Deep mining in Douglas: a history
DESPITE all the controversy over the past year regarding mining in the Douglas Valley no-one could argue that the area has a rich mining heritage.
For more than 100 years, deep mining was a part of the community — giving the area job security and economic prosperity.
Thanks to a changing economy and lack of investment deep mining was consigned to history in the late 1960s.
However, the historical importance of those heady days has ensured that past glories have not been forgotten.
Guthrie Hutton, author of Lanarkshire's Mining Legacy, believes the area suffered greatly due to the demise of the pits.
He said: "Deep mining was there for a long time. Its history in Lanarkshire goes back to the late 19th Century.
"For many communities, including those people living in the Douglas Valley, mining was a vital part of their lives.
"The mines were important, not just in an economic sense but also a social sense.
"I don't think there is any doubt that the Douglas Valley suffered greatly from the demise of deep mining."
For more information on this feature story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.
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Weather for Carluke
Sunday 05 February 2012
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