways they swarmed like bees. But the occasion was not one provocative of disorder, and the police officers on duty had little difficulty in keeping too eager ones back from the pit mouth where men were continually ascending or descending. A pathetic though composed figure in the crowd was the father of the Peden's. This kindly looking old man seemed to be consuming his own grief, for he bore his terrible trial bravely.
   Jamieson lived with his widowed mother and sister, and he intended in the course of a few weeks to join his brother in Regina, Canada. He was the mainstay of his mother's support. The elder Peden was a pleasant mannered, intelligent young man, quite a favourite with everyone, and his younger brother, a promising lad, who had just gone to the pit within the last few weeks. The Peden's had just recently shifted their home from Hill of Beath.
  The cause of the disaster was an outburst of gas. A distinction has to be drawn between an outburst and an explosion. There was no explosion in the sense that the firedamp had been ignited by means of a light. Only safety lamps were used in the pit, and probably the only possible cause of an explosion could have been the spark from the point of a pick. But the bodies of the two men did not afford any evidence of that. These bore no terrible burns, such as were seen on the victims of the Mary Pit disaster three years ago. The cause of the disaster was simply the force of the pent-up gas overcoming the obstruction in front of it and carrying all before it, as water in a reservoir does when it obtains mastery over the embankment retaining it. Such a cause has rarely, if ever, been known before, and certainly no one has had experience of it in so terrible a fashion as that at Valleyfield. Another, therefore, has been added to the list, already too lengthy, of mining dangers. Thursday's disaster suggests that every possible precaution which human experience and ingenuity can be devised should he put into operation at the colliery.

Later.
Up till midnight the body of the elder Peden had not been got. As the party advanced they found the difficulties in front of them increasing. The terrific force of the outburst was more realised. The roof was shattered to slivers, and required careful timbering. Moreover, the air became fouler. During the operations the party discovered the lamps of the victims, together with some articles of clothing. Since morning the party have cleared through ten yards of the fall, but they have still six yards to go before they reach the coal face. It is not expected that Peden's body will be recovered for several hours. A considerable number of people were hanging around to await the recovery of the body. Among those who have been rendering assistance during the day have been Mr Charles Carlow Reid, manager of Donibristle Colliery; Mr John Gray, manager at Lumphinnans; and Mr Gilbert Morrison, manager for the Coltness Iron and Coal Company at Blairhall.

"The Scotsman"
11 March, 1911
THE FIFE COLLIERY ACCIDENT
TWO BODIES RECOVERED

At the Fife Coal Company's pit at Lowvalleyfield, where three lives were lost on Thursday night, an all-night vigil was kept by officials and others. Untiring service was rendered by the company's officials, including Mr Henry Rowan, the general manager of the western pits, and Mr Charles Carlow, the chairman and managing director of the Fife Coal Company. Mr Walker, the divisional inspector of mines, was from home, and his place was taken by Mr Robinson, one of his chief assistants, who was in close attendance at the pit. Testimony ought also to be borne to the devotion displayed by the local medical gentlemen, Dr Gordon and Dr Tolmie. It was practically an established fact by ten o'clock on Thursday night that no one could be alive below ground in the atmosphere which it was ascertained had prevailed. Only by the inhalation of a liberal supply of oxygen could life have been maintained. Yet, acting on the supposition that there might be hope, the doctors refused to desert their post. Singled out for distinction, not only by the management but by their fellow-workmen, are James Turnbull [Twaddle], the under manager of the Valleyfield Pit, and James Williamson, the night fireman. It was through their exertions that succour was rendered to three men who were brought in a semi-animate condition to the daylight, where they gradually recovered.
Early yesterday morning the remains of George Peden, the young drawer, who perished by the side of his brother John, were conveyed from the pit along by Torryburn Ness to his father's home.

As to the cause of the accident, theories are abundant. Our correspondent had a conversation yesterday with a gentleman who has expert as well as practical knowledge of mining operations in Fife and other Scottish counties. There was, this gentleman explained, no explosion in the ordinary sense of the word. At all events there was no resultant light. There was an accumulation of noxious gas. It was in a confined area, and its force, although it cannot now be distinctly stated, might be one hundred pounds to the square inch. An illustration of this, it was pointed out, could best be found in the case of a boiler which had become so worn by the effects of incrustation that the shell burst when the steam pressure was too high.
Up to a late hour last night the bodies which had been recovered were those of George Peden and James Jamieson. They had been found underneath a hutch which had been projected outwards by the force of the gas.
The name by which the fatal gas is technically known is "C. H. 4." It is an admixture of carbon and hydrogen - one part of the former and four of the latter.
Mr Charles Carlow had planned a short holiday some time ago, and had, in fact, left his Edinburgh house. It was in England that he learned yesterday morning of the occurrence, and he has been in constant communication by telegraph or telephone with the Company's head office at Leven.

"The Scotsman"
13 March, 1911

THE FIFE PIT ACCIDENT. - Not only among practical miners, but skilled engineers, the question is being discussed as to how the accident occurred at the Fife Coal Company's pit at Valleyfield, by which three lives were lost. That there was an outward burst of coal there is no doubt. What caused it is another matter, and a satisfactory explanation has not yet been given. Asked yesterday by our Dunfermline correspondent if he could give any explanation, Mr Henry Rowan, the Fife Coal Company's general manager in the western district, said that he could add little to what had already been published. All that he ventured to say was, "We cannot say anything until we get the whole place cleared up, and it will be a day or a day and a half before that is done." The gas, he said, was pent up at a very high pressure in a place that was not suspected to be dangerous, and the outburst was as sudden as It was unexpected. All the bodies have now been recovered.

"The Scotsman"
28 March, 1911

THE FIFE PIT DISASTER. - The accident which occurred at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Pit on 9th March, by which three lives were lost, and a number of men narrowly escaped death, was the subject of an inquiry before Sheriff Umpherston and a jury at Dunfermline yesterday. The victims of the disaster were:- James McLean Jamieson (27), John Peden (27), and George Peden, Junior (14). Evidence was given by Henry Rowan, the Company's general manager or agent for the pits in the western district, and other witnesses. Although invited to retire to consider their verdict, the jury did not leave the box, and after a brief consultation, they returned a formal verdict, finding the time, place, and cause of the accident, but making no recommendation.

"My grandfather was James Williamson, fireman. The above photo is of his Hero Fund Citation which is in the Carnegie Museum. Other names shown with him are Thomas Borland, James Twaddle, William Anderson, William Brown and John Hamilton."
Douglas Williamson,
Crossgates, Fife.
October, 2006.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 May, 1911

In Hamilton Sheriff Court yesterday, Sheriff Shennan handed over to Mr James Twaddle, late under-manager, Valleyfield Colliery, a cheque for �10 awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees in recognition of the heroism he displayed at the recent Valleyfield disaster.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 June, 1911

Mr Thomas Borland, jun., manager of the Fife Coal Company's new pits at Lowvalleyfield, has received an important appointment under the Carron Coal Company. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
17 June, 1911

On Saturday afternoon a deputation of the workers at the Fife Coal Company's pits at Valleyfield, and friends, waited upon Mr Thomas Borland, jun., the manager of the colliery, and presented him with a parting gift in the shape of a purse of sovereigns. Mr Borland leaves Valleyfield for Airth, Stirling, to superintend the sinking of two pits by the Carron Company.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 July, 1911

Thomas Fairlie, a pitheadman, employed at Valleyfield, was the victim of a nasty accident in the course of his duties on Tuesday evening. He was looking after a hutch, which was being carried on a moving chain from one part of the pithead to another. Falling amongst the machinery controlling the chain his right leg was lacerated from the thigh to the knee. Dr Tolmie, Culross, ordered the injured man's removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. He was conveyed to the institution in the Dunfermline Ambulance waggon.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 November, 1911
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, was the scene of a fatal accident on Sunday, the victim being Thomas Sim, a shaftsman, residing at Lowvalleyfield. Sim, who was engaged with a squad carrying out repairs in the shaft, is supposed to have overbalanced himself and fallen from a cage which was suspended at a distance of 130 fathoms from the pit bottom. The body, which was found to have been terribly mutilated, the possibility being that death ensued as a result of the unfortunate man coming in contact with iron girders a short distance down the shaft from where the cage was resting. The deceased was 45 years of age, and leaves a widow and one child.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 November, 1911

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 Sim, shaftsman, lately residing at Lowvalleyfield, who, on 29 October, in No. 1 Pit, Lowvalleyfield, was killed by being crushed between the side an ascending cage and the shaft timber and then falling down the shaft. Those giving evidence included:- Ellis Barraclough, colliery manager; Walter Walker, bricklayer, Tollhouse, Culross; James McMeekan, fireman, Dundonald Terrace, Culross; John Terris, haulage engineman; and Alexander Terris, winding engineman. The jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 December, 1911

On Wednesday evening, James Lister, miner, son of Mr David Lister, retired publican, Crossford, was admitted to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from injuries received while at work at the pithead of Lowvalleyfield Pit. Lister, who miraculously escaped falling into the shaft, was caught between the side of the shaft and the cage. When he was taken out it was found that he had received severe internal injuries.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 May, 1912

Mr Barraclough, the manager at Valleyfield Pits, leaves at an early date to take up an appointment elsewhere. It is understood that one of the managers from the Mary Pit will take his place.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 May, 1912

M. Mooney, a miner employed at Valleyfield Pits, met with an accident on Friday. He received injuries about the head, and had his hand severely crushed. He was taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1912

Mr Lang, late manager of the Mary Pit, has commenced his new duties as manager of Valleyfield Colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1912

A representative committee of the workmen at Valleyfield Colliery waited upon their late manager, Ellis Barraclough, at his house, and presented him with a pocket-book and purse of sovereigns.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 October, 1912

An alarming accident occurred in the Fife Coal Company's No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Monday afternoon. While working at one of the faces, James Gray, miner, Lessell's Buildings, Torryburn, was suddenly overwhelmed by a fall from the roof. The accident was observed by a number of men, who at once set about clearing the material, which weighed between twenty and thirty tons. The removal of the fallen coal proved a protracted task, and as the time passed fears of a fatal result began to be entertained. After six hours' strenuous operations a passage was cleared. To the surprise of everybody the entombed man was found alive.
He had had a miraculous escape from death. A bar of wood lying in a slanting position against the coal face had saved his life, as this had served to break the great pressure of the fall. On being conveyed to his home Gray was examined by Drs Wallace and Tolmie, who found that he had escaped with a bruised thigh and some minor injuries. He also suffered from shock.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 October, 1912

James Hettrick, Torryburn, had his ankle broken at Valleyfield pit on Thursday through an iron girder falling from the roof upon it.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 March, 1913

A miner named James Mann had one of his legs fractured through a fall from the roof while at work in Valleyfield Colliery on Tuesday. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 April, 1913

Mr Armstrong, underground manager at Valleyfield Colliery, was presented with a purse of sovereigns by some of his friends on the occasion of his leaving for Ayrshire.

"Dunfermline Press"
10 May, 1913

Over 100 men have been suspended at Valleyfield Colliery owing to some of the contracts being finished.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 September, 1913

On Friday last week at No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, a young man, Hugh McMillan, who is employed as a roadsman, was engaged repairing a road when a stone weighing about a hundredweight, fell from the roof and struck him on the head. The injured man was conveyed home, where it was found that he was also suffering from a severe scalp wound and also from shock.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 October, 1913

The employees of Valleyfield Collieries have subscribed the sum of �22 13s, which has been equally applied to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 December, 1913

A number of the workmen employed at Valleyfield Colliery met on Tuesday evening to do honour to Mr George Kirk, foreman platelayer, who has left the colliery. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
20 December, 1913

A number of the workmen employed at Valleyfield Colliery met on Saturday evening to do honour to Mr David Binnie, surface foreman, who has left the colliery. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
26 September, 1914

On Thursday afternoon, Robert Slater (45), labourer, residing at Valleyfield Workmen's Home, met with severe injuries which necessitated his removal to hospital. He was attending to a hoist on the pithead at Valleyfield Pit, when he was knocked down by a moving hutch. His scalp was fractured, and he was also injured internally.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 August, 1915

A fatal accident took place at Valleyfield Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., on Monday. The victim was William McDade, miner, residing at 4 Beaumont Terrace, Lowvalleyfield. He was working in the three-feet seam, Daly's Dook, when there was an unexpected fall of stone from the roof. McDade was struck on the head, and killed practically instantaneously. He was between thirty and forty years of age.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915

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 William McDade, miner, lately residing at 4 Beaumont Street, Lowvalleyfield, who died on 9th August in No. 1 pit, Valleyfield Colliery, in consequence of a fall of material from the roof. Those giving evidence included:- William Lang, colliery manager; William Sneddon, pit fireman; Patrick McCoy, miner; and Henry Daly, miner, Main Street, Culross. The jury returned a formal verdict, adding that, in their opinion, cross bars ought to have been needed at both ends.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915

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 Stephen McGuire, High Valleyfield, Culross, who died on 11 July in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received on 25th May in No. 1 Valleyfield Pit, of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., by being crushed between the roof and a loaded hutch in which he was riding. Those giving evidence included:- Police Constable Charles Summers, Lowvalleyfield; Mr Lang, colliery manager; Alexander McLuckie, oversman; and Robert Anderson, bogeyman.
The jury added to their verdict a finding to the effect that deceased must have been riding on the top of the hutch when he met with his death.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 January, 1916

A fatal accident occurred at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery on Tuesday forenoon. Martin Tracey (21), miner, residing at Preston Crescent, Upper Valleyfield, was engaged uncoupling a hutch, when a heavy fall of material from the roof unexpectedly took place. Tracey was struck by the falling material, and killed almost instantaneously.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 March, 1916

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 Martin Tracey, pit worker, lately residing at Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died on 25 January in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, in consequence of a fall of material upon him from the roof of a haulage road. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- John McDade, clipper, Low Valleyfield; Alexander Paterson, under manager, Burnside Cottage, Newmains; George Allan, pit contractor, Culross; William Pellow, miner, High Valleyfield; and Robert Hall, colliery foreman, Low Valleyfield. The jury passed a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 July, 1916

Annie Kelly, nineteen years of age, daughter of James Kelly, miner, 40 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Sunday from the effects of injuries which she received on Thursday, on the pithead at Valleyfield Colliery, where she was employed. The girl was struck on the back by a loaded hutch, which jammed her against a tumbler. She was badly bruised and injured internally. Dr Tolmie, who was called, ordered the girl's removal to hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 July, 1916

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 Annie Kelly, pithead worker, lately residing at Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died on 25th June, in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from injuries received on 22 June at Valleyfield Colliery, by being crushed between a loaded hutch and a coal tumbler. Among those giving evidence were:- William Lang, colliery manager; Adam Lindsay, jigger engineman; Jane Jarvie, pithead worker; George Burrell Walker, washer attendant; and Dr Robertson, hospital doctor. The Jury returned a formal verdict to which was added an expression of opinion that the accident was due to a hutch being allowed to run down the incline to the tumblers without being snibbled.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 September, 1916

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 Andrew Daly, lately residing at Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 12th July from the effects of injuries received on 3 July in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, by a burst of coal from the roof.
William Lang, the colliery manager, stated that when he visited the locus of the accident he found that the place had been properly wooded, and everything in order according to the regulations. A piece of coal, weighing about one cwt., fell while deceased was holing at the face, and he was crushed before he had time to get out of the way. The coal fell because of a lipe which could not be seen previously. It was a pure accident. A formal verdict was returned.

"Dunfermline Press"
7 October, 1916

David Bell Dawson, oncost worker, Main Street, Torryburn, was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Monday, suffering from injuries he received while at work in the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Pit. A hutch loaded with coal, while descending a short incline, collided with Dawson, who was at the time hanging on a hutch a short distance from the bottom of the incline. His right leg was fractured in two places, and he was bruised about the body. Dr Tolmie attended to the injured man.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 January, 1917
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

On Thursday afternoon, James Kelly (51), miner, residing at Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, was fatally injured in the Fife Coal Company's No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. He was working at the face when a large stone unexpectedly fell from the roof. The material, which almost completely covered Kelly, weighed close upon a ton. One of the first to reach the scene of the accident was a son, who assisted in removing the material. The man succumbed to his injuries on being conveyed to the pithead.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 January, 1917

On Monday morning, while James Williamson (42), a miner, residing at Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, was at work in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, a burst of coal took place from the face and pinned him to the pavement. When the coal had been removed it was found that Williamson had been severely injured internally. He was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where his condition for a time was regarded as critical.

