Fife Accidents post-1926

This section contains newspaper reports on accidents in miscellaneous areas of Fife from 1915 onwards. Please check the indexes in the Accidents Section for reports by the Inspector of Mines and accidents in other areas.

9 February 1926

Dysart Pit Fatality - A fatal accident occurred at the Frances Pit, Dysart , early yesterday morning, the victim being James Forsyth, 40 years of age, an oncost -worker, who resided at 97 Sutherland Street, Kirkcaldy. It appears that while Forsyth was at work the lower Dysart section of the pit at the coal face there was a fall of coal from the roof, and he was buried. Before he could be extricated he had succumbed, death being due to asphyxiation. The deceased is survived by a widow and one child. [Scotsman 10 February 1926]

14 February 1926

Blairhall – Colliery Accident – Mr William Coulter, Culross, on Sunday met with an injury to his head while following his usual employment in the Lady Veronica Pit three feet seam. He was conveyed home in the ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 20 February 1926]

16 February 1926

Valleyfield Colliery Fatality – Unavailing Rescue Efforts – Valleyfield Colliery was the scene of a pit fatality by gas poisoning on Tuesday morning. A fellow workman made heroic but futile efforts at rescue. The victim of the tragedy was a young miner, William Fitzsimmons (24), son of Baillie Fitzsimmons, who resides at West Green, Culross. Fitzsimmons had been traversing a road in the pit which was impregnated with deadly coal gas, and had failed to get through. Some time later his body was found by a fellow workman. Artificial respiration was tried, but a local doctor, who was soon on the scene, pronounced life to be extinct. Associated with the tragedy is a story of disregard for personal safety – often demonstrated in the ranks of miners gallant attempt at rescue by Richard Smith, a colliery fireman residing at Newmills. When he heard that Fitzsimmons had been overcome by coal gas, Smith made great efforts to rescue him, but in a short time he had to be taken out. On recovering he made another attempt at rescue, but failed to reach the locus where Fitzsimmons was. He was again overcome, but on recovering made still another effort. On this occasion he was successful in bringing Fitzsimmons out to the fresh air. The unfortunate man, however, was beyond human aid. Smith himself bore traces of his three efforts in the deadly atmosphere. [Dunfermline Journal 20 February 1926]

March 1926

Fife Miner Injured - David Aitken (50), Kinnear Street, Buckhaven, lies in Wemyss Hospital in a critical condition as the result of an accident in the Wellesley Colliery. A stone from the roof struck him on the back, and although it was at first thought that his injuries were of a minor nature serious symptoms developed. Mr Aitken is R. W. M. of Lodge Randolph, and secretary of Wemyss Castle Lodge of Shepherds, and also holds other leading positions in the local mining community. [Scotsman 15 March 1926]

10 April 1926

Donibristle – Pit Accident – Francis Hughes, a miner's drawer had two of his fingers amputated as the result of a wheelbrae accident while working in the Earl's Row Surface Mine, Donibristle. He had been attempting to replace the haulage rope on a wheel when the race went away, dragging his hand into the wheel. [Dunfermline Journal 10 April 1926]

14 October 1926

Fife Pit Fatality - The first pit fatality in Fife since the beginning of the strike occurred yesterday in Leadside pit, near Dunfermline. belonging to Thomas Spowart &Company {Ltd), where nearly a score of men have returned to work. The victim was James Burnett, Lochhead Cottages, Wellwood, who was killed by a fall of stone from the roof. Deceased was sixteen-years of age, and had only been employed underground for about a fortnight. [Scotsman 15 October 1926]

30 November 1926

Fife Miner Killed - An accident resulting in the death of a Kirkcaldy miner occurred at Loch head Pit, Coaltown of Wemyss, yesterday. The victim was Robert Pryde (46), who resided at Union Street, Kirkcaldy, and he met his death through an explosion during blasting operations. He leaves a widow and family of three. [Scotsman 1 December 1926]

26 December 1926

Blairhall Fatality – James Sneddon, 38 years of age, a miner who resided at 30 Valleyfield Avenue, Culross parish, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Sunday from severe injuries sustained while at work in Blairhall Colliery. [Dunfermline Journal 1 January 1927]

1 January 1927

Donibristle – Pit Accident - Peter Forrester, a young pithead worker, broke his arm while working at the James Colliery. He slipped on a wooden gangway and sustained the injury named. [Dunfermline Journal 1 January 1927]

25 July 1927

Fife Pit Tragedy - Two Lives Lost - Men Overcome By Gas - Two underground employees at Valleyfield Colliery, near Dunfermline, lost their lives yesterday through coal gas poisoning. They were:- William Cousin, colliery fireman, and Neil M'Neil, colliery oversman. Being the responsible officials for dealing with accumulations of gas, the deceased, along with a miner, Robert Clark , went to investigate a report as to the presence of gas in a particular part of the mine. M'Neil collapsed on entering the working-place and Cousin , who went to his assistance, was also overcome. Clark, who was following, before being rendered helpless, was able to raise the alarm. Heroic efforts were made by the colliery officials and workmen to reach the men, and several of the rescuers themselves were overcome before the bodies were reached. Artificial respiration proved unavailing. The deceased were both married, Cousin leaving a widow and a family of two, while M'Neil is survived by a widow. [Scotsman 26 July 1927]

Carnegie Hero Fund – Awards to Fife Miners - The following awards were made by the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees at a meeting at Dunfermline yesterday:-
David Jarvie, miner, Forth View Cottages, Low Valleyfield; James Paterson, under-manager Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield; Frank Mackay. 16 Preston Street, High Valleyfield; and Henry Stewart Calder. agent, Low Valleyfield House. Newmills, on 25th July 3927, attempted to rescue two men who had been overcome by firedamp at Valleyfield Colliery, Fife. After repeated efforts the men were got to a place of safety, but, unfortunately, they were found to be dead. Each of the four rescuers were awarded an honorary certificate and, in addition, Jarvie was granted a sum of £20. [Scotsman 27 January 1928]

19 August 1927

Fife Miner Dies From Injuries - Hugh M'Millan, 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 which 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. [Scotsman 22 August 1927]

19 October 1927

Cults Mining Fatality.—A fall of lime at Cults Lime Works yesterday resulted in one miner being killed and another severely injured. John Petrie (28), miner, who was killed, was married, and leaves a widow and two children, William Lindsay , the second man involved in the accident, was convoyed to Dundee Royal Infirmary, suffering from a broken left thigh, head injuries, and shock. It is estimated that over five tons of stone and metal fell. Over 80 men are employed at Cults Lime Works, which are on the estate of Lord Cochrane of Cults, and are about five miles from Cupar. About 20 of the men are employed underground . Lindsay's occupation was that of filling the waggons, while the actual cutting operations were carried out by Petrie., It is impossible to foretell a fall of this kind. In coal mines there are generally loud cracks, which frequently give the men tim to make their escape. In this case, however, the roof would fall without the .slightest warning. When the fall took place, Petrie was jammed by a hugs stone against the side of the level. [Scotsman 20 October 1927]

2 February 1928

Accident At Valleyfield – Miner Buried Under Fall – John Dodds, miner, residing at Low Valleyfield, met with an accident while at work in Valleyfield No 1 Pit on Thursday morning. He was at work in the five-foot section, Lessel's Dook, when he was buried under a fall. He sustained injuries to his leg and face. After being attended by the ambulance attendant at the pit, he was conveyed home in the ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 4 February 1928]

24 February 1928

Culross - Pit Accident - As a result of a pit accident at Blairhall Colliery, James Gunn, The Studio, Culross, lies in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital in a serious condition. He is suffering from a fractured pelvis sustained through a fall on him from the roof. Dunfermline Journal 25 February 1928]

NB James Gunn died 24 February 1928

16 April 1928

Fife Pit Fatality - Early yesterday morning, a large roof fall took place in the Fife Coal Company' s Kinneddar pit, near Saline. While several miners had a narrow escape, Campbell Fyfe, a contractor brusher, who resided at Townhill, Dunfermline was caught by the fall, which weighed about 20 tons of debris. It was several hours before the body was extricated. Death seemed to have been instantaneous. Deceased was about fifty years of age, and married. [Scotsman 17 April 1928]

21 April 1928

Pit Accident At Valleyfield – While at work in the north-west Splint Section of No 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, Sam Hume was struck by a fall of the roof and rendered unconscious. The unfortunate man was brought to the ambulance room at the surface, and on examination there by a doctor, was thought to be suffering from concussion. The doctor ordered his removal to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, but while being conveyed there in the ambulance he regained consciousness. He was then conveyed to his home and is now progressing favourably. [Dunfermline Journal 21 April 1928]

21 April 1928

Seizure While At Work – Mr James Armour, residing at Forth View Cottages, Low Valleyfield, was at work in the Five-foot section of No 2 Pit, Valleyfield colliery, when he suddenly became giddy and fell to the floor. He was conveyed to the surface, and at the ambulance room was examined and found to be suffering from haemorrhage on the brain. He was conveyed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 21 April 1928]

18 August 1928

Fife Pit Fatality - Thomas Hutton (41), a brusher who resided at Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, met with a fatal accident in No. 1 Pit of Valleyfield colliery on Saturday. Hutton was struck on the back of the head by falling material and his skull was fractured. Death was practically instantaneous. [Scotsman 20 August 1928]

Valleyfield – Miner Killed At Work – Thomas Hutton, 41 years of age, a brusher, residing at Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield, was fatally injured in No 1 Pit of Valleyfield Colliery early last Saturday morning. He was struck on the head by a fall from the roof, and killed instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 25 August 1928]

24 August 1928

Fatal Mining Accident in Fife - While endeavouring to right a hutch which had become derailed in the Wellesley colliery, Methil, on Friday, Alex. Gillies (48), Wellesley Road, Denbeath , was caught and dragged some distance. By the time he was released Gillies had sustained internal injuries, and late the same night these proved fatal. He died in Wemyss Hospital. He leaves a widow and young family. [Scotsman 27 August 1928]

25 August 1928

Miner Injured at Culross – While at work in the Lochgelly splint section, Blairhall Colliery, Mr Bruce McArthur, who resides at Main Street, Culross, was struck by a fall of coal from the face of the workings and received a severe scalp wound. After being attended to at the Colliery ambulance station, he was able to proceed to his home. [Dunfermline Journal 25 August 1928]

17 October 1928

Pit Accident At Valleyfield - While working at the Dunfermline Splint Seam, No 2 Pit Valleyfield Colliery, on Wednesday evening, John Redington, who resides at Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, was the victim of an accident. He was at work at the coal face when a portion of the top coal came away unexpectedly causing a severe injury to one of his [illegible]. After being attended to by Dr Shanks he was able to proceed to his home. [Dunfermline Journal 20 October 1928]