"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 James Williamson, lately residing at 18 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 20 January from injuries received in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, by a piece of coal falling upon him from the face.
Those giving evidence included:- William Lang, colliery manager; John Nelson, mining contractor; David Todd, fireman; and Andrew Ross, fireman. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 April, 1917

On Friday last week a serious accident took place in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. The victim was Peter Martin, miner, Ness View, Low Valleyfield. He was employed at his working place when a piece of coal, weighing about three cwts., burst from the face and struck him on the head, which was cut and badly bruised. A shot had been fired in the place some time before the accident occurred. Dr Henderson examined Martin, and afterwards ordered his removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
12 May, 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 a miner named Peter Martin, lately residing at Ness View, Low Valleyfield, who died on 8 April in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from injuries received on 6 April in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Fife Coal Company, Ltd., by a piece of coal falling on him from the face. Those giving evidence included:- William Lang, colliery manager; Peter Martin, junior (14), drawer, son of the deceased; William Lessells, miner, Low Valleyfield; and Richard Smith, fireman, Main Street, Low Torrie. The Jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 September, 1918

Mr William Horn, surface foreman, on leaving the Valleyfield Colliery, on Tuesday was made the recipient of a handsome timepiece, from the surface workers, as a token of the esteem in which he is held. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
30 August, 1919
LOW VALLEYFIELD MINER ASPHYXIATED.
NARROW ESCAPE OF ANOTHER.

A distressing accident occurred at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery on Thursday morning, resulting in the death of Alexander Gordon (37), miner, Main Street, Lowvalleyfield, and the narrow escape of his brother Joseph Gordon (39), also a miner, residing at the same address.
In course of their employment, the necessity arose for the use of nails. In search of a quantity of those, Alexander entered a heading which had been shut off for some time. His prolonged absence caused his brother uneasiness, and he set off for the heading. He had not proceeded far when he came upon the prostrate form of Alexander, who had evidently been a victim of poisonous gas. Joseph, too, was affected by the gas and collapsed.
The disappearance of the brothers was observed by a number of workmen, who at once organised a search party. Equipped with respirators the heroic miners groped their way into the gas-laden atmosphere. Soon they came upon the missing men, who were in an advanced stage of unconsciousness. At the main road it was found that Alexander was beyond aid. Artificial respiration was applied in the case of Joseph, who, after half-an-hour's treatment, was restored to consciousness. A number of the men of the rescue party were considerably affected by inhalation of the poisonous fumes.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 September, 1919
VALLEYFIELD ASPHYXIATION ACCIDENT.

SIR, - We have become so accustomed to misleading and inaccurate reports, that it seems almost impossible now to get the actual truth in newspaper reports.
For instance, in your report of the Valleyfield asphyxiation accident, your correspondent says that "the heroic miners equipped with respirators groped their way into the gas-laden atmosphere, etc."; evidently, as usual, he has ignored facts and drawn upon his imagination, for his report is a gross distortion of the truth.
The actual rescuing party consisted of James Lessels and David Munro, who plunged into the gas-laden and deadly atmosphere, fully conscious of the risks and dangers, unequipped with respirators or any other safety apparatus.
As a matter of fact, Munro also partially collapsed, and but for the coolness and resource of Lessels, he also would have succumbed. If it be heroism of a high standard for men to act, as your correspondent reported, with respirators, etc., what pen or tongue could describe the sublime and unselfish heroism of men who could act as Lessels and Munro did in the gloom and dolour of a mine, with neither cheers nor applause from an admiring crowd, and equipped, not with respirators, but with only courage and loyalty to their fellow-workers in distress.
Had they waited on respirators, a widow today would have been mourning the loss of two sons instead of one.
My only motives in writing are to correct your report of last week and to give honour where honour is due.
Yours, etc.,
PHILIP HODGE.
Newmills, 3/9/19

[Mr Philip Hodge is unnecessarily violent in his contradiction. The fact that the miners were described as heroic shows that there was no intention to do anything else than give "honour where honour is due." The names of the rescuers were not available when the report was written; otherwise they would have appeared. As the result of a fairly extensive knowledge of mining accidents in the West of Fife, we have an unbounded admiration for those brave miners who have risked their lives (and sometimes lost them) in endeavours to save their fellows. That admiration has been expressed time after time in unstinted fashion in the Press. - Ed. D. P.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 October, 1919

The circumstances under which Alexander Gordon, miner, Main Street, Low Torrie, met with his death in the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery on 28 August disclosed acts of real heroism on the part of Joseph Duncan, a brother of deceased; David Munro, miner, Kilbaggie Street, Kincardine-on-Forth; and James Gray Lessells, miner, Lessell's Buildings, Main Street, Newmills.
Deceased had gone into a disused heading in search of nails. His absence creating concern, his brother went up the heading in search of him. He found his brother lying in an unconscious condition, suffering from firedamp poisoning. He, too, was overcome and was subsequently rescued by Munro and Lessells, both of whom suffered severely from the effects of the poisonous fumes.
The Procurator-Fiscal thought the Jury should commend the action not only of Joseph Gordon, who tried to help his brother, but of Munro and Lessells who, according to the evidence, not only ran great risks themselves, but did so knowing the risks they were running. They were happily successful in getting Joseph out, otherwise there might have been a double fatality.
Mr Malcolm S. Macgregor, solicitor, who represented the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., associated himself with what the Procurator-Fiscal had said. It was fortunate that these men did not lose their lives in this very brave effort to rescue a comrade. It was most regrettable that life should have been lost at all, but it was just another example of how necessary it was to observe the rules in working underground (deceased having gone into a heading which was fenced off, and upon which a notice was posted bearing the words "no road this way").
The Sheriff homologated the views of the Procurator-Fiscal that the Jury should add to their verdict a rider commending these three men for their efforts to save life. The Jury acquiesced.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 December, 1919
VALLEYFIELD MINERS' HEROISM.
PRESENTATION OF TRUST AWARDS.

At a public meeting in the Carnegie Library Hall, Torryburn, on Wednesday evening last week, Mr Joseph Gordon, Main Street, Newmills, was presented with a certificate and £15, and Mr James Lessells, Lessell's Buildings, Newmills, and Mr David Munro, Kilbaggie Street, Kincardine, with a certificate and £10 each by the Trustees of the Carnegie Hero Fund for conspicuous bravery in attempting to save the life of Alexander Gordon, who was overcome by gas in Valleyfield Colliery on 28 August 1919.
Mr Philip Hodge, who was called to the chair, expressed the sympathy of himself and the meeting towards the relatives of the deceased, who had been taken away in his early manhood. The presentation, he said, was the first of its kind in the neighbourhood, and he hoped it would be a long time before they required to have another.
Mr William Lang, colliery manager, presented the gifts to the recipients, and stated that he joined with Mr Hodge in expressing sympathy for the relatives. He was pleased to be able to state that the three men who were first at the locus of the accident rushed in regardless of danger to themselves, and brought out Alexander Gordon, but were too late.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 September, 1920

It was found that a breach of regulations had caused the death of William Minford, drawer, lately residing at 10 Forthview Cottages, Low Valleyfield. Minford died on 17th July from injuries received as far back as 19th November last year, by being crushed between a moving hutch and a roof girder in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery.
The evidence showed that deceased and others had, contrary to regulation, ridden on a bogey in a haulage road while the haulage was in motion. Deceased, who was in front of the rake, came to a low place in the roof, where he was caught and badly squeezed.
By the direction of the Sheriff, the jury expressed the view that the accident was caused by a breach of the regulation against travelling on the dook while the haulage was in motion.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1920
LECTURE ON NEW MINING REGULATIONS.

The underground firemen at Valleyfield Colliery met in a social capacity on Saturday evening. A lecture was delivered by Mr Wm. Lang, colliery manager, on "Precautions against Coal Dust, as set forth in Statutory Rules and Orders, 1920". The lecturer said this new Order would come into force at the New Year, and in dry and dusty mines it would be no easy task to comply with its requirements. He proceeded to explain the Order in detail, the difficulties that must be overcome in the various sections, and what he considered might be the easiest and most effective methods to adopt. An interesting discussion followed. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
2 July, 1921

... Valleyfield pit bottom is reported to be clear of water. At this colliery, however, water has never been a problem which has required the serious consideration of the management. In normal times, it is found possible to draw all the water by means of boxes attached to the hutches during the course of the shift. It is a certainty that water will have accumulated to some extent in the deep seams, and it may be necessary to instal temporary pumping apparatus before these seams are drained sufficiently to permit of a resumption of work. Gas has been found a more serious proposition at Valleyfield. During the stoppage, gas accumulated in heavy volume in all sections of the pit. Already the ventilation apparatus has dissipated the poisonous gases, and almost a general resumption is anticipated next week. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
9 July, 1921

... At Valleyfield Colliery, where a large accumulation of gas had to be dealt with, coal getting was begun on Monday. On that day, the output was 3½ tons. Tuesday's production was 37 tons, and on Wednesday 96 tons were sent up the shaft. ...

"The Scotsman"
27 August, 1921

FATAL ACCIDENT IN FIFE PIT. - Yesterday morning Daniel Banks (15), drawer, son of George Banks, miner, Dundonald Terrace, Lowvalleyfield, was accidentally killed in the Fife Coal Company's No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. He was crushed between a moving hutch and the end of a bench at which he was working. The boy's father was an eye-witness of the accident.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 August, 1921

A fatal accident took place in No. 2 Valleyfield Colliery, yesterday morning. The victim was Daniel Banks (15), who was employed as a drawer with his father, George Banks, miner, Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield. The boy was engaged at a bench in what is known as Cowan's Brae, when he was caught between a moving hutch and the end of the bench. He was severely crushed internally, and death took place almost instantaneously.
A tragic feature of the accident was that it occurred within sight of the boy's father, who was unable to render assistance.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 August, 1921

Mr Lawson, Bothwell Park Colliery, Lanarkshire, has been appointed manager of the Fife Coal Company's colliery at Low Valleyfield in succession to Mr Wm. Lang, who has been promoted to an agency in the Kelty district. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
3 September, 1921

Mr Lang, manager of Valleyfield Colliery, has been appointed agent of several collieries in the Kelty district. On Friday evening of last week he was met by a number of friends in the Mission Hall, High Valleyfield, and presented with a barometer (suitably inscribed), a gold albert, a pocket book, and a sum of money. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
24 September, 1921

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 Daniel Banks. The methods adopted for braking hutches in haulage roads in the pit came up for some criticism in the case of Daniel Banks (15), drawer, 19 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield, who was fatally injured in No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, by being struck by a runaway empty hutch. Mr Lang, the colliery manager, admitted that in addition to the usual stop-blocks, there might have been introduced in the road what were known as thief catchers for the purpose of stopping runaway hutches. The jury, in returning a formal verdict, homologated the views of the Sheriff that it was quite evident that many devices might be adopted under similar conditions, any one of which would prevent a similar accident happening. The Jury's rider was to the effect that they were of opinion that the cause of the accident was the detaching of the hutch from the haulage rope before the stop-block was securely fixed, and that it was an accident of a nature which might be easily avoided, either by mechanical arrangement or by giving and enforcing the necessary instructions to the wheeler.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 October, 1921

... Mr James Paterson, who was formerly under-manager at the Fife Coal Company's colliery at Benarty, has been appointed to a similar position at No. 2 Pit, Low Valleyfield. Mr John Skimming has been appointed under-manager at No. 1 Pit. ...

"The Scotsman"
16 September, 1922

FIFESHIRE PIT ACCIDENTS. - A fatal accident occurred at No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, early yesterday morning. Daniel McQuade (20), a machineman, was at work at the coal face, when about two tons of material fell upon him, fracturing his skull and killing him instantaneously. He had been residing in lodgings at 37 Dundonald Terrace, Lowvalleyfield. He belonged to Lochgelly. ...

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
11 October, 1922
LOCHGELLY MAN'S DEATH
ROOF FALL AT VALLEYFIELD

The circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel McQuade, machineman, lately residing at 12 Landale Street, Lochgelly, who died on 15^th September, in No. 2 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery, from injuries received by a stone falling on him from the roof, was the subject of an inquiry before Sheriff Umpherston and a jury, in Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Thursday.

Witnesses giving statements included: Andrew Ramsay Lawson, manager; David Shimmins, oversman, Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; Patrick Gleckin, brusher, Mid Causeway, Culross; Felix McCairnie, brusher, Forth View Cottages, Low Valleyfield; and, Bernard McClinden, 44 Hall Street, Blantyre, who formerly worked at the Valleyfield pit. According to Sheriff Umpherston, "... the accident might have been prevented if a temporary prop had been set under the stone."

"Dunfermline Press"
8 December, 1923

Thomas Bond (32), pumpsman, residing at Main Street, Torryburn, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday night as the result of injuries received in an unusual accident in No. 1 Pit at Valleyfield Colliery. Bond was working a pump in the colliery during Friday night, when a coil of wire rope, weighing several hundredweights, which had been dislodged from the level above, came hurtling over the embankment. Bond was caught before he could get out of the way and hurled against his engine. His skull was fractured.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
25 March, 1925

Valleyfield Colliery, near Dunfermline, was the scene of a distressing accident on Saturday, which resulted in the death of Samuel Anstis, a 15-year-old pithead boy. The lad fell through a fence at the side of a creeper road, to the ground beneath - a distance of about 20 feet. When picked up he was found to be suffering from severe injuries to the head, from which he died before reaching the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Anstis resided with his father at 8 Main Road, Crombie.

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
13 May, 1925

Mr John Fleming, who has been colliery manager at the Fife Coal Company's Blairenbathie Colliery, has been promoted to the important charge of manager at Valleyfield. He succeeds Mr Andrews, who has been transferred to Kelty district.

"The Scotsman"
15 May, 1925

DEFECTIVE PIT FENCING - YOUNG COLLIER'S DEATH. - The circumstances of a fatal accident at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery were investigated at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday. The victim was a boy of 15, Samuel John Anstis, who was employed as a pithead worker, and who was fatally injured by falling from a scaffold at the screening plant. It was elicited that deceased slipped on the scaffold and fell through an aperture in the fencing from which the middle spar was amissing. Several boys who worked with deceased declared that the spar had been amissing for three weeks, although they had not reported the matter. Colliery officials, however, affirmed that all the pithead fencing was regularly inspected, and one of these, an engineer, declared that the scaffold fencing was intact at least two days before the accident. The jury added to a formal verdict an expression of opinion that the accident was due to a defect in the fencing, which ought to have been repaired.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 December, 1925

A serious accident took place last Saturday in the No. 2 Pit, Low Valleyfield. Thomas Lamond, Cairneyhill, while proceeding to the pit bottom at the end of the shift was overtaken by a runaway hutch, receiving severe injuries. First aid was rendered to the unfortunate man, who was speedily conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, suffering from broken ribs and a crushed jaw bone.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 February, 1926

William Fitzsimmons, jun., (24), cleek hunter, who resided at Bessiebar House, Culross, was the victim of a gas poisoning fatality on Tuesday morning in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd.
At an early hour in the morning, it appears, Fitzsimmons had received orders to take a message to another man's working place. The sender of the message, on arriving later at the working place himself, was surprised to hear that Fitzsimmons had not turned up.
A search was made and the unfortunate man was found lying unconscious in an airway, where he had evidently been overcome by carbon monoxide gas.
Richard Smith, fireman, who resides at Main Street, Newmills, made heroic efforts to rescue Fitzsimmons. Twice he was overcome on entering the airway, and had to be pulled out. No sooner did he recover than he made a third attempt, and was at last able to drag Fitzsimmons out of the affected area. Artificial respiration was then applied, but without success. Deceased, who was unmarried, was a son of Baillie Fitzsimmons, Culross.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 February, 1926
STRIKE AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.
TROUBLE OVER WET DOOKS.

Another of those "lightning" strikes which have brought the Fife coalfields into unenviable notoriety in recent years occurred at Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, this week. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
27 February, 1926
FORMER COLLIERY OFFICIAL'S DEATH.
THE LATE MR WILLIAM LANG.

The death took place, suddenly, at Gullane, on Sunday morning, of Mr William Lang, who had for many years been a prominent official of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. Receiving his early training in the Lanarkshire coalfield, Mr Lang came to Fife as manager of the Wellsgreen Colliery.
From there he was transferred to the Company's Mary Pit at Lochore. From 1912 to 1921, he was manager of the Valleyfield Colliery which he left to become agent of a group of the Company's pits in the Kelty district.
In Lanarkshire, and to a lesser extent in the East of Fife, he had a long experience of gas conditions underground; and it was because of the knowledge he possessed of these conditions that he was called as manager to Valleyfield Colliery. ...