12 November 1928

Dysart Pit Fatality - William Melville (36), a brusher, who resided at 2 South Row, Gallatown, Kirkcaldy, sustained fatal injuries yesterday while at work in the underground workings of the Randolph Pit, Dysart, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. He was struck by a fall of stone from the roof, and death was practically instantaneous. [Scotsman 13 November 1928]

13 & 25 February 1929

Denbeath Colliery Fatality - The operations at the sinking of a new shaft to the Wellesley Colliery, Denbeath, for the Wemyss Coal Company, were attended by a fatal accident on Wednesday morning. One of the pit sinkers, Thomas Hinnigan, lost his balance on the scaffold and fell a distance of 150ft. Deceased, who belonged to Ireland, was in lodgings in Methil, and it is understood he was almost at the end of his engagement, the shaft being nearly finished. [Dunfermline Journal 16 February 1929]

Fife Colliery Fatalities - An inquiry into the death of Michael Hannigan, pit sinker, 233 Wellesley Road, Methil, who fell a distance of 255 feet through the breaking of a plank in the Wellesley Colliery, was held by Sheriff Dudley Stuart and a jury at Kirkcaldy on Friday. John Brown, manager of the colliery, said that a shaft had just been sunk, and the men were engaged in taking out compressed air pipes. The men were standing on a platform, and while one of the other men was engaged in loosening the pipes, the pipe jerked down to the platform on which Hannigan was standing, and broke the plank. Hannigan fell 265 feet. A formal verdict was returned. Inquiry was also held into the circumstances attending the death of Thomas Melville Dowie, waggon shunter, 4 Eleventh Street, Cardenden, who was killed while shunting waggons at Kinglassie Colliery. John Millar, manager of the colliery, suggested that after running some waggons down a hill, Dowie was passing between the first seven and the last one, and got caught. The rails were in a slippery condition. It might have been deceased slipped in front of the waggons. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 30 March 1929]

NB Death certificate spells name as Michael Henigan

15 February 1929

Death Follows Amputation - Crossgates Youth's Fatal Accident - As the result of an accident on 8th February, John Potter, jun, apprentice engineer, Main Street, Crossgates, died in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. At the time he received his accident, deceased was working at the pithead handling steel props, when one of the props fell, crushing the fingers of his left hand. His hand was dressed at the Ambulance station at the pithead, and again by Dr Rifkind, who a few days later ordered his removal to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, to have the fingers amputated. Following upon this amputation, tetanus set in, resulting in death the following day. The funeral took place to Dunfermline Cemetery on Monday. Wreaths were placed on his grave by his associates in the Miners' Welfare Institution, and members of Mossgreen Parish Church Bible Class. Great sympathy is extended in the district to Mr and Mrs Potter, in the loss of their only son. [Dunfermline Journal 23 February 1929]
(RCE states accident occurred in Dalbeath Colliery)

16 February 1929

Pit Accidents At Valleyfield - Run of Bad Luck - Valleyfield Colliery has had a rather bad run of luck during the past week, no less than three men being injured. Mr Adam Ferguson, who resides at Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, while at work in the Diamond seam, No 2 Pit, at the coal face, was caught by a fall of coal, and had one of his legs fractured. After receiving attention at the surface, he was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he is making satisfactory progress. Mr Richard Smith, a fireman at No 1 Pit and who resides in Main Street, Newmills, in the course of his duties received a severe injury to his foot and ankle. On being brought to the surface he received attention at the dressing station and then was removed to his home. Mr T Clark, also employed in No 1 Pit, received a severe injury to his hand, and after having it dressed he was able to proceed to his home at Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield. [Dunfermline Journal 16 February 1929]

3 March 1929

Crossgates Miner's Death - The death took place in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital last Sunday morning of Mr Samuel Donaldson (50), miner, Dunfermline Road, Crossgates. Mr Donaldson, who was well known in the district, had been off his work for some time following an accident in the pit, and had only resumed work two days when he took a haemorrhage. He was conveyed to the Hospital, where he died. He is survived by a widow and daughter. [Dunfermline Journal 9 March 1929]

23 April 1929

Dysart Pit Fatality - David Glen (46), pithead worker, 12 Quality Street, Dysart, has died in Kirkcaldy Hospital as the result of injuries sustained in the Randolph Pit last week. The unfortunate man was run down by a hutch, and sustained severe injuries to his legs and body. He leaves a widow and family. [Scotsman 24 April 1929]

15 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. [Scotsman 16 August 1929]

16 September 1929

Sequel To Fife Pit Accident - At Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, Edwin Armour, colliery underground fireman, Torryburn, was fined £3 on pleading guilty to a contravention of the Coal Mines Act. Accused had omitted to take certain precautions when a shot was being fired electrically in the Lord Bruce pit of Blairhall Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron Co. (Ltd.), and as a result two miners were injured. An agent stated that accused had been with the company for over 40 years, and they spoke highly of his character and workmanship. The Procurator-Fiscal pointed out that in fiery mines, such as Blairhall, a duty was put on the fireman to see the shot stemmed, to see that the cables were coupled up in a certain way, and to see that the men were out of the way before the shot was fired. Accused did not do any of these things, and he banged off a shot when a man was close beside it. It was a dispensation of Providence that the men were only slightly injured, and not killed. [Scotsman 17 September 1929]

1 October 1929

Fatality At Crossgates - Man Buried By Roof Fall - A fatal accident occurred at the Fordell Collieries, Crossgates on Tuesday, David Smith McEwan (38), a miner residing at Manse Road, Crossgates, being the victim. McEwan was working in the William Pit, when he was struck by a fall of coal from the roof and completely buried. When extricated it was found that he had been killed instantaneously. [Dunfermline Journal 5 October 1929]

Tragedy in Darkness - The next case to be enquired into was that of David Smith McEwan, miner, Manse Road, Crossgates, who died on 1 October in the Smithy Section of the William Pit of the Fordell Colliery, belonging to the Countess of Buckinghamnshire, having been killed by a fall of stone from the roof of his working place there. A formal verdict was returned. [Dunfermline Journal 21 December 1929]

3 November 1929

Thornton Pit Fatality - Victim of an accident at the Balgonie Colliery, near Thornton, on October 25, Mr William Morrison, who resided at West End, Balgonie, has succumbed to injuries at the Kirkcaldy Hospital. Mr Morrison, who was unmarried, was buried under a fall of 3000 cwts of loose material while engaged at work in the Bellfield Mine. [Dunfermline Journal 9 November 1929]

9 November 1929

Accident At Donibristle Colliery - Fall From Roof - William Aitken, miner, 45 years of age, who resides at Paul Place, High Street, Cowdenbeath, lies in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital seriously injured as the result of an accident that took place in the Marion Pit, Donibristle Colliery, belonging to the Fife Coal Company. Aitken was at work in the Diamond Three Section of the pit when he was struck by a fall from the roof and received serious injuries to his head and chest. [Dunfermline Journal 9 November 1929]

9 January 1930

Fife Pit Fatality – A fatal accident occurred yesterday morning in the Derby mine of Messrs Thomas Spowart & Co., Lassodie, Elgin, and Wellwood Collieries. The victim was Thomas Wallace (20) drawer, residing c/o Gibb, 1 Store Row,Wellwood, Dunfermline. He was overtaken and knocked over by a runaway hutch, death being instantaneous. Deceased belonged to a colliery district in Northumberland. [Scotsman 10 January 1930]

18 February 1930

Fife Pit Fatalities - Jury's Comment 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 arid 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 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. [Scotsman 21 March 1930]

25 February 1930

David Finlayson (41), a brusher, who resided at 3 Woodside Terrace, Lower Steelend, was killed yesterday at Lethans Colliery, Steelend, belonging to the Wilsons & Clyde Coal Company (Ltd.) He was struck by a fall from the roof of stone weighing about half a ton. Finlayson was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two hours later. [Scotsman 26 February 1930]

18 April 1930

Blairhall Pithead Worker's Death - The jury [at a FAI at Dunfermline Sheriff Court] then inquired into the death of Henry Hogg, pithead worker, Comrie Villages, Oakley, who died 18th April in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from injuries received by him on 5th April at Blairhall Colliery, belonging to the Coltness Iron and Coal Company, in the course of his industrial occupation as a pithead worker there, and caused by a fall into a “duff” container at the pithead. David Gillespie, manager of the colliery, said that no one saw the accident. The only suggestion that he could offer was that deceased may have been standing on the summit of the duff. There were men working at the bottom, and they may have loosened the duff and as a consequence deceased may have fallen from the top and struck his head on the brickwork. He did not think there was any possibility of deceased coming in contact with the belts of the belting. Alex McGrory, an Irishman, who was working near the scene, said he never saw the accident. At 6pm he heard groans, and on going over towards the duff container he found deceased lying on his back. His body was submerged in duff. Deceased was only able to say “Get me out.” It was possible that deceased had fallen into the container, although the fencing was quite safe. There was a small wound on the back of his head. Dr Alan S Tuke said he attended deceased in hospital where he died suffering from a depressed fracture of the skull. There was a small wound in the rear of the head. The hole in the cap, produced in Court, was at the same part of the head as the wound. Witness agreed that a likely cause of the accident was that deceased's feet went from him, and as he was falling his head struck some projecting point such as a bolt. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Dunfermline Journal 31 May 1930]

29 April 1930

Dunfermline Pit Fatality - At the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Colliery near Dunfermline, yesterday David Muir, a night-shift overman, residing at Comrie Castle, Blairhall, was engaged with others replacing a hutch which had become derailed, when another hutch, came down the incline knocked him down, death being almost instantaneous. Deceased was between 50 and 60 years of age, and leaves a widow and grown up family. [Scotsman 30 April 1930]

Blairhall Oversman Killed - The next accident considered [at a FAI at Dunfermline Sheriff Court] was that sustained by David Muir, colliery oversman, Comrie Castle Grounds, Blairhall, who died on 29th April in the underground workings of the Lady Veronica Pit, Blairhall, belonging to the Coltness Iron Company, Ltd, from injuries received in the course of his employment as a colliery oversman there by being crushed by runaway hutches. A graphic account of the accident was given by John Grattan, 23, 32 Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall. He said he was with Muir when two hutches became derailed up the dook. They went up and met others coming down to fix the hutches. They were working with the front hutch, which was a full one, when they heard the noise of approaching hutches. Muir called to “Look out, boys” and they all made for the manholes except Muir. Muir did not cross the road but went to the back of the derailed hutches. The hutches came down the dook and struck the derailed ones. Muir who was behind them was struck and killed. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Dunfermline Journal 31 May 1930]

29 August 1930

Dysart Pit Fatality - Early yesterday morning the Francis pit, Dysart, was the scene of a distressing accident, as the result of which William Beall (27), chief electrician, Eddington Place, Dysart, lost his life. At the time of the mishap Beall was repairing some machinery underground, when a huge stone became dislodged and fell on top of him. Although his colleagues worked with the utmost speed, a considerable time elapsed before he could be extricated, and on examination he was found to be dead. [Scotsman 30 August 1930]