"The Scotsman"
Monday, 1 March, 1926
STRIKE AT A FIFE PIT.
WORK TO BE RESUMED.

In accordance with the decision come to at a meeting on Friday, a ballot of the men employed at the Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.) was taken on Saturday. The ballot, which was confined to the members of the Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan Mineworkers' Association, showed that 193 men were in favour of resuming work, to permit of negotiations being opened with the Fife Coal Company representatives for discussing the grievance which gave rise to the stoppage, and 43 were against a resumption. The Association claims to have a membership of 430 men employed at Valleyfield, and the Reform Miners' Union, which has not so far proposed a ballot, claims a membership of 210. As a result of Saturday's ballot, arrangements were made for the night shift men returning to work last night; and it is expected that the men on the other shifts will resume work underground today. The pit, which normally employs between 700 and 800 persons, had been closed since Tuesday of last week.

"The Scotsman"
12 March, 1926
VICTIM OF FIREDAMP.
HEROISM IN A FIFE MINE.

In presence of Sheriff Umpherston and a mixed jury at Dunfermline yesterday an inquiry was held in connection with the death of William Fitzsimons, jun., pitworker, who died on 16th February in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Fife Coal Company (Ltd.), from asphyxiation by fire-damp.
It was elicited that deceased had entered a road which had been fenced off in consequence of an accumulation of firedamp, and at each end of which there had been displayed "no road" notices in chalk. Part of the road was only about 18 inches square. It was at this point that deceased had been jammed, possibly by a hammer which he carried in his pocket.
Among the witnesses were Richard Smith, pit fireman, Main Street, Low Torrie; Alexander Terris, miner, Main Street, Newmills; Duncan Paterson, miner, Culross; and Laurence McArthur, miner, Newmills. These men described their attempts to rescue deceased from his perilous position. Twice Smith penetrated the gas-laden road, and having been overcome, was dragged back to safety by his comrades. On a third attempt, he managed to attach a piece of brattice cloth to Fitzsimons' feet, by means of which he was dragged to the end of the road. By this time death had taken place.
Mr E. H. Frazer, H. M. Inspector of Mines, called the attention of the jury to the heroism displayed by the four men, and more particularly by Smith, whose action, he said, was worthy of special mention.
The jury found that Fitzsimons' death due to a breach of the regulations made for his own safety. They added an expression of their admiration of the work of Richard Smith and the other three men who tried to rescue Fitzsimons and to recover the body.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 March, 1926

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 William Fitzsimmons, junior, cleek hunter, lately residing at Bessiebar House, Culross, who died on 16 February in No. 1 pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Fife Coal Company Ltd., from asphyxiation by firedamp.
Those giving evidence included:- John Heggie Bell Fleming, colliery manager; Frederick McGahey, fireman; Alexander Terris (27), miner, Grieve Street, Newmills; Duncan Paterson (27), rescuer; David Millar, oversman, High Valleyfield; Laurence McArthur, miner; and Richard Smith (39), fireman, Main Street, Low Torrie.
The Sheriff addressing the jury, suggested that they should add to their verdict a rider to the effect that Fitzsimmons' death was due to a breach of the regulations made for his own safety. His Lordship said he also agreed with the Inspector of Mines in proposing that the jury should add an expression of the admiration of the work of Richard Smith and the others, who tried to rescue Fitzsimmons, and to recover his body. The jury adopted the Sheriff's suggestion.

"Dunfermline Press"
10 April, 1926
ALARMING OCCURRENCE AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.
IGNITION OF GAS.
FIVE MEN INJURED.

Five men were injured by an ignition of gas at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield colliery early yesterday afternoon. The victims of the ignition were Bernard Canavan, 3 Chapel Street, High Valleyfield; Thomas Canavan, 30 Carnegie Street, Dunfermline; Francis Patrick Canavan, Allan's Villa, Low Valleyfield, all stone miners; John Walker, bricklayer, Toll House, Newmills; and Robert Boyce, bricklayer's labourer, Rose Lane, Torryburn.
The men were engaged driving a stone mine at a point about 180 fathoms from the surface. Firedamp had been for some time detected in the place, and the usual steps were taken for clearing it away.
Yesterday, the presence of the firedamp was not suspected. There must have been, however, a fairly large accumulation of gas, probably in the roof. Ignited, it is believed, by a spark from the point of a pick which was being applied by Bernard Canavan, to a hard piece of rock, the flames instantaneously filled the place where the men were working. But for the fact that the place was high - roughly about nine feet - and that there was an ample current of ventilation, an explosion, with appalling consequences, would have resulted. As it was, all the men received burns to exposed parts of the body - faces, arms, and hands - which required to be medically treated at the pit surface by Dr Reid and Dr Shanks, who had been hastily summoned to the colliery. Those of the injured residing near the colliery were able, after treatment, to walk home. The others were conveyed to their residence in ambulances.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 April, 1926
THE VALLEYFIELD ACCIDENT.

The five men who were injured last week by an ignition of gas in Valleyfield Colliery are progressing favourably. In addition to the medical men whose names were mentioned in last Saturday's issue, Dr J. B. Cook was present at the colliery immediately after the accident, and rendered valuable service to the injured men.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 September, 1926

The breakaway in the mining area of West Fife is gaining strength. In the early part of this week, the Fife Coal Company's pit at Valleyfield was opened. Thirty-three men resumed work underground. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
2 October, 1926

MINERS AT WORK. - The breakaway at the Valleyfield Colliery, which took place last week, is still being maintained, and every day the numbers are being augmented. Pickets are trying everything in their power to persuade the men to cease working but have failed to do so. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
11 December, 1926

... Conditions at Valleyfield Colliery are improving slowly as the number finding employment is increasing. Efforts are being made to re-open the closed areas in the pits, which are meeting with much success. With a view to giving employment to as many men as possible, the colliery is working three shifts as before the strike, and upwards of 300 men are at present employed underground.

"Lochgelly Times"
Wednesday, 27 July, 1927
Fife Mining Officials Killed
DOUBLE FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

Two men lost their lives on Monday in trying to discover the cause of an accumulation of gas in Valleyfield Pit, situated to the south of Dunfermline. The deceased, who were both married, were William Cousin, colliery foreman, and Neil McNeil, colliery oversman, and both resided in High Valleyfield.
A third man, Robert Clark, who accompanied the deceased, had a narrow escape.
Valleyfield Pit belongs to the Fife Coal Company, and overlooks the Forth. Every precaution is taken to deal with accumulation of gas, and when the presence of carbon monoxide was reported on Monday, McNeil and Cousin, being the responsible officials, went to investigate. It was thought that during the holidays last week there had been a fall between the main heading and the companion heading, causing an obstruction in the air course.

CHOKING GAS

Leaving their lamps behind, the two men went into the heading. McNeil led the way, and soon collapsed. When he did not return, Cousin made a dash into the working-place, but he also was overcome. Realising the gravity of the situation, Clark, the third man, made a heroic attempt to reach his companions, but felt himself "going" before he went half a dozen paces. He drew back, and before he collapsed he was able to give the alarm to others in the vicinity.

RESCUE ATTEMPTS

A rescue squad was quickly on the scene, and several workmen made gallant efforts to reach their comrades, only to be frustrated by the choking gas.
Higher officials attempted to rescue McNeil and Cousin, but the majority of them collapsed. They were revived before the bodies of the unfortunate men were reached and extricated, extra air currents being meantime directed through the passages.
The affair aroused much sympathy in the neighbourhood, as both men were well-known. McNeil, who was married only last year, had returned during the weekend from a holiday in the Isle of Man. Cousin leaves a widow and two of a family.

"Lochgelly Times"
24 August, 1927

Hugh McMillan, an oncost worker, employed at the Fife Coal Company's No. 2 Valleyfield Pit, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday from injuries he received in the pit on the previous day. He was caught by a runaway hutch on a haulage road, down which he was carried a distance of fifteen yards. He was injured about the head, breast and arms.

"The Scotsman"
23 September, 1927
FIRE-DAMP DANGER.
FIFE MINERS' HEROISM.
H.M. INSPECTOR'S TRIBUTE.

At an inquiry in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday into the death of Neil McNeil, colliery oversman, lately residing at 69 Woodhead Street, and William Hunter Cousin, fireman, lately residing at 48 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, who were asphyxiated by fire-damp on July 25 in No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, tribute was paid to the heroism of a number of miners and officials who endeavoured to rescue their comrades.
H.M. Inspector of Mines (Mr E. H. Frazer), addressing the jury, pointed out that David Jarvie, miner, Forthview Cottages, Low Valleyfield, crawled up the gas-filled heading, and managed to reach the first of the bodies, that of Cousin, and dragged it down a few feet. In doing so he was overcome by gas himself, and would have shared the same fate as the other two men if his comrades had not at once rescued him. A few minutes later they managed to get out the body of Cousin. It required courage to go into the gas, knowing that one was likely to be overcome, the only chance of being brought out depending on a length of shot-firing cable. Nevertheless, James Paterson, Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, the under manager, crawled up on two occasions, and was overcome, and Frank Mackay, another worker, also went up, and was rendered unconscious by gas.
An agent, on behalf of the Fife Coal Co. (Ltd.), expressed their regret at the loss of two trustworthy and valued employees, and associated himself with H.M. Inspector's remarks regarding the heroism of the other workers.
Sheriff Umpherston, addressing the jury, said that one of the objects of these inquiries was to suggest means which would prevent similar accidents happening in the future. But when they found men of long experience and great practical knowledge going into such a danger as this of fire-damp in the mine and being overcome by it, it was obvious that nothing a jury could add to their verdict would have any effect in preventing accidents of a similar kind in the future.
The jury concurred with his Lordship's suggestion, and added to their formal verdict an expression of their admiration for the efforts of the men who tried to save the lives of their comrades.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 August, 1928

... On Saturday morning Thomas Hutton (41), a brusher, who resided at Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, was at work in the north-west splint in No. 1 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery when a dry "lipe" came away from the roof. The falling material struck Hutton on the back of the head, causing a fracture of the skull. Death was practically instantaneous. ...

"The Scotsman"
16 August, 1929
FIFE PIT FATALITY

Hope Cairns (43), miner, Preston Street, High Valleyfield, has died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received as a result of a roof fall in the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Pit. Deceased had just returned to work on recovery from the effects of an accident which he received in the pit two years ago.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 August, 1929

On Monday afternoon, while at work in Lessell's section of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Hope Cairns (43), miner, Preston Street, High Valleyfield, met with an accident which proved fatal. While in the act of making safe his working place, he was struck down by a fall of material from the roof. He was speedily conveyed to the ambulance room on the pithead, where he was attended to by Dr Rae. Thereafter he was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died shortly after admission. Deceased had only been at work a week after having been off for upwards of two years as the result of an accident in the pit.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 October, 1929

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 Hope Thomson Cairns, lately residing at 27 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, who died on 12th August, at Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from injuries received that day in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Fife Coal Company, Ltd., caused by a fall from the roof of his working place. Those giving evidence included:- John Moodie, miner, 32 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield; Duncan Watson Paterson, miner; and Robert John Simpson, colliery fireman, 1 High Street, Kincardine-on-Forth.
The jury added to their formal verdict a rider in accordance with the Sheriff's suggestion.

"Dunfermline Press"
30 November, 1929

A public meeting was held in the Miners' Welfare Institute, Valleyfield, on Sunday afternoon, for the purpose of discussing the proposed erection of baths at the colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 December, 1929

On Tuesday forenoon, while working in the 5 ft. section of No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Thomas Duffin, Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline, had a miraculous escape from serious injury. He was caught and buried beneath a large fall of material from the roof. For upwards of an hour a rescue party strenuously worked to release him. In this they were eventually successful. They conveyed Duffin to the first-aid station, where it was found that, apart from the severe shock received, his bodily hurts were not very extensive. After attention by the attendant he was taken home. Duffin owes his escape to the fact that a large tree supported the loose pieces of roof.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 January, 1930

COLLIERY APPOINTMENT. - The friends of Mr John Shimmins, who was for several years under-manager at the Valleyfield Colliery, will be pleased to learn of his appointment as manager with the Summerlee Iron and Coal Company. ... Mr Shimmins will be best remembered at Valleyfield for his work under the late colliery manager, Mr Wm. Lang, with whom he served for many years. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
25 January, 1930

PITHEAD BATHS. - Following the decision of a public meeting held recently of the workers at the Valleyfield Colliery balloted on Monday on the question of pithead baths, the vote resulted as follows:- For, 380; against, 192.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 February, 1930

While at work in the five feet section of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Monday afternoon, Frank Short, Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, met with a serious accident, as a result of which he received a severe scalp wound and injuries to the shoulder and back.
The accident was caused by a runaway hutch travelling at a very high speed. He was attended to by Dr Rae, Culross, at the ambulance station, where it was found necessary to put several stitches into the wound on the head. He was afterwards conveyed home in the ambulance waggon.

"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 22 February, 1930

James Martin (23), a miner's drawer, who resided at 9 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, met with a fatal accident on Tuesday morning in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited.
While at work at the foot of an incline in the five foot section, he was struck by a runaway loaded hutch. Suffering from severe abdominal injuries he was conveyed to the ambulance station, and after being attended to by Dr Rae he was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he died at about five o'clock the same day.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 March, 1930
VALLEYFIELD - SHORT TIME AT THE PIT.

The miners employed at the local colliery are experiencing short time, as they were idle on Friday and Saturday last week and again on Wednesday this week.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 March, 1930
COLLIERY OFFICIALS

A change of officials has taken place at the Valleyfield and Hill of Beath Collieries, the managers exchanging positions. Mr J. Fleming, Valleyfield, goes to Hill of Beath and Mr Dewar to Valleyfield.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 March, 1930
COLLIERY OFFICIALS

PIT ACCIDENT. - While at work in the Valleyfield Colliery on Tuesday, Andrew Drysdale, miner, met with a serious accident through a piece of coal falling upon him. He was attended to by Dr Cook, Newmills, after which he was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from a broken arm and other injuries.

"The Scotsman"
21 March, 1930
FIFE PIT FATALITIES
Jury's Comments in Two Inquiries

Unusual circumstances were disclosed in two inquiries in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday with regard to fatal accidents which had occurred recently in West Fife pits. ...
Comment was made on the method of erecting haulage props in course of an inquiry regarding the death of James Martin, coal miner, 9 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, who received fatal injuries by being struck by a runaway hutch in No. 1 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery.
It was stated that immediately after the haulage prop was erected, a loaded hutch was sent down an incline. It had only travelled about four yards when the haulage tree became displaced, with the result that the hutch ran down the incline and injured Martin.
The jury added to their formal verdict a rider to the effect that Martin ought not to have been on the haulage road at the same time the haulage was running; and that, if a safety tree had been used in front of the haulage tree, the accident would not have happened.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 March, 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 James Martin, coal miner, 9 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, who died from injuries received that day in No. 1 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, by being struck by a runaway hutch.
Those giving evidence included:- Robert Ross, miner, 9 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Joseph Fleming, colliery roadsman, 64 Chalmers Street, Dunfermline; David Stewart, miner, 44 Chalmers Street, Dunfermline; and John McVickers, underground fireman, Kerr's Buildings, Newmills.
Sheriff Umpherston said he thought there were two matters to which the jury might refer. One was that Martin ought not to have been on the haulage road at the time the haulage was running; and the other was that, if a safety tree had been used in front of the haulage tree, the accident would not have happened. To their formal verdict the jury added a rider to that effect.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 March, 1930

COLLIERY IDLE. - The workers at Valleyfield Colliery are again experiencing idle time, the pits being closed on Wednesday. This continued idle time is causing some uneasiness and hardships among the workers, this being the third week out of four during which idle days have been experienced.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 June, 1930

IDLE PITS. - The pits at the local colliery were idle last Saturday, the stoppage affecting upwards of 400 men.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 July, 1930

IDLE PITS. - During the past week, idle time has been again experienced at the local colliery when the pits were closed for two days. The recurrent idle days are causing much uneasiness locally.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 October, 1930

Thomas Reid, miner, 55 years of age, residing at Chapel Street, Kincardine-on-Forth, met with a serious accident while at work in the north mine section of No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. A large piece of coal fell upon him, fracturing his right leg in two places. After being attended to at the pithead by Dr McDougall, he was conveyed by ambulance to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 October, 1930

On Monday forenoon, Wm. Johnson, Woodhead Street, and John Hodgson, Preston Street, High Valleyfield, while working in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, met with a serious accident. They were caught by a fall of material from the side of the roadway where they, along with several others, were at work. Both received severe wounds and also suffered from shock.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 November, 1930

ASSISTING COLLIERY WORKERS. - At a "free-and-easy" held in the Valleyfield Tavern on Saturday evening, three colliery workers were made the recipients of monetary gifts from their fellow-workmates of the Valleyfield Colliery. The gifts were handed over by ex-Councillor Pat Flood, who made reference to the high esteem in which the guests are held, and expressed sympathy with them on being numbered among the others who are being dismissed from the colliery at the present time.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 January, 1931
DEVELOPMENT AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.