9 September 1930

Fatal Result Of Fife Colliery Accident - Alex. Thomson (31), l06 Mylerose Terrace, Aberhill, Methil, died yesterday in Wemyss Hospital as the result of an accident on Friday night. He was on the night shift in Wellesley Colliery, owned by the Wemyss Coal Co., when he was struck by two runaway hutches and sustained internal injuries. [Scotsman 10 September 1930]

28 September 1930

Fife Mining Fatality - William Rodger, 55 College Street, Buckhaven, died in Wemyss Hospital as the result of injuries sustained in a blasting accident in the Michael colliery. He had set two charges. There was an explosion, and thinking the shots had fired simultaneously he went forward to the seam, just as the second shot went off. He was terribly injured about the head and chest, and his condition was serious from the first. [Scotsman 30 September 1930]

17 November 1930

Sequel To Pit Death - Widow's and Father's Claims - Proof was fixed to be heard in the Sheriff Court on 18th June in an action raised in the Sheriff Court on Tuesday by the father and widow of John Scott, who was killed in the James Pit, Donibristle, on 17th November last, by a fall of coal from the roof of his working place. Mrs Margaret Burnett or Scott, 3 Urquhart Street, Dundee, the widow, sued the Fife Coal Company for £300 as compensation in respect of the death of her husband. The respondents refuse to admit liability in respect of the death, and state that the claimant was not dependent on the earnings of the deceased at the time of his death and therefore was not entitled to an award of compensation. William Scott, miner, North End, Crossgates, father of the deceased, sued the Company for £50 and £15 funeral expenses as compensation for his son's death. In his condescendence, pursuer avers that his son's wife left him at frequent periods, and during these periods the son resided with him and contributed 10s per week towards the household expenses. His son's wife left him on 11th October last and was away at the time of his son's death. Defenders in their answers state that pursuer was not dependent on the earnings of the deceased at the time of his death. They had offered pursuer without prejudice £25 and funeral expenses in settlement of his claim but this had been refused. That offer was still open. [Dunfermline 6 June 1931]

9 December 1930

Accident At Fordell - Andrew Gibson, miner, Old Terrace, Fordell, had his right arm amputated on Tuesday at Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital as the result of an accident on Monday in the Alice Pit, Fordell. [Dunfermline Journal 13 December 1930]

NB Andrew Gibson died 9 December 1930

18 March 1931

Methil Pit Fatality - Thomas Gilbert, miner, residing at Methilhill, died on Wednesday in the Wemyss Memorial Hospital, Buckhaven, from injuries received while at work in Wellsgreen Pit, Windygates. Along with another miner, Alexander M'Lean, also of Methilhill, he was caught and buried by a head fall. M'Lean escaped with slight injury, but Gilbert, who was imprisoned for several hours, sustained a fractured spine. He was 24 years of age and unmarried. [Dunfermline Journal 21 March 1931]

23 March 1931

Valleyfield Colliery Accident - Man Caught Between Hutches - George Bedborough, a drawer, employed at Fife Coal Company's Valleyfield Colliery, met with an accident at No 2 Pit on Monday, as a result of which he was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Bedborough, who resides at Main Street, Newmills, was caught between two hutches, and suffered from injuries to his chest and back. After treatment at the ambulance station at the pit he was removed to hospital. [Dunfermline Journal 28 March 1931]

30 May 1931

Accident At Valleyfield - Miner Badly Injured - David Stewart, face worker, who resides at Forth View Cottages, Low Valleyfield, was the victim of an accident at Valleyfield Colliery early last Saturday morning. Stewart was engaged in his usual work as a hewer in the five foot section of No 2 Pit when suddenly the side of the roadway gave way, and the coal thus released struck him, inflicting severe injuries to his back and side. After receiving medical aid at the pit dressing station by Dr Burton Cook he was conveyed home by ambulance. He is progressing favourably. [Dunfermline Journal 6 June 1931]

20 June 1931

Valleyfield Pit Accident - While engaged as a wheeler in Valleyfield Colliery, Robert Martin, Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield was the victim of an accident. Martin was in the act of wheeling a brae when his left hand and arm became entangled in the wheel, which inflicted severe injury to the hand and forearm. After attention at the colliery dressing station, he was conveyed to Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital by ambulance. [Dunfermline Journal 20 June 1931]

11 July 1931

Valleyfield Man's Death - Sequel To Colliery Accident - David Strathie (42) Abbey Crescent, High Valleyfield, one of the victims of the burning accident in Valleyfield Colliery last week, has died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital. Four men were injured as the result of an explosion of gas in No 2 pit. Strathie received extensive burns from the waist upwards, and also suffered severely from shock. The other two men admitted to hospital, James Harrison, jun, 44 Woodhead Street, High Valleyfield and Thomas Shimmons, fireman, Low Valleyfield are progressing favourably. [Dunfermline Journal 18 July 1931]

1 September 1931

Dysart Pit Fatality – A well-known and highly-respected Dysart man, Mr Alexander Adamson, 9 Forth Street, died in Kirkcaldy Hospital yesterday from injuries sustained in an accident at the Randolph Colliery, Dysart on Monday. Deceased, in the course of his duties as yardsman, was following a waggon into the washery siding, and failed to notice that there was another waggon gravitating towards him from behind, with the result that, just as he was stepping clear of the line, he was caught between the waggons. He was conveyed home in a motor car, but early next morning his condition became such that it was deemed advisable to have him removed to Kirkcaldy Hospital, where he passed away a few hours after admission. Mr Adamson, who was 53 years of age, had been engaged at the Randolph Colliery for over 20 years, and the whole of his working life had been spent at the Dysart Collieries. [Scotsman 2 September 1931]