There is a possibility of extensive developments taking place in the near future at the Fife Coal Company's large and up-to-date colliery at Valleyfield. Hitherto the development of the colliery has been restricted owing to the absence of electrical power, which, according to the mining regulations, cannot be operated underground in mines where there is danger arising from fire-damp. It is now hoped that, with the introduction of certain mining methods, permission may be granted for the installation of electrical power underground. If such permission is given, a rapid development in the work of the colliery is anticipated, with a consequent increase in output and in the number of men employed.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1931

On Saturday morning, John Sneddon, miner, Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, met with a serious accident while working in the five-foot section of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. While engaged along with others in righting a loaded hutch which has been derailed, he was crushed against a roof support by a hutch. Sneddon, who was speedily extricated, was taken to the ambulance room, where he was attended to by Dr McDougall, Newmills. Suffering from injuries to the lower part of the body, he was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 February, 1931
DISMISSALS AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.
ONLY ONE SHIFT TO BE WORKED.

During the last few weeks the workers at Valleyfield Colliery have been experiencing much idle time, having only four days' work per week. This week all the workers have been given fourteen days' notice to terminate their employment. It is not the intention of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., to close down altogether at Valleyfield, but a very large number of men will be thrown idle at the end of the fourteen days, as the colliery will only be worked one shift, instead of two as at present. Meantime, the men are being asked to apply for re-engagement prior to the end of the fourteen days. A concession is being offered to the occupants of the Company's houses, to whom a first preference will be given for employment available.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 March, 1931
200 MINERS DISMISSED AT VALLEYFIELD.

At the termination of the dismissal notices issued to the workers at Valleyfield Colliery by the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., the pits were reopened with a 200 reduction of employees. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
11 April, 1931

On Thursday evening, a serious accident befell Charles Park (17), son of Mrs Park, Main Street, Newmills, in course of his employment in No. 2 Pit Valleyfield Colliery. He was operating a steam winch, when his right hand slipped from the lever and became entangled in the pinion wheels. He had the presence of mind to apply the brake to the winder, but before he could extricate his hand two of the fingers had been badly lacerated. After being attended to at the pithead by Dr Cook, Newmills, Park was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate the injured digits.

"The Scotsman"
30 May, 1931
SECTION OF FIFE PIT CLOSED

Notices have been posted at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, near Dunfermline, to the effect that the Diamond section of No. 2 pit will be closed shortly. This will affect upwards of 100 workers. Following upon the recent curtailment of work involving the suspension of the whole of the back shift men, the intimation is creating some anxiety in the villages adjoining the colliery. The management have indicated that they will endeavour to find employment for as many men as possible in other sections of the colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 July, 1931
GAS IGNITION AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.
FOUR MEN INJURED.

Four men were injured as the result of an ignition of gas in No. 2 Pit Valleyfield Colliery, on Thursday afternoon.
The accident occurred in the North Mine Section of the pit shortly after the backshift men had begun work.
Four of the men received burning injuries about the face and body, and they were immediately conveyed to the surface, where they were attended to by Dr Cook and Dr McDougall.
The most seriously injured was David Strathie, miner, 42 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield. He was found to be suffering from extensive burning injuries from the waist upwards. The other three men were:- Joseph Morrison, miner, 44 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, who had burns about the face, head, neck, arms, and back; Thomas Shimmins, fireman, 12 Forthview Cottages, Low Valleyfield, who was burned about the face, head, hands, and wrists; and William Dobbin, drawer, 26 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, whose face and left shoulder were burned.
Strathie, Morrison, and Shimmins were removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and Dobbin was assisted to his home. On inquiry last night, it was learned that the condition of the three men in hospital was still regarded as serious.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 July, 1931
VALLEYFIELD MINER'S FATAL INJURIES.

David Strathie, miner, 42 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, who received extensive burning injuries as the result of an ignition of gas in the No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Thursday of last week, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday morning. The other two men, who were removed to hospital after the accident - Joseph Morrison, miner, 44 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, and Thomas Shimmins, Low Valleyfield - are reported to be progressing favourably.
Upwards of 200 of deceased's workmates attended the funeral, which took place on Tuesday afternoon. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. J. Y. Stewart, St Kentigern's Church, Culross.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 October, 1931

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 David Strathie, 42 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died on 11th July in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from burning injuries received by him on 9th July in No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, in course of his industrial employment as a miner.
Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Colin Morrison, underground fireman, 18 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Robert Muir, oversman, 67 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Thomas Shimmins, underground fireman, 12 Forthview Cottage, Low Valleyfield; Joseph Morrison, miner, 44 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; William Dobbin, drawer, 26 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Sergeant Park, Newmills; Alexander Dewar, manager; and Harold Taylor Foster, H. M. Senior Inspector of Mines. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 October, 1931
VALLEYFIELD MINER'S NARROW ESCAPE.

At the Valleyfield Colliery, Harry Arthur, miner, had a very narrow escape through being overcome by gas. When discovered by his mate, who had only left him for a short time, he was lying unconscious. With great presence of mind, his fellow-worker bent down and dragged him into purer air. In spite of first-aid treatment Arthur remained unconscious, and was hurriedly conveyed to the pit bottom, where he was attended to by Dr McDougal, Newmills, who had descended the pit in response to an urgent call. After examination Arthur was raised to the surface, and at the ambulance station was revived by the pumping of oxygen into his lungs. After recovering sufficiently he was conveyed home by ambulance.
Arthur is a prominent member of the local Football Club and other associations.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 November, 1931

FIREMEN'S EXAMINATION. - At a recent examination for colliery firemen in Valleyfield Colliery, conducted by Mr J. Ford, safety inspector, Fife Coal Company, Ltd., the following were successful:- James Crombie, George Marshall, Alexander Ross, sen., Wm. Ross, Duncan Paterson. Mr Ford complimented the Valleyfield firemen on their high standard of efficiency with regard to matters pertaining to firemen's duties as far as gassy mines were concerned.

"Dunfermline Press"
23 January, 1932
MACHINERY BREAKDOWN AT
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.
500 MEN IDLE.

A mechanical breakdown, which took place at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery on Sunday, has temporarily thrown out of employment a large section of the miners. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
20 August, 1932

James Fox (54), miner, 7 Valleyfield Avenue, High Valleyfield, lies in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from serious injuries received in the accident in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Friday of last week. Fox was working in No. 6 heading of the Dean Section when a fall of coal occurred near the top of the heading. The coal slid down the gradient on top of Fox, causing injuries to his head, fracturing two of his ribs, and amputating the middle finger of his left hand. He was conveyed by ambulance to hospital, where he is progressing favourably.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 October, 1932
VALLEYFIELD PIT FATALITY.
HEROIC RESCUE ATTEMPTS.

A fatal accident occurred in No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Thursday afternoon. The victim was Robert Duff (55), miner, residing at 24 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline.
He was working along with his son, Donald Duff (210, in the five feet section when, without warning, a large portion of the coal face burst. The younger Duff, who was engaged near the outer edge of the fall, had time to step clear, but he had the terrible experience of witnessing his father being buried beneath a quantity of coal and stone, estimated to weigh about ten tons.
A rescue party, one of whom was Duff's son, was soon at work, under the supervision of Mr Alexander Dewar, manager of the colliery, and Mr John Sloan, the under-manager. It was in circumstances of grave danger that the rescuers performed their arduous task. Their lives were repeatedly threatened by subsequent falls from the roof, but they completely disregarded their personal safety, and redoubled their efforts in the hope that they would be able to rescue their comrade from his perilous position. At the expiry of a couple of hours the debris had been sufficiently cleared to enable Duff to be located. By that time he was beyond human aid, death having evidently taken place instantaneously with the fall. The body had just been recovered and was being conveyed to a roadway when another heavy fall took place.
Others besides the manager, under-manager, and Donald Duff who took part in the heroic rescue operations were John Dinwoodie and Alexander McGowan, miners.
When, shortly after eight o'clock, the rescue party reached the pithead, the manager, in conversation with a Press representative, said that the work of the rescue party in their endeavour to reach their comrade was beyond all praise.
Following the accident, work was entirely suspended for twenty-four hours in both Nos. 1 and 2 Pits.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 December, 1932

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 Robert Duff, 24 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline, who was killed on 13th October in the underground workings of No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, by a fall from the roof of his working place. Those giving evidence included: Henry Duncan, miner, 39 Parkneuk; Donald Duff, miner, 24 Rumblingwell Street, Dunfermline, son of the deceased; and Thomas Guthrie, fireman, 12 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 January, 1933

While at work in the five-feet section of the No. 2 Pit at Valleyfield on Monday afternoon, Thos. Stevenson (16), wincher, son of Mr Chas. Stevenson, Grieve Street, Low Valleyfield, met with a serious accident as a result of which he has lost three fingers of the left hand. The unfortunate lad was attending to the machine when his hand was caught by the wheels. He was speedily conveyed to the first aid station, where medical aid was given by Dr Cook, Newmills, who ordered his removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 April, 1933
VALLEYFIELD.

MINING RECORD. - On Saturday, a large number of mining students visited the local colliery and made a tour of the pits. The chief attraction was the great stone mine being driven by Mr Thos. Myles. Here the students saw the latest methods of stone mining and roof supports, the latter being of steel girders. The party was accompanied by the colliery officials, and it was learned that the mine is being constructed at a rate of eleven fathoms per day. It is understood that at the present rate of boring, Mr Myles is setting up records never before reached in that class of work.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 September, 1933

John Laing (33), stone miner, residing at 10 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, met with a serious accident in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Friday of last week. While engaged dressing the side of the mine, preparatory to the insertion of a girder, he observed a small stone hanging from the roof.
He was in the act of clearing the stone and had stepped back to permit it to come away, when a larger stone, weighing almost five cwts fell from the side of the mine. He was in the act of jumping clear of the falling stone when his foot slipped, and, falling, he was struck by the stone.
Dr Cook, who examined Laing at the pithead, found that the left leg had been badly fractured. The doctor ordered the man's removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate the injured leg at a point below the knee.

"Dunfermline Press"
14 October, 1933

John McCrae, miner, Main Street, Newmills, lies in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from a fractured leg and injuries to his head and arms, as a result of an accident in No. 2 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. He was at work in the Jewel section, when he was accidentally crushed between two moving hutches. Before being removed to hospital, he was attended to by Dr MacDougall, Newmills.

"The Scotsman"
22 December, 1933
FATAL PIT ACCIDENT
Rescue Party's Long Rescue Efforts in Fife

Distressing circumstances were associated with a fatal accident which occurred yesterday morning in the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, near Dunfermline. The victim was William Ross (36), a colliery fireman, who resided at Main Street, Newmills. At about three o'clock in the morning Ross was making an inspection, when there was an extensive fall of coal, completely burying him. A rescue party immediately set to work in an endeavour to extricate him, but it was not until one o'clock in the afternoon that Ross was located. When the body was partially cleared, he was found to be dead. The rescue party had to continue their operations for some time before the body could be extricated.

"Dunfermline Press"
23 December, 1933
VALLEYFIELD PIT FATALITY.
FIREMAN BURIED UNDER "FALL".

A colliery fireman, William Ross, who resided at Main Street, Newmills, met with his death under distressing circumstances in Valleyfield Colliery on Thursday. In course of his usual round of inspection, Ross was in the five foot seam at about three o'clock in the morning when an extensive fall of coal took place, completely burying him. Hugh Grattan, a Valleyfield miner who was working in the vicinity, narrowly escaped being caught by the fall.
Although a rescue party immediately set to work to extricate Ross, it was not until one o'clock in the afternoon that he was located, and when the fall was partially cleared away it was found that the unfortunate man was dead. The men had to continue their operations for a considerable time before the body could be extricated. Deceased, who was 36 years of age, leaves a widow.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 February, 1934

Near the end of his shift in Valleyfield Pit, on Wednesday afternoon, William Trafford, Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, met with a serious accident. While he was performing his usual duties as an oncost worker a large stone fell from the roof and struck him, causing injuries to the head and abdomen. After medical attention he was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"The Scotsman"
23 February, 1934
MINER BURIED BY FALL
Fife Men's Heroic Rescue Efforts
"VERY DANGEROUS" WORK

At an inquiry in Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday into the death of William Ross, colliery fireman, Low Torrie, Newmills, who was killed by a roof fall on December 21, 1933, in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, H.M. Inspector of Mines (Mr H. C. W. Roberts) paid tribute to the heroism of a squad of miners who worked under dangerous conditi Ross, after examining a heading, warned several miners that it was not safe, and they went to work elsewhere. Later, he returned to make a further examination of the heading, and had proceeded a short distance, when the roof burst, and there was a fall of about 120 tons of coal. The roof continued to fall, and in order to get to Ross, a squad of men had to cut another road.
H.M. Inspector said the work of recovery was really very dangerous, and the men taking part in it were to be congratulated on what they did. He mentioned particularly Hugh Gratton and James Myles. Gratton narrowly escaped being caught by the fall, but carried on for the whole period of ten hours until the body was recovered. The jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 February, 1934

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 William Ross, colliery fireman, Low Torrie, Newmills, who was killed on 21st December in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, as the result of a roof fall.
Those giving evidence included: Hugh Gratton, miner, 41 Preston Street, High Valleyfield; Robert Rae Aitchison, colliery manager; and H. M. Inspector of Mines Mr H. C. W. Roberts. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
30 June, 1934

Jacob Pollock, bricklayer, Torryburn, met with a serious accident while at work at Valleyfield Colliery last week. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
11 August, 1934

A proposal to install pithead baths at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery was revived at a meeting of the men employed at the colliery held in the Miners' Welfare Institute on Sunday afternoon. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
15 September, 1934

Ralph Stewart, miner, Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield, met with a serious accident while at work on Wednesday forenoon in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery. While employed at the creepers at the pit bottom he had his left arm fractured and received injuries to the right leg. After being attended to at the ambulance station by Dr MacDougall, he was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
13 October, 1934

David Beveridge, machineman, Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, met with an accident while at work in the Preston 5 feet section of the Valleyfield Pit. The accident, as a result of which Beveridge's right leg was broken, took place shortly after he had started work on the backshift. He was assisting in setting in motion a coal cutting machine when a wire rope struck him on the leg. After being medically attended to by Dr Cook, Newmills, Beveridge was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"The Scotsman"
31 October, 1934
FATAL ACCIDENT IN FIFE MINE

Arthur Brunton (41), stone miner, Preston Street, High Valleyfield, received fatal injuries in a shot-firing accident at Valleyfield Colliery yesterday. He was found in the Milton Mine after a shot had been fired, and he succumbed to his injuries while being conveyed to the pithead. Brunton is survived by his widow and two children.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 December, 1934

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 stone miner named Arthur Brunton, 21 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, who died on 30th October, at No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Limited, from the effects of injuries sustained by him through being struck by material projected by a shot of explosive. Those giving evidence included: Colin Morrison, fireman, 18 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, and William Playfair, stone miner, Backmuir, Carnock Road. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
12 October, 1935

While working at the pithead at Valleyfield Colliery on Wednesday morning, Thomas Hutton (15), 6 Dunimarle Street, High Valleyfield, received a fracture of the right arm as a result of its being caught between two hutches. He also suffered from shock, and had to be removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"The Scotsman"
16 October, 1935
FIFE MINERS ON STRIKE
About 1700 Men Affected
GRIEVANCES AT TWO PITS

About 1700 miners were idle in Fife yesterday as a result of strikes at two pits.
At the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery negotiations have been proceeding for some time on the question of deductions from wages in respect of extraneous material in the hutches filled by the men. The negotiations had not been successful, and, as a result, work was suspended, without notices having been lodged. The position is that negotiations will not be resumed until the men, numbering about 800, return to work. This is in accordance with the policy adopted by the Fife Coal Company.

At Blairhall Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron Co., a strike, which brought the pit to a standstill, began yesterday morning, the notices of the men having expired on the previous night. At this colliery, which employs 900 men, the grievance of the men is that strippers and certain grades of oncost workers are inadequately remunerated.