12 September 1931

Fife Pit Accident - Two Men Killed By Fall Of Roof - Two men were instantly killed and three others were entombed for six hours last Saturday by a roof collapse at Wellesley Colliery, Denbeath. The dead men are - Blyth Davidson (50), colliery oversman, 4 Omar Crescent, Buckhaven, and James Mann (33), brusher, 74 Clyde Street, Denbeath. Their three companions were wedged in a pocket between two falls of roof while pieces of rock continued dropping from above at intervals. The men, who are suffering badly from shock are:- James Coxon [query] (55), colliery fireman, 32 Kenmore Terrace, Buckhaven; John Methven (38) brusher, 39 Bow Street, Denbeath; and Henry Morris (40), brusher, 12 Scoonie Terrace, Leven. The men were erecting a girder in a part of the circle dook known as the pan run. About five in the morning, just before the men finished their shift, the roof came away without warning. [Dunfermline Journal 19 September 1931]

30 October 1931

Fife Pit Fatality - John Cook (59), a miner, who resided at 1 Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall, was killed yesterday afternoon as a result of a roof fall in the underground workings of Blairhall Colliery. Deceased, who was well-known in West Fife, was a member of the Executive Board of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross miners' Union. He was a Justice of the Peace for the county. [Scotsman 31 October 1931]

18 November 1931

Wemyss Miners' Peril - One Man Killed in Roof Surge - A squad of men, cleaning up the road in the surface dip of the Lochhead Pit of the Wemyss coal Company, yesterday afternoon, were in sudden peril of their lives through the unexpected swing of a long section of roof. One of the men, Thomas Anderson, was overwhelmed in the fall, but the others managed to escape with nothing to spare. The alarm was given, and rescue operations were started immediately, but four hours elapsed before the workers came upon the body of Thomas Anderson . He had evidently made a dive for the side of the road, where there is generally some measure of protection, but at this particular point the whole roof had come way clean by the wall. The deceased was 51 years of age and resided in Main Street, East Wemyss. He leaves a widow and two children. Mr Anderson was well known, being church officer in St Mary's Church, East Wemyss. [Scotsman 19 November 1931]

11 May 1932

Fife Miner's Death - William Glover (53), a stone miner, was yesterday found lying unconscious in the Barncrag extension section of the Rosie Colliery of the Wemyss Coal Company. First-aid and medical attention were persevered with for several hours, but eventually life was pronounced extinct. Deceased was engaged in opening out the mines, and about ten o'clock another fireman had discharged a shot for him , and left Glover evidently in the best of health. Traces were found that Glover must have been overcome some time after the shot was fired. Mr Glover, in addition to his trade, also conducted a licensed grocery business in Wellsgreen. He leaves a widow and a family of six. [Scotsman 12 May 1932]

17 June 1932

Fatal Pit Accident - Fife Man Killed and Another Seriously Injured - One man was killed and another seriously injured in a shot-firing accident yesterday in No. 3 Pit, Dean Colliery, Kingseat, near Dunfermline. The men, William Pearson (29), stone miner, Henderson Street, Kingseat; and Sinclair Sutherland (20), drawer, 25 Mayflower Street, Townhill, were engaged in driving a stone mine through a "hitch" in order to get to the coal. Eight shots had been set, and it is presumed that the men had been caught by the explosion. Pearson was killed instantaneously, having received a fracture of the base of the skull. Sutherland was removed to the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital suffering from a wound on the right thigh, severe bruises, and haemorrhage. His condition is regarded as critical. [Scotsman 18 June 1932]

26 November 1932

Dunfermline Man's Fatal Injuries - Hugh Laing, coal-cutting machineman, 66 Campbell Street, Dunfermline, who was injured in an accident in the underground workings of Blairhall Colliery on Wednesday of last week, succumbed to his injuries in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday. Laing had been struck by a fall of stone from the roof, and received a fracture of the skull. [Scotsman 28 November 1932]

29 November 1932

Buckhaven Miner Killed - Daniel K. Malcolm, East Wemyss, a native of Buckhaven, employed as a brusher in the Rosie Colliery of the East Wemyss Coal Company, was killed yesterday morning by the fall of a girder. The night shift work was nearly completed when the girder suddenly came away, striking Malcolm on the head and killing him instantly. Malcolm, who was about 50, was well known throughout the district as a layman preacher and a poet. Last week, he gave a recital of his poetical pieces at a large gathering in Buckhaven. [Scotsman 29 November 1932]

2 February 1933

Fife Pit Fatality - William Young (64), shot-borer, residing at Newmills, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday as a result of injuries received while at work in the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Colliery. A fall from the roof took place.[Scotsman 3 February 1933]

22 October 1933

Fatal Accident At Dysart Colliery - William Smith, a 37-year-old miner, residing at The Cross, Dysart, was the victim of an accident at the Frances Colliery, Dysart, It is understood that Smith was operating a coal-cutting machine when a portion of the roof fell, and he was pinned to the ground by a large block of stone. It was only after half an hour's work that his mates succeeded in extricating him, and life was found to be extinct. Smith is survived by his widow and four children. [Scotsman 23 October 1933]

30 October 1933

Fife Pit Fatality - John Cook (59), a miner, who resided at 1 Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall, was killed yesterday afternoon as a result of a roof fall in the underground workings of Blairhall Colliery. Deceased, who was well-known in West Fife, was a member of the Executive Board of the Fife, Clackmannan, and Kinross Miners' Union. He was a Justice of the Peace for the county. [Scotsman 31 October 1933]

14 November 1933

Fatal Accident At Fife Colliery - John Penman (35), Brown Street, Methilhill, employed in the Michael colliery of the Wemyss Coal Company, was killed instantly yesterday. He was in the act of coupling hutches when he was struck on the head by another laden hutch. He leaves a widow and five children. [Scotsman 15 November 1933]

28 November 1933

At a fatal accidents inquiry at Kirkcaldy, yesterday , before Sheriff Dudley Stuart and a jury....A formal verdict was returned in an inquiry into the death of Walker Thomson, coal stripper, 3 West Shore Street, Buckhaven, who was killed by a fall of coal in No. 3 Pit, Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, on November 28. [Scotsman 13 January 1934]

13 December 1933

Miner Electrocuted In Fife Pit - Francis Kane (19), residing at 170 Pittencrieff Street, Dunfermline, met with his death by electrocution while employed in the Lochgelly splint seam of the Lady Veronica pit, Blairhall Colliery, Fife, yesterday forenoon. His body was found lying near some electrical machinery, and efforts to restore respiration by the colliery ambulance staff, using the oxygen apparatus were unavailing. Kane was a prominent member of the Blairhall Junior Football Club. His services recently had been inquired after by several senior clubs. His father, Edward Kane, is an old Cowdenbeath and Falkirk player. [Scotsman 14 December 1933]

21 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. [Scotsman 22 December 1933]

30 January 1934

Boy Killed In Fife Pit - A 15-year-old boy was killed yesterday while employed underground in the Victoria Pit, West Wemyss, owned by the Wemyss Coal Company Ltd. William M'Laren; residing at 9 Lancer Terrace, Coaltown of Wemyss; was employed on a bogie which is attached to a rope for pulling hutches. He must have fallen off the bogie and been run over by the hutches. No one witnessed the accident. Some of the workmen were surprised to observe the bogie travelling along the haulage way without the driver. On investigating they came upon the body of the boy lying on the haulage road, badly mauled. His brother David M'Laren, is a well-known Scottish professional mile and Marathon runner. [Scotsman 31 January 1934]

11 August 1934

Fatal Pit Accident – 14 Year Old Boy's Death At Dunfermline - A man and a boy, victims of accidents at their work, were on Saturday admitted to Dunfermline Hospital, where the boy, succumbed to his injuries. The dead boy was John Dunsmore, a 14-year-old worker at Blairhall Colliery. Dunsmore was caught in the machinery at the coal-picking tables and his right leg was so severely injured that it had to be amputated immediately on his arrival at the infirmary. He died shortly afterwards. [Scotsman 13 August 1934]

Boy Mine Worker's Death - Sheriff Refuses Claim for Compensation - In Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Saturday, Sheriff-Substitute F. A. Umpherston issued an interlocutor, deciding an action under the Workmen's Compensation Act, which was the sequel to a fatal accident at a picking table at Blairhall Colliery on August 10, 1934. The victim of the accident; John Dunsmore, aged 14 years and eight-months, died from injuries received as a result of being crushed between a moveable platform and a post, and the claimants were his father and mother, Robert Dunsmore, mine worker, and Mrs Helen Dunsmore, 49 South Avenue, Blairhall, and three brothers and a sister of the deceased. They sued the Coltness Iron Company, Ltd, for £233 15s of compensation in respect of the boy's death. The Sheriff-Substitute finds,.that the respondents are not liable to pay compensation to the claimants, and finds the claimants, liable to the respondents in expenses. In a note to his interlocutor, his Lordship deals with the claimants' averment that the boy Dunsmore had occasion to mount the picking table for the purpose of removing his cap which was lying there; and states that it has not been proved that the cap fell on the table at all. John Dunsmore mounted the moving table. If the cap was not on the table, his only reason for doing what he did must have been to cross the table in that way instead of by the bridge which was provided for that purpose. It had not been proved that John Dunsmore went on the moving table in order, to take from it a foreign article which would otherwise go into the hopper. He went on the table in order to cross it for a purpose of his own. The claimants, therefore, were, in his Lordship's judgement, not entitled to an award of compensation. [Scotsman 5 December 1938]

19 September 1934

Claimant To Fortune Killed In Fife Pit - A claimant to a fortune was the victim of a Fife pit fatality yesterday. Robert Cowan Mercer (52), who resided at Swan Buildings, Causeway, Kennoway, was employed at No. 2 level of the Wemyss Coal Company's Rosie Colliery, near East Wemyss, when a stone weighing about two tons fell from the roof and crushed him. Death was instantaneous. Mercer, who leaves a widow and family, was one of the claimants to the Mercer millions, and a firm of solicitors in Edinburgh are investigating his claim. [Scotsman 20 September 1934]

30 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. [Scotsman 31 October 1934]

22 October 1934, 21 & 23 November 1934

Three Fatal Pit Accidents - Similar verdicts [Formal verdicts] were returned in inquiries into the deaths of Balfour Westwater Hutchison, miner,West End, Coaltown of Balgonie; Archibald Hugh, miner, 2 Watt Street, Dysart; and James Collins, miner, 285 High Street, Kirkcaldy, who were killed by falls of stone in the Milton, Francis [sic], and Randolph Pits respectively. [Scotsman 11 December 1934]