"The Scotsman"
19 October, 1935
FIFE COLLIERY STRIKES
Work at Blairhall to be Resumed
Majority of Men Accept Terms

Yesterday a ballot of the men employed at the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Colliery took place with regard to an offer by the Company to increase, by one shilling per shift, the wages of certain grades of underground workers.
The ballot showed a large majority of the men to be in favour of accepting the terms offered.
Work, which has been suspended at the colliery since the beginning of the week, will be partially resumed tomorrow, and there will be a complete resumption on Monday. Eight hundred men are normally employed at the colliery.
At the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, where a "lightning" strike took place on Tuesday, the question in dispute still awaits settlement. The grievance of the men at this colliery is as to the amount of deductions made in respect of extraneous material sent up the pit with the coal. The colliery employs approximately 900 men.
The dispute will be one of the subjects of discussion at a special meeting of the Executive Board of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union today.

"The Scotsman"
23 October, 1935
FIFE PIT DISPUTES
Short Stoppage at Blairhall
SEQUEL TO A STRIKE

There was an unexpected stoppage of work yesterday morning at the Blairhall Colliery, Fife, of the Coltness Iron Co. (Ltd.), where the pit employees had returned to work on the previous day after a strike lasting for a week. It was alleged by the men that one of the miners had been victimised, and a strike was resorted to.
In the course of the forenoon a deputation of the men met the manager of the colliery, and the matter was satisfactorily adjusted. Work was resumed by the back shift men in the afternoon, and there will be complete resumption of work today.

The miners at the Fife Coal Company's colliery at Valleyfield were still idle yesterday, notwithstanding a recommendation by the Executive Board of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union that work be resumed pending negotiations with the Company's officials to settle the dispute, which arose over the question of the amount of deductions from miners' wages in respect of "dirt" filled with the coal. Nine hundred men have been idle since Tuesday last week.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 February, 1936
MINING STUDENTS VISIT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY.

The boys attending the Mining Safety First Evening Class at Torryburn School visited Valleyfield Colliery on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. They were conducted through the underground workings and shown the different machines by their teacher, Mr Hugh H. Russell. Much valuable information was gained.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 April, 1936

When Charles Robertson, miner, 22 Mid Beveridgewell, Dunfermline, was descending the iron stair from the pithead to the ground level at the end of the shift at Valleyfield Colliery on Wednesday evening, he slipped and fell a considerable distance receiving head injuries and badly bruised ribs. He was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
29 August, 1936
TOWNHILL MINER'S DEATH.

Lindsay McKenzie (56), a brusher who resided at 73 Main Street, Townhill, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Tuesday morning as the result of injuries received in an accident in Valleyfield Colliery last Friday night. He was struck by a fall of material from the roof of his working place, and was crushed about the lower part of the body. He was taken to his home and later removed to hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 September, 1936

Peter Jaap, a young pitworker, residing at Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield, was injured in an accident in the underground workings of Valleyfield Colliery on Wednesday. He was uncoupling a chain between two races of hutches when the hutches bumped together, fracturing his left wrist. After his injury had been attended to at the ambulance room, he was taken to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, and later allowed home.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 September, 1936

Frances McGowan, miner, 125 Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline, had one of his arms fractured through being caught by a fall of coal from the face in the Milton main section of Valleyfield Colliery on Monday. After being attended to in the ambulance room by Dr McDougall, McGowan was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
31 October, 1936

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 Lindsay Ramsay McKenzie, 73 Main Street, Townhill, Dunfermline, who died on 25th August in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., as the result of a roof fall. Those giving evidence included David McIntyre (48), contractor brusher, 121 Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
31 October, 1936

COLLIERY. - Thirty employees of Valleyfield Colliery were thrown idle due to a "fault" in the workings of Culross, No. 5 Section. The "slip" in the strata is believed to be of considerable depth.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 May, 1937
VALLEYFIELD PIT ACCIDENT.
NARROW ESCAPE OF THREE MEN.

While carrying out an examination of No. 2 shaft of Valleyfield Colliery on Monday night, three men - Alexander Guthrie, shaftsman, 29 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, and John Green and J. Pickersgill, employees of the firm at present sinking the shaft at Comrie Colliery, were descending the shaft, now used mainly as an escape, in a "kettle" suspended from the bottom of the cage. The cage stuck, and when it became clear, all at once dropped a distance of forty feet. The men were badly bruised, and received severe shock.
Although suffering great pain, Guthrie assisted Pickersgill to climb to the landing stage, returned with a rope to pull up Green, and went down a third time to remove the "kettle".

"Dunfermline Press"
1 May, 1937
MINER INJURED AT VALLEYFIELD.

James Fox, 7 Valleyfield Avenue, High Valleyfield, was crushed by a fall of coal in the Preston Dip section of Valleyfield Colliery on Monday. He was found to be suffering from head and shoulder injuries.

"The Scotsman"
16 June, 1937
Fife Pit

Lord Rockley. chairman, Sir Malcolm Delevigne, Mr David Grenfell, M.P.; Mr E. O. Forster Brown, and other members of the Royal Commission on Safety in Mines paid a visit yesterday to Valleyfield Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company (Ltd.) The deputation spent about three hours underground examining the various methods of working.
The members of the Commission were accompanied by Mr C. Augustus Carlow, managing director of the Fife Coal Company; Mr K. H. McNeill, agent; Dr William Reid; Mr Robert Aitchison, manger of the colliery; and the chairman and secretary of the local branch of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union.
When the members of the Commission returned to the surface they were met by Mr James Cook, general secretary, and two of the agents of the Fife Miners' Union, who discussed with them informally some aspects of the work upon which the Commission is engaged.
Lord Rockley, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed thanks for the courteous and helpful manner in which they had been received by the Fife Coal Company representatives, and Mr Carlow briefly replied.

"Dunfermline Press"
7 August, 1937

Alexander Scott (30), miner, West Green, Culross, was seriously injured as the result of an accident on Tuesday forenoon while at work in the Dunfermline Splint seam in Valleyfield Colliery. Scott, who was employed as a stripper in the Preston Section, was in a sitting position with his left leg under him. While he was in that position there was a gradual crush - down from the roof, and Scott, unable to move, shouted for help. He was partly buried by the fall. On being extricated, he was taken on a stretcher to the pithead, where he was examined by Dr Menzies. Suffering from severe injuries to his back, Scott was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 November, 1937
FATAL RESULT OF VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY ACCIDENT.

Alexander Scott (30), West Green, Culross, who, on 3rd August, was seriously injured as the result of an accident while at work in the Dunfermline Splint seam of Valleyfield Colliery, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday.
Mr Scott took a great interest in sport and played for several years for the Valleyfield and Torrie Juvenile Football Clubs. The funeral to Culross Cemetery on Wednesday was largely attended. Deceased is survived by his wife and four children.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 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 a miner named Alexander Scott, West Green, Culross, who died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on 30th October from the effects of injuries sustained by him on 3rd August in the underground workings of Valleyfield Colliery, by a fall from the roof.
Those giving evidence included: James Hendry (38), miner, Parleyhill, Culross; Colin Morrison (49), colliery underground fireman, 18 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Alexander Ross, junior (33), colliery underground supervisor, Main Street, Torryburn; and Elizabeth Sinclair (23), a nurse in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 March, 1938

David Duncan (32), surface worker, Low Causeway, Culross, received injuries to his back on Monday evening when struck by a piece of falling material at Valleyfield Colliery pithead. He was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"Dunfermline Press"
21 May, 1938
VALLEYFIELD RAILWAY FATALITY.

... The last inquiry was in regard to the death of David Wilson Morgan, railway surfaceman, The Mansions, Main Street, Cairneyhill, who was killed on the 5th April on the Kincardine Railway, near Valleyfield Colliery signal cabin, through being run over by a train of waggons.
Those giving evidence included: Joseph Hunter, colliery shunter, 31 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield; James Morgan, 10 Preston Street, High Valleyfield (driver of a shunting engine); John Howie, 42 Whirlbut Street, Dunfermline; and Constable G. H. Dakers, Low Valleyfield. The jury returned a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 June, 1938
VALLEYFIELD PIT FATALITY.
MEN BURIED UNDER ROOF FALL.

For several hours on Tuesday, miners struggled to extricate two pit workers who were buried under a heavy fall of material from the roof in Valleyfield Colliery. When they were eventually released, one of them, James Gillespie (68), pit repairer, West Green, Culross, was found to be dead. His companion, William Morris (29), stripper, escaped with injuries to his legs. He was working his second shift at Valleyfield. Previously he was engaged at Blairhall Colliery.
Gillespie and Morris were working in the Preston Splint Section when an extensive fall occurred. Morris failed in an effort to drag Gillespie clear, and both men were caught by the fall, Gillespie being completely buried. A stone which had fallen at an angle protected Morris's head, but his legs were pinned under fallen debris. He was able to shout directions to the workers who came to the rescue. Two further falls occurred and some time elapsed before the men could be released.
Gillespie was a well-known figure in Culross district. For a number of years he was Burgh Officer of Culross and served for a spell as a member of the Town Council. He is survived by his wife and a grown-up family.
Among the large numbers of mourners at the funeral to Culross West Kirkyard on Thursday were Bailie Macdonald, Hon. Treasurer Yates, and Messrs Paterson and Beveridge, members of Culross Town Council. Many beautiful floral tributes were laid on the grave. The officiating clergymen were the Rev. J. Y. Stewart, St Kentigern's Church, and the Rev. J. M. Gow, Culross Abbey.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 June, 1938
SECTION OF VALLEYFIELD PIT CLOSED.

It was intimated at a meeting of Valleyfield miners, held by the Miners' Union on Sunday, that the officials had been notified that the Fife Coal Company had decided to cease working operations in the Preston splint section, and to proceed with the withdrawal of all machinery in that section immediately.
This will result in about one hundred men being thrown idle, but the Company have signified that the period of idleness will be of a temporary nature as arrangements will be made to accommodate the men in other parts of the colliery.
Mr Dan McKeeman, president of the branch, fully explained the position.

"Dunfermline Press"
16 July, 1938

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 James Gillespie, West End, Culross, who was killed by a roof fall on 14th June in the underground workings of No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. Those giving evidence included: William Morris (29), miner, 153 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline; John Cowan (28), miner, Gallowridge Cottage. Low Valleyfield; and Alexander Ross, jun. (34), colliery supervisor, Main Street, Torryburn. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
7 January, 1939
COLLIERY OFFICIAL'S RETIREMENT.

On the occasion of his retirement, Mr Thomas Borland, mining manager to Scottish Oils, Ltd., at West Calder, has been presented with parting gifts. A son of the late Mr Thomas Borland, himself a well-known colliery manager in Fife, Mr Borland was manager at the old Tulliallan Colliery and was later one of the first managers at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
28 January, 1939
BLACK-OUT AT VALLEYFIELD.

A breakdown in the electricity generating plant at Valleyfield Colliery on Thursday evening caused a black-out lasting about two hours. Valleyfield Miners' Welfare Institute and Newmills Kinema, which are supplied with current from the colliery, were also affected. At the Institute candles were put into use, while at the picture house, where the entertainment was about to commence, patrons had their money refunded.

"Dunfermline Press"
11 February, 1939
VALLEYFIELD MINER'S ESCAPE.

James Strathie, machineman, 51 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, had a remarkable escape from serious injury when involved in an accident in the Preston Dip section of Valleyfield Colliery, on Tuesday evening. He was moving a coal-cutting machine to a lower part of the steep brae, when it unexpectedly gathered speed and crashed into and dislodged woodwork supporting the roof. Part of the roof fell on his legs, but by the prompt action of two workmates - Bernard Canavan and Richard Smith - he was extricated before a further fall took place. After attention by Dr McDougal, at the colliery ambulance room, he was removed to his home suffering from torn back muscles and a badly bruised right arm.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 April, 1939
DEATH OF VALLEYFIELD OFFICIAL.

Mr Hugh H. Russell, Rosehill House, Newmills, died on Saturday following a long illness. He was a recognised expert in mining survey work, and for fourteen years as surveyor at Valleyfield Colliery his services were highly appreciated. He was previously engaged at the Newmains and Blairhall Collieries of the Coltness Iron Company. An ardent supporter of safety-first methods in mines, he acted as teacher of the class for youths on that subject at Torryburn continuation classes. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
3 June, 1939
VALLEYFIELD YOUTH'S FATAL INJURIES.

Charles Irvine (19), pithead worker, 19 Burns Street, High Valleyfield, who was injured in an accident at the pithead died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital at the weekend. Irvine fell from a platform leading to the screening plant on to the railway line, and received head injuries.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 June, 1939
VALLEYFIELD MINER'S EXPERIENCE.

James Reid, packer, 25 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, had a terrifying experience at Valleyfield Colliery on Monday evening. Along with his mate, John Moodie, 21 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, he was engaged repairing the roof in the Culross 5-feet section when all at once it gave way, and although Moodie was able to reach a safe position, the lower parts of Reid's legs were pinned to the ground and he was fixed in a crouching position.
Rescuers were quickly on the scene, and under the supervision of the manager and under-manager, Messrs R. Aitchison and J. Sloan, commenced their dangerous task. Great care had to be taken to prevent a further fall.
Despite the ordeal, Reid kept remarkably calm and talked to the workmates around him. He was provided with restoratives during the operations.
After fully four hours he was extricated and carried to a waiting bogey, specially constructed for conveying stretchers, and removed to the pit bottom. At the pithead he was attended to by Dr McDougall and afterwards taken by ambulance to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. An X-ray examination showed that no bones of his legs were broken, and he is now making satisfactory progress.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 July, 1939

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 Charles Irvine, jun., (19), pithead worker, 19 Burns Street, High Valleyfield, who died on 26th May in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from the effects of injuries received by him on 15th May at Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., caused by his falling from the pithead gantry to the ground. Those giving evidence included: Adam T. Berwick (16), 12 Grieve Street, Low Valleyfield; William Hunter, 1 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield; Thomas Dawson Watt, labourer, Kerr's Buildings, Main Street, Newmills; George H. Dakers, police constable, Low Valleyfield; and William Pender (17), pithead worker, Braeside Cottage, Low Valleyfield.
After the jury had had a consultation, the foreman intimated that they desired to add to their formal verdict a suggestion that the railing should be at least six to twelve inches higher, and netted.

"The Scotsman"
20 October, 1939
FIFE COLLIERY UNDER-MANAGER KILLED

Yesterday forenoon a fatal accident occurred at the Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd. The victim was John Sloan, the pit under-manager, who was caught and almost instantaneously killed by a large stone which fell upon him from the roof in the Diamond section. Sloan, who was married, and resided at Woodneuk, Low Valleyfield, was a well-known personality in the village, in most of the social and other organisations of which he took a great interest.

REPORT OF FATAL ACCIDENT TO JOHN SLOAN (51), UNDERMANAGER,
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY, ON THURSDAY, 19^th OCTOBER, 1939,
AT ABOUT 10.10 a.m. (5^th Hour.)

INJURIES:- Asphyxia caused by compression of trachea and chest; fracture of left humerus.

John Sloan met his death when returning to investigate the results of a shot which he had personally fired in a badly faulted area at the face of No. 2 Diamond Unit, Culross Area, Valleyfield Colliery, just after 10 a.m. on Thursday, 19^th inst. In order to ensure sufficient clearance for the new belt track, he decided it was necessary to blast down a portion of a V-shaped slickenside which projected about 2 ft. below the normal height and across the new belt track. He charged the shot-hole himself with 4 oz. of "Polar Viking" and, after making certain that all men in the vicinity had taken adequate shelter, personally fired the shot. When returning to the locus of the shot, crawling on his hands and knees, a portion of the slickenside suddenly slipped out and pinned him to the floor. While his head was clear, the heavy stone had so compressed his chest and windpipe that he died almost instantaneously. The distressing circumstances associated with his death were typical of the courage, zeal and leadership which he had always displayed in contending with the numerous adverse geological features he had to face in the course of the ten years he had acted as undermanager at Valleyfield Colliery.

A plan of the district and plans and sections of the locus of the accident are given in the appended drawings.

No. 2 Diamond Unit was opened out in April, 1939. It is 320 ft. in length and machine-cut to a depth of 4½ ft. While the full thickness of the seam varies about from 7 to 10 ft., only the upper 5 ft. of coal is being extracted at present. Normal conditions prevailed until about two months ago when an upthrow fault of 5 ft. was encountered at the top end of the face. This fault is associated with a complexity of slickensides and igneous intrusive whin sills, the barren ground consisting of what is locally termed "cashy blaes" - most treacherous ground which has necessitated constant vigil by the officials concerned. Before this troubled ground was met, the face was entirely supported by tubular steel props and steel straps. Ten-feet wall packs are built with 36 ft. intervening spaces; in the spaces three hardwood chocks are erected and nightly carried forward behind the conveyor-belt track - in all, a sound system of support. Since the faulted ground was met, wooden supports, have of necessity, had to be used.

At present, the complex area of faulted ground is being met at about 120 ft. from the Main Gate. Thus, the upper 200 ft. length of the face has been successfully exploited through the bad ground. To add to the many difficulties, the inclination of the face had also varied. The upper 2/3rds of the face dips at about 1 in 10 to the faulted area, while the lower 1/3^rd also dips at about 1 in 40 towards the same area. Further, the seam is dipping slightly towards the line of advance. The faulted region is thus at present located in a small trough in which water percolates from the roof.

During the early part of the shift, R. Aitchison, Manager, J. Sloan, Undermanager, J. Hendren, Oversman and M. Riddell, Surveyor, visited the area to inspect the troubled region and confer as to the methods to be adopted in maintenance of the line of face. At 9.40 a.m., the Manager and the Surveyor left the section to return to the Surface; they assumed that the undermanager was to accompany them as far as the pit-bottom. The latter, however, remained in the district and returned to the troubled ground at the face. After conversation with the three strippers - David Lessells (45), John Thomson (36) and John Gratton (32) - who were employed at the faulted area, John Sloan decided to blast down a portion of the projecting slickenside where it crossed the path, of the new belt track.

The details of this operation, which he personally carried out, have already been described. When the shot was fired by Sloan, he and the oversman, Hendren, were sheltering on the upper side, while the three strippers named sheltered at the low side. Having waited for over a minute after the shot had been fired, Sloan crawled down the face to inspect the result. Sloan had just arrived at the locus of the shot, when a large portion of the slickenside, which had apparently been disturbed by the blast, fell without warning on his back. The men in the vicinity heard him emit a groan. They hastened to his assistance. Despite their heroic efforts under difficult conditions, 20 minutes elapsed ere they succeeded in extricating him.

The Manager, who had just reached the surface, received the telephone message about the occurrence and at once returned, accompanied by the Surveyor. Mr. McNeill, agent, soon followed and brought the F. A. Room Attendant, Alex. Campbell, with him and the "Novox" reviving apparatus. Artificial respiration was given to Sloan for about 20 minutes but without success. Death had been almost instantaneous.

John Sloan gave loyal and zealous service to the Company, and his place will indeed be difficult to fill. He is survived by his widow, three sons and three daughters; the youngest son is still at school.

VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY DISASTER
28 October, 1939

The Valleyfield Colliery was one of a group of fourteen collieries owned by the Fife Coal Company. It was situated about five miles west of Dunfermline, at Newmills, in the Parish of Culross. There were two shafts at the colliery which were sunk about 1908. The coal output was about 850 tons per day. The general manager of the Fife Coal Company was Mr. C. C. Reid and the Company's operations were so extensive it was impossible for him to exercise a working control over the fourteen pits in the group which produced three and a half million tons of coal per annum. The system was to appoint agents with each agent supervising a group of collieries and then reporting directly to Mr. Reid at frequent intervals. The agent responsible for Valleyfield Colliery was Mr. K. H.. McNeill; the manager was Mr. Robert Aitchison and both agent and manger were well qualified. Oversmen were appointed by the managers to supervise the work during the shifts. The colliery was well laid out and equipped with some of the latest and the best in mining and electrical equipment. The Company even had a Safety and Research Department and an appointed Safety Engineer. At each of the fourteen collieries there was a Safety Officer and some collieries even had a Safety Committee. The Company was also trying to educate its officials and men in the object of the Regulations and their responsibilities under these Regulations. These voluntary efforts had led to a considerable decrease in the accident rate. During the night shift on 28th October, 1939, work in the Culross District was proceeding in the No. 2 Diamond Section at a longwall face which was about 730 feet in length. Three development headings which were named after the contractors whose men worked in them, McKeeman's, Cairn's and Dodd's were also being worked in the coal to eventually form another longwall face. Dodd's Stone Mine was off McKeeman's level and this was standing at the time of the disaster. It had been worked by Dodd's men until 18th October when they succeeded Cairn's and his men in the development of what became known as Dodd's Heading. At the time of the explosion there were also men in the Culross Five Foot Section. The explosion originated in the Culross District of the mine in Dodd's Heading and spread extensively and violently to other parts of the mine. Thirty three men died instantly and two others were seriously injured. One of these men, George Toal, was able to give evidence to the inquiry though seriously injured. A further twenty four men were affected by the afterdamp.

The men who died.

Those working in Dodds' Heading:

Those working in McKeeman's Heading:

Those working in McKeeman's Level and Crosscut:

Those working in Cairn's Heading:

Those working on No. 2 Diamond face:

The origin of the explosion was an ignition of gas by the firing of a shot in the face in Dodd's Heading. When the explosion occurred, the place was 12 feet wide and 8 feet 6 inches high which was being driven to the rise in the coal. The method of bringing down the coal was to fire five or six shots in the bottom of the coal and then one or two shots in the top coal. Examination of the face after the disaster disclosed that the last shot in the top coal had caused the explosion. There were two unusual fractures in the coal seen after the shot but there was no evidence that these were visible before the shot was fired.
The question was whether the gas was liberated and ignited as the last shot was fired, or an explosive mixture was present when the shot was fired, which had been liberated from the firing of the shots in the bottom coal. The expert witnesses thought that the latter was the case. At the place where the explosion originated, the signs of violence were very slight. Stemmers were left standing up but the explosion increased in violence as it went across the heading and spread extensively and violently to other parts of the mine. The main force of the explosion travelled outbye from Dodd's Heading and reached the junction of the Heading and McKeeman's Level. It then divided into three. One blast went down the Diamond Dook, one down the No. 2 Unit Loading Road, causing a heavy fall, and another down McKeeman's Level, the Compressor Road, and into McKeeman's Heading. The force also travelled inbye into the Culross Five Foot Section where doors were blown inbye in the Top Road No. 1. In the whole of the Diamond Section, arches and girders were displaced and tubs overturned. The overcast across the Culross Five Foot Dook, which was about 900 yards from the Dodd's Heading, was disrupted and dust was raised at the downcast shaft more that 1500 yards away.

(4) That, had the discovery of gas after the firing of almost every round of shots in the headings been reported as it ought to have been in accordance with the Regulations, it is possible that steps might have been taken which would have prevented the explosion.

(5) That a number of other breaches of the Regulations, in relation to shot firing, were alone connected with explosions. But in my view they suggest an absence of proper supervision over the work in the headings. The Investigation has not, in my opinion, disclosed that it is necessary, or that it is desirable, that the existing regulations should be amended or supplemented. Suggestions were made by Mr. W .T. Miller, who appeared for the Federation of Colliery Deputies, that ventilation by means of auxiliary fans was undesirable, and that stonedust should be suspended in shelves near the roofs of the roads. But the evidence led at the Investigation was not sufficiently directed to these points to enable me to express a concluded view upon them.

In the Scottish coalfields, the opening months of the Second World War were darkened by a serious disaster which occurred in Fife. On October 28th, 1939, the first raid over Britain took place on warships lying in the Firth of Forth where several sailors were killed. That very same day, nearby underground, there was an explosion in which thirty-five men were killed. There were only two survivors, both seriously injured. It was on a Saturday morning, in the No. 2 Section of the Diamond Seam in the Valleyfield Colliery, Culross, Fife. One Abe Moffat, who had been elected pit inspector by the men, even though he had been blacklisted, was largely responsible for discovering the cause of the explosion. He charged the leading officials of the Fife Coal Company to their face with the major responsibility for the disaster.
Among the charges laid were that the management was responsible for:

(c) No proper check on the supply or the kind of explosives issued in the pit. (20 lbs. of samsonite found on 6th November, 1939, stored in the pit, was not permissible under the Coal Mines Act.)

Other observations of breaches of the law included: failure to appoint a competent person from the contractor's men to test for gas; an example of insufficient ventilation in view of the gassy nature of the coal.
The manager of the Valleyfield Colliery, and the agent of the Fife Coal Company supervising the Colliery, were both prosecuted and fined.

BY "SUNDAY MAIL" STAFF REPORTERS

The most tragic village in Scotland to-day is the mining community of Valleyfield, on the north shore of the River Forth near Rosyth. By the disastrous explosion yesterday morning in Valleyfield Colliery, which resulted in the deaths of 35 men and serious injuries to two others, no fewer than 25 heads of families in the village, which comprises 500 households, have lost their lives.
While the rescue work was proceeding the sound of anti-aircraft guns to the north could be heard by those who were keeping a lonely vigil at the pithead.

KING'S MESSAGE

In connection with the disaster the King sent the following telegram to the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine.
Lord Lieutenant of Fifeshire:- "The Queen and I are deeply grieved to hear of the disaster at Valleyfield Colliery. Will you please convey our heartfelt sympathy to those who have been so sadly bereaved and keep us informed of the condition of the injured and of the progress of the rescue work."

The following message was sent from the Prime Minister to the Fife Coal Company:- "I have just heard this morning of the heavy loss of life in the explosion at Valleyfield Colliery and I wish to express my profound sympathy with those so suddenly and tragically bereaved."

"The Scotsman"
1 November, 1939
FIFE MINERS BURIED
Ten in Culross New Cemetery
STOICAL WOMEN

There were touching scenes yesterday at Culross New Cemetery, when the public funeral took place of ten of the victims of the Valleyfield Colliery disaster. The widespread sympathy with the bereaved was shown by the large concourse of mourners and members of the general public, fully 2000 people visiting the cemetery in the course of the afternoon.
Altogether twenty of the miners who lost their lives in the calamity were buried yesterday, a number of them being interred privately at other cemeteries and churchyards.
All of the men buried at the public funeral in Culross New Cemetery had been resident in High and Low Valleyfield, and there were poignant scenes in the two villages yesterday afternoon as relatives assembled at the homes to convey their condolences. In one street alone, Abbey Crescent, there were no fewer than five funerals, one household having suffered the loss of both father and son.
The names of those buried at the public funeral were:- Duncan Ewing, 22 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield; Thomas Clark, 34 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; John Brown, 8 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield; Edmund Link, Braeside Cottage, Low Valleyfield; Thomas Kerr, sen., and Thomas Kerr, jun., 36 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; Peter Gilliard, 39 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; David Cairns, 39 Preston Street, High Valleyfield; Michael Tinney, 4 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; and James McFadzean, 33 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield.

Hundreds of mourners lined the village streets as the separate funerals left the individual homes and converged to form one long cortege. Culross New Cemetery is situated about a mile and a half west of High Valleyfield, and as the cortege proceeded slowly, west-bound traffic on the main Dunfermline-Kincardine road was held up for about an hour.
Among the mourners were the Earl of Elgin, Lord-Lieutenant of the County of Fife; Mr C. Augustus Carlow, chairman of the Fife Coal Company; Mr C. C. Reid, general manager of the Company, and officials at Valleyfield Colliery; Mr Ebenezer Edwards, general secretary of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain, who had visited the colliery earlier in the day; Mr Andrew B. Clarke, president of the National Union of Scottish Mineworkers; officials of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union, who made the funeral arrangements, and representatives of several other District Miners' Unions throughout Scotland.
Officiating clergymen were the Rev. J. M. Gow, Culross Abbey; the Rev. J. Y. Stewart, St Kentigern's Church, Culross; the Rev. T. Donaldson, Airth; Canon Maguire, Father Fahy, St Serf's, Valleyfield, and Father McFarlane, Oakley.
Many of the womenfolk steeled themselves to the ordeal of attending at the graveside, but although all showed visible signs of their grief, few broke down completely under the severe strain. First-aid men who were in attendance had to deal with only a few cases of fainting.

The other victims of the disaster, who were buried yesterday, were:- Robert Wright, 1 Dunimarle Street, High Valleyfield; Alex. Paterson, 19 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; Thomas Campbell, Main Street, Newmills; David Baillie, The Ness, Torryburn; Colin Morrison, 18 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; Edward Glass, 14 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield; Alexander Banks, 6 East Avenue, Blairhall; David Hogg, Hawthorn Cottage, Carnock; Wm. Ramage, Blairwood Terrace, Oakley; and Aubrey Gauld, Mid Row, Hill of Beath.
Arrangements are being made for a joint memorial service to be held in Culross Abbey on Sunday afternoon.

(Compiled from notes kindly supplied by Mr. Eddie Martin, Newmills)

In the early days of sinking the Valleyfield No. 1 and No. 2 shafts (sunk without loss of life) part of the coal seams cut through were those worked by the Earl of Dundonald and the Prestons in the eighteenth century (or earlier) at the Milton Engine Pit which was only 50 yards east from the site of the new shafts. Interestingly, the engines, made by Douglas & Grant, Kirkcaldy, and both engine houses were built before the sinking commenced in April, 1909. No. 2 engine was not so heavy and was constructed in 1905; No. 1 engine being completed in early 1909.

The steel pit frames were 76 ft. high and the chimney measured 90 ft. Water for the steam boilers and the washery was pumped from a brick-built spray pond filled from the Bluther Burn using a dam and sluice to regulate the water level. This burn already supplied water for the Bleach Works at Newmills. The screening plant, which dealt with the fine coals, was supplied by Messrs. Dixon and Mann, Armadale.

Sinking, by Messrs. Wm. Sinclair, began in April, 1909, and the Dunfermline Splint Coal seam was struck in 1910 at a depth of 217 fathoms (1,302 ft.). Workmen had pierced 860 yards of rock, 66 yards of hard whinstone, completed 70 yards of lodgements, assembled 2¼ million bricks, used 19½ tons of explosives, fired 59,300 shots and barrelled 4,000 gallons of water per hour.

Commercial coal production began at the pits in 1911, with the miners being paid fortnightly. The creation of the village of High Valleyfield on the site of Valleyfield House (demolished in 1941) and estate, in the same year, was to house miners of Valleyfield Colliery. The coalfield which could be tapped from the shafts was enormous and the coal proved to be of the best coking and navigation quality in the country.
Coal seams worked included the Dunfermline Splint, Mynheer, Glassee, Preston, Milton, Dip, Kelty Main or Diamond, Jersey, Blairhall Main and Culross Diamond. [The Woodhead section was the only one worked to the north-west and No. 20 Kelty Main was the last section producing coal at the closure of the pit.]

Sadly, the first year of coal production also saw the first five fatalities. The first death had resulted from a fall from scaffolding down the shaft; followed by three deaths after a "blow out" of coal and gas, closely followed by another caused by a fall from a cage.

All underground lighting at the Valleyfield pits was by Clanny Safety Lamp (known as the "Glenny") until the introduction of hand-carried electric lamps in the 1920s. There were over a dozen pit ponies used underground at the colliery. They were allowed a break of only one week in July of each year to graze in the field behind the village. The ponies were replaced by rope haulages in 1930.

A surface drift mine had been driven down through the bing some 300 yards from the pits, the drivage being undertaken by the Myles stone-mining family, with Mr. Andrew Myles in charge. On completion, this mine, known as the Surface Mine, was used for both men and materials. Access to the Jersey section was by this route and, much later, following some reconstruction, it became the main up-cast ventilation shaft, a large fan and auxiliary fan being housed next to the Mine. A man-haulage system operated and there was no direct coal output from this Mine.

The workings of the nearby ancient Milton Engine Pit extended under the winding-engine houses at Valleyfield pit and became a serious threat to their stability. So much so that, in the early 1940s, two miners at Valleyfield Pit were employed to stow up these old workings. Access to the old workings was gained by descending No. 2 pit and then entering via the Colliery Fan drift.

Mrs. James Barbour performed the turf-cutting ceremony on 11th August., 1954, for a new No. 3 shaft which unfortunately had one fatality during its sinking. No. 2 pit was also to be sunk to the 375 fathom level and widened. This entailed filling the shaft with ashes from the bing before the work commenced. These operations were contracted by the Cementation Co. Ltd. and, on completion of the sinking and reconstruction work, there was an anticipated daily output of 3,600 tons of coal between the No. 1 and No. 3 Valleyfield shafts.

Torry Mine was developed around this time and would also feature in the reconstruction, conveyer belts bringing the coal for processing at the Valleyfield pithead. This was carried out successfully until the closure of the Torry Mine in the mid 1960s.

The Valleyfield shafts were later abandoned in favour of mines driven under the River Forth to Kinneil Colliery, near Bo‘ness, which was, at that time, under threat of closure. This was a life-line for Kinneil Colliery and, despite reassurances, Valleyfield almost lost its identity as it became Kinneil/Valleyfield Colliery operating from Kinneil. The last of the mine-cars of coal was brought to the surface at Valleyfield Pit in April, 1968, when the linking of the two pits under the Forth was carried out successfully. The old Victorian idea of a tunnel under the Forth could be said to have been fulfilled when Martin Shaw of Kinneil Colliery and Andrew Drysdale of Valleyfield Colliery holed through both tunnels. There to shake hands were the respective managers, David Archibald (Kinneil) and Norman Wallace (Valleyfield). The required £2 million for the new washery at Valleyfield Colliery had been denied in favour of Kinneil and proved to be the end for Valleyfield within thirteen years.

After the pit closure, during borings for the District Council's sewage works, Eddie Martin was present when workmen hit a pocket of gas in the wastes of the Earl of Dundonald's workings. The drill operator was understandably "greatly alarmed" when the gas was released with a "great, gushing sound".

The total number of fatalities at Valleyfield Colliery during its working life was 83; 1 woman and 82 men; this latter figure including 35 miners killed in the 1939 disaster. Pithead girls "at least a dozen" were employed on the picking belts 'tables' and tiplers and it was on one of these devices that Annie Kelly, the only female fatality, was killed in 1919. Her father had lost his life at the pit in 1914.

Footnote

"Dunfermline Press"
18 November, 1939
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY DISPUTE.

A dispute has arisen between the workers in the Preston Rise section of Valleyfield Colliery and the Fife Coal Company regarding the method of mining the coal in the section. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
23 December, 1939

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 Sloan, colliery undermanager, "Woodneuk", Low Valleyfield, who was killed in the underground workings of Valleyfield Colliery of the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., by a fall from the roof of the place where he was working. Those giving evidence included: John Henderson, 16 Forthview Cottages, Low Valleyfield, and David Lessels, stripper, Smithy Cottage, Main Street, Newmills. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
3 February, 1940
VALLEYFIELD MINERS WANT "COLD" MONEY.

The recent cold spell of weather has led to an unusual position at Valleyfield Colliery. Thirteen oncost workers, several of whom are engaged at the pit bottom, complained about the intensely cold air in which they were working and lodged a claim with the Fife Coal Company for an increase of a shilling a day as compensation for the discomfort. The Company undertook to supply leather jerkins to certain of the men to keep them warm, but these were not accepted. When the men did not turn out on Wednesday, their places had to be taken by supervisors.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 March, 1940
VALLEYFIELD MINER'S DEATH.
FOUR MONTHS AFTER DISASTER.

Samuel Little (52), oncost worker, 27 Burns Street, High Valleyfield, one of the men injured in the Valleyfield Colliery disaster on 28th October last year, in which 35 men lost their lives, died at his home on Monday. Little was at work in the Culross Section when the explosion occurred in the Diamond Section, and with the assistance of other workmen he was able to reach safety. He is survived by Mrs Little and a family.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 April, 1940
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY MANAGER'S RETIREMENT.

It is announced that Mr Robert Aitchison, manager of the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, is retiring at the end of this month.
Mr Aitchison has completed twenty-seven years as a manger with the Company, holding such positions at Donibristle, Frances, Leven, and Kinglassie, before going to Valleyfield seven years ago. He is to be the recipient of presentations from the officials of the Company, as well as from the workmen and various organisations with which he was connected in Valleyfield district.
As from 1st May, Mr Aitchison will be succeeded at Valleyfield Colliery by Mr H. Black, manager of No. 7 Colliery, Cowdenbeath.
Mr Black is to be succeeded at Cowdenbeath by Mr Wm. Reid, at present an under-manager at Bowhill Colliery.
Mr Reid was for a time under-manager at Mossbeath Colliery, and later gained experience at Frances and Bowhill collieries. He is well-known in Cowdenbeath district.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 May, 1941
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY ACCIDENT

James Livingstone (31), coal stripper, Main Street, Newmills, was seriously injured in an accident in No. 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, on Friday of last week. While he was taking down coal in his working place, a large stone fell on him from the roof. He sustained injuries to the back and forehead and a double fracture of the right leg. After receiving attention at the colliery, he was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital.

"The Scotsman"
4 August, 1941
PIT DISASTER
SETTLEMENT OF COMPENSATION CLAIMS.

Settlement of the compensation claims of the dependants of victims of the disaster at Valleyfield Colliery, on October 26, 1939, in which 35 men lost their lives, was reported by the compensation secretary at a meeting of the Executive Board of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union at Dunfermline on Saturday. Altogether, a sum of £82,936 had been received by the widows and other dependants. In the case of 21 men who were overcome by gas as a result of the explosion, a sum of £6560 had been paid in compensation. During the incapacity of these men, and pending the settlement of their compensation claims, the Union made weekly payments to them. The sums so advanced had been recovered by the Union and repaid into the Valleyfield Disaster Relief Fund, which, amounting to £19,000, was being disbursed among widows and dependants by the trustees of whom the Earl of Elgin is chairman.

"Dunfermline Press"
22 August, 1942
COAL PRODUCTION.
REGIONAL CONTROLLER AT VALLEYFIELD.

In his capacity as Regional Controller (Scotland) of Fuel and Power, Lord Traprain has had his first meetings with Pit Production Committees.
He paid a visit to Valleyfield Colliery, and had a meeting with the Pit Production Committee.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 March, 1943

About thirty pitworkers employed at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery have received summonses to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Monday. The men, who are stated to have taken part in a recent stoppage of work at the colliery, are charged under the Essential Work Order.

"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 24 April, 1943

Walter Banks, miner, 13 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, was fatally injured on Tuesday morning when he was caught by a fall of material from the roof in the underground workings of Valleyfield Colliery. He was conveyed by ambulance to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries that afternoon. He was 37 years of age, and leaves a widow and a family of two children.

"Dunfermline Press"
Saturday, 15 May, 1943
FATAL ACCIDENT INQUIRIES
Four Colliery Deaths

Before Sheriff MacLean in Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Thursday, inquiries were held with regard to four fatal accidents in collieries, due in each case to falls of coal or stone. The inquiries were conducted by the Depute Procurator-Fiscal (Mr W. S. Heatlie.)

FLAW IN BATTEN

The third inquiry was in regard to the death of Walter Banks, miner, 13 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, who died on 20th April in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received that day in his working place in Valleyfield Colliery, caused by a roof fall.
William Terris, colliery fireman, Forthview Cottage, Low Valleyfield, said he inspected the place before the accident and thought it was perfectly safe. When he inspected it again after the fall, he found that a wooden batten had been broken in the centre and was left hanging by the two ends. He examined it before the accident and it appeared to be sound. After it was broken, a flaw could be seen, but that flaw was not visible before. The Sheriff recorded a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 August, 1943
VALLEYFIELD - COLLIERY STOPPAGE

A demand by fourteen boys for what is known in the industry as "dust money", resulted in a stoppage of work at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery on Thursday. The boys, whose ages range from 14 to 16 years, stopped work on Wednesday afternoon, and on Thursday transport workers ceased work in sympathy with their demand, throwing the whole colliery idle. Fully 400 men are employed at Valleyfield. The youths concerned are paid the full national rate for boys which was accepted by the industry in 1941, but they are seeking extra remuneration because, they allege, they are working under abnormally dusty conditions. This contention is disputed, and the strike is not recognised by the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union.

"Dunfermline Press"
8 January, 1944

Mr William Stewart, who has been employed on the Fife Coal Company Aitken Colliery staff for a number of years, has been appointed cashier at the Company's Valleyfield Colliery.

"Dunfermline Press"
15 January, 1944
HEROISM AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY
Awards to Five Miners

Five pit workers at Valleyfield Colliery have received congratulatory letters and awards from the Fife Coal Company in appreciation of their heroism and presence of mind in rescuing a fellow worker in the colliery.
The heroes of the rescue are:-
John Baillie, Erskine Brae, Culross;
David Drummond, 1 Preston Street, High Valleyfield;
James Connelly, 1 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield;
James Cook, 35 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; and
Thomas McPhillips, Erskine Brae, Culross, the oversman on duty at the time of the occurrence.
An outburst of gas occurred in a development heading, and James Pearson, Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, one of the workmen, was partly buried by eight tons of small coal which suddenly erupted. His mate, Joe Paterson, Burns Street, High Valleyfield, ran for assistance. In the first attempted rescue operations John Bain, fireman, 1 Forthview Cottages, Low Valleyfield, was overcome by gas. Baillie and Drummond, using a compressed-air hose to clear a path through the blanket of fire-damp, led the subsequent rescue operations. With the assistance of Connelly and Cook, they succeeded in freeing Pearson and carried him to fresh air, where artificial respiration was applied.
Still unconscious, Pearson and Bain were transported on stretchers to the surface. On the way, the affected men were treated with the "Novox" reviving apparatus by Alexander Campbell, Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, the colliery first-aid room attendant, who met the stretcher-bearers about 1500 yards from the pit-bottom. Both men were taken by ambulance to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where they recovered.
The official who made the presentations on behalf of the Company stated there could be no doubt that the courage and pits sense of Baillie and Drummond in particular saved the life of Pearson. It was their idea, after Bain, the fireman, had ordered their retreat when his lamp filled with gas, to make another attempt by using the compressed-air supply to "blow" a fresh air passage through the blanket of fire-damp in the heading. These two men were the real leaders of the rescue work which resulted in getting Pearson released. Their courage and persistence were worthy of recognition, both by the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees.
It is understood that the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union propose to recognise the heroism of the five rescuers.

"Dunfermline Press"
19 February, 1944
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY ACCIDENT
One Man Killed; Another Injured

As the result of a blow-out of gas, one man was killed and another injured on Wednesday morning in the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery.
The men, James Williamson (44), miner, 51 Burns Street, High Valleyfield, and Michael Ginnelly (41), miner, 36 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield, were working in the Preston Dip section of the colliery where development is taking place. At about 10.30 a.m. there was a blow-out of gas from the coal face, and both men were buried under a quantity of coal and "redd" which was dislodged. Williamson was dead when he was extricated, death being due to suffocation. Ginnelly, who was buried up to the waist, was removed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he is making satisfactory progress. Williamson leaves a widow and seven of a family.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 March, 1944

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 a miner named James Williamson, 51 Burns Street, High Valleyfield, who was killed on 16 February in Valleyfield Colliery by being buried by a fall of coal in his working-place. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Michael J. Ginnelly, developer, 36 Dundonald Terrace, Low Valleyfield; George Pagan, developer, 12 Erskine Brae, Culross; George Terris, mining developer, The Bungalow, High Valleyfield; Daniel McKeeman, developer, 13 Burns Street, High Valleyfield; Duncan Paterson, oversman, 10 Erskine Brae, Culross; and Arthur Daly, underground fireman, West End, Low Valleyfield. Sheriff MacLean recorded a formal verdict.

"Dunfermline Press"
25 March, 1944
VALLEYFIELD MINERS' BRAVERY
Royal Commendation

The King has ordered publication in the "London Gazette" of an expression of commendation of John Baillie, miner, Erskine Brae, Culross, and David Drummond, miner, 1 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, for brave conduct when rescuing a man overcome by fire-damp in Valleyfield Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, Ltd.
Their heroism was recognised at the time by the Company, who made presentations to Baillie and Drummond, and also to James Connelly, 1 Beaumont Street, Low Valleyfield; James Cook, 35 Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; and Thomas McPhillips, Erskine Brae, Culross, who assisted in the rescue.
The circumstances were that an outburst of gas occurred in a development heading, and James Pearson, Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, one of the workmen, was partly buried by eight tons of small coal which suddenly erupted. His mate, Joe Paterson, Burns Street, High Valleyfield, ran for assistance. In the first attempted rescue operations John Bain, fireman, was overcome by gas.
Baillie and Drummond, using a compressed air hose to clear a path through the blanket of fire-damp, led the subsequent rescue operations. With the assistance of Connelly and Cook, they succeeded in freeing Pearson, and carried him to fresh air, where artificial respiration was applied.
Still unconscious, Pearson and Bain were transported on stretchers to the surface. On the way, the affected men were treated with the "Novox" reviving apparatus by Alexander Campbell, Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, the colliery first-aid room attendant, who met the stretcher bearers about 1500 yards from the pit bottom. Both men were taken by ambulance to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital where they recovered.
The official who made the presentations on behalf of the Company stated there could be no doubt that the courage and pit sense of Baillie and Drummond in particular saved the life of Pearson.

"Dunfermline Press"
9 September, 1944
STRIKE AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY

Work at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery has been at a stand-still since Wednesday. The men in one of the sections refused to descend the pit because of a wages grievance. Men at the colliery, numbering between 500 and 600, ceased work in sympathy with their comrades. A deputation of the strikers had an interview at Dunfermline with union officials, who, it was stated yesterday, are dealing with the dispute.

"The Scotsman"
12 September, 1944

PIT STOPPAGE ENDS. - After a stoppage which began on Wednesday of last week, the men employed at the Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery - numbering between 500 and 600 - returned to work yesterday morning. A wages dispute in one of the sections resulted in a strike of the 20 men employed there, and the remainder of the miners struck work in sympathy with them. The dispute is now the subject of negotiation between the coalowners and representatives of the Miners' Union.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 January, 1945

VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY FATALITY
Under-Manager's Death

The under-manager of Valleyfield Colliery, Samuel McGuire, "Penbryn", Main Street, Newmills, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Friday night from injuries received earlier in the day in an accident in the Preston Dip Section of the colliery. He was knocked down and received head injuries as the result of a breakage in the main haulage rope. McGuire, who was 59 years of age and married, was employed in collieries at Hamilton and Cardenden before going to Valleyfield.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 January, 1945

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday - before Sheriff Hamilton and a jury - into the circumstances attending the death of Samuel McGuire, Main Street, Newmills, under-manager of Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, who died on 12 January in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received that day in the underground working of Valleyfield Colliery as a result of being knocked down by a runaway hutch. Those giving evidence at the inquiry included:- Alexander McNair, motorman, 43 Preston Street, High Valleyfield; Henry Welsh, roadsman, 5 Preston Street, High Valleyfield; Hugh Jack, colliery fireman, 19 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield; William Fotheringham Erskine, colliery rope splicer, Cook's Buildings, Cairneyhill; and Henry Black, manager. A formal verdict was returned by the jury.

"Dunfermline Press"
4 January, 1947
PITHEAD BATHS FOR WEST FIFE.

Installations at Valleyfield and Kinglassie

With the excavation work completed, the contractors are expected to make a commencement with the erection of the pithead baths at Valleyfield Colliery this month. It is announced that the next colliery on the priority list for pithead baths is Kinglassie. Sites are being viewed prior to the preparation of sketch plans for an installation which will provide accommodation for 700 men, and will include such facilities as medical treatment centre, canteen, and cycle store.

"Dunfermline Press"
1 March, 1947

On Saturday, twenty-six strippers employed on the day shift at Valleyfield Colliery, went on strike in protest against the working conditions in the Diamond section.

"Rosyth and Inverkeithing Journal"
2 April, 1947

Dunfermline Hero Dies

Hero of the Valleyfield pit explosion of 1911, James Williamson, 126, Appin Crescent, Dunfermline, died yesterday morning from injuries received the previous night when he fell from the platform of a bus at the turnabout near the Public Park, Dunfermline. The accident occurred when he was returning to his home in Appin Crescent. He was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from cerebral haemorrhage, but did not regain consciousness.
During the gas explosion at Valleyfield Colliery in March 1911, when three men lost their lives, Williamson, along with three other rescuers, distinguished himself by bringing two of the rescued men to the pit bottom despite the section being filled with gas. Williamson's heroism was recognised by the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust the same year when the Trustees made awards to six of the rescuers.

"Dunfermline Press"
5 April, 1947
FIFE MINERS' JUNIOR FIRST AID COMPETITION

Valleyfield Colliery were the winners in the Fife Miners' Junior First-Aid Competition. Team:-
Seated (left to right) - James Duffy, James Reddie (captain), Mr H. Black (colliery manager),
A. Campbell (first-aid instructor).
Standing - Walter Blyth, Andrew Rhind, Andrew Woodrow, Louis Henderson.

"Dunfermline Press"
10 January, 1948

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Thursday before Sheriff Hamilton and a jury into the circumstances attending the death of a miner named Joseph McGlinchey, formerly residing c/o Stupart, West Green, Culross, who died on 27th September 1947 in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as a result of injuries sustained to his left leg when it was caught in a coal-cutting machine in Valleyfield Colliery. A formal verdict was returned by the jury but they added the observation that the machine was not fitted with a guard, as it should have been, but it was not proved that the presence of the guard would have avoided the accident. Those giving evidence included: John Irvine (48), machineman, Miners' Hostel, Townhill, Dunfermline; and James Duffy (41), colliery oversman, 32 Woodend Street, High Valleyfield.

A formal verdict was also returned by the jury in the inquiry held into the circumstances of the death of George Mitchell (50), c/o Donnelly, Back of Tolbooth, Sandhaven, Culross, who died on 30th October 1947, in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from injuries sustained while he was engaged in coupling and uncoupling hutches on the haulage road in Valleyfield Colliery, by his being struck by two runaway hutches.

"Dunfermline Press"
17 January, 1948
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY STRIKE.
Thirty-five Strippers Involved.

An "unofficial" strike, involving thirty-five strippers employed on the back shift in the Diamond Rise section of Valleyfield Colliery, occurred on Thursday afternoon. The stoppage, which, it is stated, is due to a wages dispute, brought production in the section to a complete standstill, and it was estimated that 350 tons of coal were lost on the one shift.
Yesterday, it was reported that there was a full turnout on the day shift.

"Dunfermline Press"
24 January, 1948
VALLEYFIELD MINERS RETURN TO WORK.

The thirty-five strippers employed in the Diamond Rise section of Valleyfield Colliery, who took part in a lightning strike on Thursday of last week, returned to work on Monday morning.
The dispute arose over the men's dissatisfaction with the tonnage rate paid, and their return to work enabled negotiations of their claim to take place. The loss of output, resulting from the strike, was between 700 and 800 tons.

Coal from Valleyfield 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.

"The Scotsman"
30 November, 1950
FIFE PIT ACCIDENT
Valleyfield Miner Awarded �375

Lord Mackintosh in the Court of Session yesterday concluded the trial of an action in which William Martin, residing at 8 Preston Street, High Valleyfield, Fife, sued the National Coal Board for payment of £1500 as damages for personal injuries. On February 11, 1949, the pursuer, who is a steel drawer, but who had been employed as a miner at the coal face in the Valleyfield Colliery, was on his way to the pit bottom when he was asked to assist another employee of the defenders in lifting two derailed bogies back on to the rails. When he was doing so the whole race of bogies suddenly started to move.
Before pursuer could get clear the leading bogie was stopped by the chain attached between the leading bogie and the haulage rope becoming taut. The middle and rear bogies continued moving and crushed the pursuer's right leg between the first two bogies. As a result the pursuer sustained a fracture of both the tibia and fibula of his right leg. He had yet only considerably restricted movement of the leg.
He attributed fault to the defenders in respect of the negligence of their servant who was in charge of the race of hutches in failing to ensure that when two bogies were replaced on the rails none of the bogies would move down the gradient.
Defenders denied liability and said the accident was solely caused by the fault of the pursuer in not taking proper precautions for his own safety.
The jury found unanimously that the pursuers and defenders were equally to blame for the accident. They assessed damages at �750. Pursuer therefore receives an award of �375. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
2 January, 1965
Pit Link-Up Managerial Team

As from the beginning of the year the managerial structure at Valleyfield Colliery is changed, and Valleyfield becomes one operating unit with Kinneil Colliery, Bo'ness, with which it is linked by a four-mile tunnel under the Forth.
Agent-manager of the new operating unit is Mr J. Smellie, who, up to the New Year, was manager at Comrie Colliery. Mr Andrew Bell, under-manager at Valleyfield, is now depute manager at Valleyfield, and Mr Robert Sinclair, under-manager at Kinneil, is made depute manager at Kinneil.
Mr David Archibald, the Kinneil manager, takes over duty as resident engineer in charge of the new Longannet Mines' project.
Mr Norman Wallace goes from Valleyfield to take charge of Comrie Colliery, and Mr George Wilson, from Torry Mine, takes over the managership of Blairhall Colliery, the post recently vacated by Mr Raymond Tucker, who is now employed on special duties in the Production Department at Divisional headquarters in Edinburgh.
Mr John Quinn, oversman of Torry Mine, becomes acting manager temporarily at Torry Mine.
Alterations also take place above Colliery level, and Mr David Johnston, who has been Group Manager of the Blairhall, Valleyfield, Torry and Kinneil pits, assumes responsibility for the Comrie and Blairhall Collieries and the Torry Mine.

"Dunfermline Press"
27 March, 1965

Under the Fatal Accidents Inquiry Act, an inquiry was held in the Sheriff Court, Dunfermline, on Monday, into the death of John Hart Cummings, 60 Craigmyle Street, Dunfermline. The jury returned a formal verdict that Cummings died on 14th November, 1964, in the underground workings of Valleyfield Colliery, from multiple injuries to the head and thorax, including a fracture at the base of the skull, sustained by him, when, in the course of his industrial occupation as a miner, a number of loaded mine cars ran away from the loading point and collided with two empty mine cars which were being pushed from the pit bottom by a diesel locomotive driven by him. Those giving evidence included:- Francis McGeever (46), diesel locomotive driver, 35 Sligo Street, Oakley; George B. Walker (42), colliery depute, 16 Carlyle Street, High Valleyfield; John W. Lindsay, chief engineer, 1 Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall; James C. Arnott (38), diesel locomotive driver, 61 Bernard Shaw Street, Dunfermline; and James Reddie (50), pipe fitter, 2 Burns Street, High Valleyfield.

"Dunfermline Press"
20 November, 1965

A 31-year-old Dunfermline miner was crushed to death in a haulage accident in Valleyfield Colliery on Monday afternoon when the derailed mine car he was attempting to right overbalanced and pushed him against the side of the dook.
He was George Forman, 62 Don Road, Dunfermline, who was employed as a developer at the Colliery. The accident occurred at 4.30 pm during the back shift at the pit and Forman is believed to have been killed instantly. He was attempting to raise back on to the road a mine-car which had become derailed in the Kelty Main District dual dook when the car toppled over and crushed him against the bricked side of the dook. Forman was married and his wife is expecting their second child.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 February, 1967
Fire Danger Halts Work at Colliery

All production at the 'link' collieries of Valleyfield and Kinneil stopped after the normal day shift on Thursday and 2,000 miners were sent home and told not to report back to the mines until Monday as a "precautionary measure" against over-heating in an old section of Valleyfield mine which had not been worked for ten years. ...

"Dunfermline Press"
25 February, 1967
Ambulance Competition Winners

Last week the ambulance team from Valleyfield Colliery won the National Coal Board's (Alloa Area) senior ambulance competition held at Tullibody. This is the second time in five years that a Valleyfield team has been successful in this competition, and they now go on to the Divisional finals in Glasgow next Saturday.
The Valleyfield team is:- William Dingwall (captain), 17 James Hog Crescent, Oakley, the colliery's dust suppression officer; Charles Blamey, 12 Gordon Street, Lochgelly, medical room attendant; John Dingwall, 84 Erskine Wynd, Oakley, underground deputy; and Edward Martin, 5 Carlyle Street, High Valleyfield, head lampman. The reserve was Harry Lessells, 97 Dunimarle Street, High Valleyfield, surface worker.
Mr Martin also won the individual award in the practical and oral sections. In 1962, when Valleyfield went to the Divisional finals, they were disqualified because their team captain was injured and they did not have enough men to make up the team.

"Dunfermline Press"
26 August, 1967
New Reserves Of House Coal At Comrie

... Within the "near future" coal will no longer be treated and dispatched from Valleyfield Colliery, the output of the Forth-side colliery being sent, via underground tunnel to be washed and screened at the linked colliery at Kinneil. "In effect, it is an economy measure," a Coal Board official explained.
"The plant at Valleyfield is incapable of dealing with the coal properly, while at Kinneil there is good, modern plant which is able to deal with vast quantities in a most modern manner. Any economies such as this which can be practised enhance the future of the pit. It is not expected that there will be any redundancy problems at Valleyfield, if the coal is taken out at Kinneil. There are jobs underground and at other places to which men can go if they are displaced."
A management unit will be retained at Valleyfield and the men will continue to use the pithead at the colliery. ...

Valleyfield Colliery, Culross

Owners: Carron Iron Co. Fife Coal Company Ltd. NCB

"The Scotsman" 12 March, 1836. VALUABLE AND EXTENSIVE COAL FIELDS, AND SALT PANS

"The Scotsman" 11 November, 1863 THE IRON TRADE IN THE WEST OF FIFE.

Early Valleyfield Coal Pits

The 20th Century Colliery

Information on coal seams worked at, or near, Valleyfield Colliery, Culross

(based on a report from 1930)

Plans of Abandoned Seams & Dates

"Dunfermline Press" 28 September, 1907

MINERAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST FIFE PURCHASE OF VALLEYFIELD BY FIFE COAL COMPANY

"Dunfermline Press" 1 August, 1908LOW VALLEYFIELD PITS

"Dunfermline Press" 26 September, 1908

"Dunfermline Press" 6 March, 1909

"Dunfermline Press" 28 August, 1909FIFE COAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

"Dunfermline Press" 11 September, 1909ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LOWVALLEYFIELD FOUR MEN INJURED

"Dunfermline Press" 19 March, 1910 PIT SINKING AT LOWVALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press" 28 May, 1910

"Dunfermline Press" 28 May, 1910TORRYBURN MINERAL DEVELOPMENTS

"Dunfermline Press" 6 August, 1910

"Dunfermline Press" 20 August, 1910

"Dunfermline Press" 17 September, 1910THE FIFE COAL COMPANY'S VALLEYFIELD PITS.THE FIVE-FEET COAL STRUCK AT A DEPTH OF 191 FATHOMS

"Dunfermline Press" 24 September, 1910GOOD PROSPECTS AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press" 12 November, 1910VALLEYFIELD COAL PITS

"Dunfermline Press" 3 December, 1910VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY

"Dunfermline Press" 28 January, 1911BLAIRHALL AND VALLEYFIELD MINING DEVELOPMENTS HOUSING AND EDUCATION

"Dunfermline Press" 28 January, 1911PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press" 11 February, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 18 February, 1911TORRYBURN - LAW.

"The Dunfermline Journal" 9 March, 1911 DISASTER AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY LOSS OF THREE LIVES A NEW MINING DANGER

"The Scotsman" 11 March, 1911THE FIFE COLLIERY ACCIDENT TWO BODIES RECOVERED

"The Scotsman" 13 March, 1911

"The Scotsman" 28 March, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 20 May, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 3 June, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 17 June, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 1 July, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 4 November, 1911PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press" 18 November, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 9 December, 1911

"Dunfermline Press" 25 May, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 25 May, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 1 June, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 1 June, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 5 October, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 26 October, 1912

"Dunfermline Press" 29 March, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 19 April, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 10 May, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 27 September, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 11 October, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 6 December, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 20 December, 1913

"Dunfermline Press" 26 September, 1914

"Dunfermline Press" 14 August, 1915

"Dunfermline Press" 4 September, 1915

"Dunfermline Press" 4 September, 1915

"Dunfermline Press" 29 January, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 4 March, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 1 July, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 15 July, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 9 September, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 7 October, 1916

"Dunfermline Press" 13 January, 1917PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press" 20 January, 1917

"Dunfermline Press" 24 February, 1917

"Dunfermline Press" 14 April, 1917

"Dunfermline Press" 12 May, 1917

"Dunfermline Press" 14 September, 1918

"Dunfermline Press" 30 August, 1919LOW VALLEYFIELD MINER ASPHYXIATED. NARROW ESCAPE OF ANOTHER.

"Dunfermline Press" 6 September, 1919VALLEYFIELD ASPHYXIATION ACCIDENT.

"Dunfermline Press" 18 October, 1919

"Dunfermline Press" 20 December, 1919VALLEYFIELD MINERS' HEROISM. PRESENTATION OF TRUST AWARDS.

"Dunfermline Press" 18 September, 1920

"Dunfermline Press" 25 December, 1920LECTURE ON NEW MINING REGULATIONS.

"Dunfermline Press" 2 July, 1921

"Dunfermline Press" 9 July, 1921

"The Scotsman" 27 August, 1921

"Dunfermline Press" 27 August, 1921

"Dunfermline Press" 27 August, 1921

Owners: Carron Iron Co.
Fife Coal Company Ltd.
NCB

"The Scotsman"
12 March, 1836.
VALUABLE AND EXTENSIVE COAL
FIELDS, AND SALT PANS

"The Scotsman"
11 November, 1863
THE IRON TRADE IN THE WEST OF FIFE.

"Dunfermline Press"
28 September, 1907

MINERAL DEVELOPMENT IN WEST FIFE
PURCHASE OF VALLEYFIELD BY FIFE COAL COMPANY

"Dunfermline Press"
1 August, 1908
LOW VALLEYFIELD PITS

"Dunfermline Press"
26 September, 1908

"Dunfermline Press"
6 March, 1909

"Dunfermline Press"
28 August, 1909
FIFE COAL COMPANY OPERATIONS

"Dunfermline Press"
11 September, 1909
ALARMING ACCIDENT AT LOWVALLEYFIELD
FOUR MEN INJURED

"Dunfermline Press"
19 March, 1910
PIT SINKING AT LOWVALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
28 May, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
28 May, 1910
TORRYBURN MINERAL DEVELOPMENTS

"Dunfermline Press"
6 August, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
20 August, 1910

"Dunfermline Press"
17 September, 1910
THE FIFE COAL COMPANY'S
VALLEYFIELD PITS.
THE FIVE-FEET COAL STRUCK AT A
DEPTH OF 191 FATHOMS

"Dunfermline Press"
24 September, 1910
GOOD PROSPECTS AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
12 November, 1910
VALLEYFIELD COAL PITS

"Dunfermline Press"
3 December, 1910
VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY

"Dunfermline Press"
28 January, 1911
BLAIRHALL AND VALLEYFIELD MINING DEVELOPMENTS
HOUSING AND EDUCATION

"Dunfermline Press"
28 January, 1911
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
11 February, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
18 February, 1911
TORRYBURN - LAW.

"The Dunfermline Journal"
9 March, 1911

DISASTER AT VALLEYFIELD COLLIERY
LOSS OF THREE LIVES

A NEW MINING DANGER

"The Scotsman"
11 March, 1911
THE FIFE COLLIERY ACCIDENT
TWO BODIES RECOVERED

"The Scotsman"
13 March, 1911

"The Scotsman"
28 March, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
20 May, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
3 June, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
17 June, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
1 July, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
4 November, 1911
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
18 November, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
9 December, 1911

"Dunfermline Press"
25 May, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
25 May, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
1 June, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
5 October, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
26 October, 1912

"Dunfermline Press"
29 March, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
19 April, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
10 May, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
27 September, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
11 October, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
6 December, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
20 December, 1913

"Dunfermline Press"
26 September, 1914

"Dunfermline Press"
14 August, 1915

"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915

"Dunfermline Press"
4 September, 1915

"Dunfermline Press"
29 January, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
4 March, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
1 July, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
15 July, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
9 September, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
7 October, 1916

"Dunfermline Press"
13 January, 1917
PIT FATALITY AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
20 January, 1917

"Dunfermline Press"
24 February, 1917

"Dunfermline Press"
14 April, 1917

"Dunfermline Press"
12 May, 1917

"Dunfermline Press"
14 September, 1918

"Dunfermline Press"
30 August, 1919
LOW VALLEYFIELD MINER ASPHYXIATED.
NARROW ESCAPE OF ANOTHER.

"Dunfermline Press"
6 September, 1919
VALLEYFIELD ASPHYXIATION ACCIDENT.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 October, 1919

"Dunfermline Press"
20 December, 1919
VALLEYFIELD MINERS' HEROISM.
PRESENTATION OF TRUST AWARDS.

"Dunfermline Press"
18 September, 1920

"Dunfermline Press"
25 December, 1920
LECTURE ON NEW MINING REGULATIONS.

"Dunfermline Press"
2 July, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
9 July, 1921

"The Scotsman"
27 August, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
27 August, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
27 August, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
3 September, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
24 September, 1921

"Dunfermline Press"
8 October, 1921

"The Scotsman"
16 September, 1922

"Cowdenbeath & Lochgelly Times"
11 October, 1922
LOCHGELLY MAN'S DEATH
ROOF FALL AT VALLEYFIELD

"Dunfermline Press"
8 December, 1923