23 November 1934

Dysart Pit Accident Ends Fatally - An accident in the Randolph Colliery, Dysart, which occurred on Monday evening, has had a fatal termination by the death of James Collins, miner, 285 High Street Kirkcaldy. Collins succumbed to his injuries in Kirkcaldy Hospital yesterday. While working, underground, he had been caught and pinned by a fall of coal and stone, and although assistance was immediately forthcoming he sustained severe injuries to his back from which little hope of recovery was entertained. [Scotsman 24 November 1934]

15 January 1935

Fife Miner Killed By Heavy Stone - A Wemyss (Fife) miner was killed yesterday afternoon at the Victoria Pit,West Wemyss. He was William Parker (31) residing at Main Street, West Wemyss. He had just descended the mine on the forenoon shift, and had walked only about 70 yards along the road leading to the coalface, when a stone weighing about one ton fell from the roof on top of him. Death was instantaneous. He leaves a widow and four children. [Scotsman 16 January 1935]

28 June 1935

Robert Dewar Forrester (20), miner, North Square, Wellwood, was fatally injured yesterday afternoon as a result of a stone falling on him from the roof while he was at work in Muircockhall Colliery, Townhill, Dunfermline. [Scotsman 29 June 1935]

24 August 1935

Injured Fife Miner - Unsafe System of Running Hutches - Judgment was pronounced by Lord Keith in the Court of Session in an action by William M'Nair, 14 Preston Crescent, High Valleyfield, Fife, against the Fife Coal Company, Ltd., Leven, for payment of £400 as damages for personal injuries. The pursuer, who was a miner, sustained injuries in an accident at Valleyfield Colliery on August 24, 1935. The action was based on breach of both common law and statutory duty towards him, but at the proof his counsel relied solely on the former, namely, the defenders' failure to provide a safe system in the mine. At the end of his shift the pursuer was approaching the pit bottom when he was struck by an empty hutch which, through becoming derailed, pinned his arm against a stationary full hutch on an opposite set of rails. While his arm was so held, a second empty hutch struck the derailed hutch and the pursuer's arm was broken. Lord Keith, who explained that pending litigation had held up the decision of the present action, found the pursuer entitled to £50 in respect of loss of wages and £100 for pain and suffering - £150 in all, with expenses. His Lordship said he had no difficulty in holding that the system of running hutches down the gravity incline when men were coming up to the pit bottom was an unsafe system The accident that happened to the pursuer was just the sort of accident that might have been anticipated. The system of warning the men was proved to be quite ineffective and was not, his Lordship thought, an adequate means of rendering safe what was demonstrably unsafe. His Lordship repelled most of the defenders' pleas and sustained the pursuer's in so far as based on common law fault. [Scotsman 11 June 1938]

9 October 1935

Fatal Accident In Fife Pit - John Feechan, aged 34, who resided at 30 East Shore Street, Buckhaven, was killed last night at Rosie Colliery, near East Wemyss. He was working in the Barncraig section as a packer when he was buried by a fall of stone from the roof. Death was instantaneous. [Scotsman 10 October 1935]

23 October 1935

Fife Miner Fatally Injured - Yesterday afternoon John Hynds (28), 41 Kirkland Road, Methil, was fatally injured while at work in the Wellesley Colliery, owned by the Wemyss Coal Co. During cutting operations a large piece of coal slipped and struck him down. Hynds was so severely injured that he died before he could be removed to hospital. He leaves a widow and two children. [Scotsman 24 October 1935]

26 November 1935

Fife Pit Accidents - Firemen Fined for Negligence - Detonators Offence - Charges arising out of two Fife mining accidents were made against two mine workers at Cupar Sheriff Court yesterday. John Weepers, underground fireman, 165 Beatty Crescent, Kirkcaldy, admitted having, between September 15 and 16, failed to inspect the parts of the Frances pit, Dysart, in which men were to work, and ascertain the general conditions of safety, and with, being a person to whom detonators had been issued, failed to keep the detonators in a suitable case or box. An agent stated that owing to the fact that Weepers was engaged in repairing a fall which had occurred from the roof he had not had time to inspect the part mentioned in the charge. The second charge arose out of the fact that accused was busy and gave out detonators before the shot-hole had been prepared. The result of the accused's negligence, said the Depute-Fiscal, had been rather serious. He issued five detonators to a miner, and some dubiety existed as to whether all of the five shots had exploded. No inspection was made by accused, although he signed a report that he had done so. When the following shift commenced a miner was working on the coal face when his pick struck a detonator. In consequence, he lost an eye and was otherwise seriously injured. Sheriff-Substitute Dudley Stuart imposed fines totalling £3.

Miner Loses A Hand - A colliery fireman, John Logie, 14 Den Street, Denbeath, admitted having, in Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, being a person to whom detonators were issued, failed to keep them in a suitable case or box. The Depute-Fiscal said that accused ought not to have issued the detonators until the shot-hole had been prepared. On this occasion two charges were used to break up steel girders, an action which was strictly forbidden in mines. Explosives were laid on the steel and covered over with clay. An accident occurred, and a man lost his hand as a result of being struck by a fragment of steel. Sheriff-Substitute Dudley Stuart imposed a fine of 40s. [Scotsman 27 November 1935]

15 December 1935

Fatal Accident In Fife Pit - Adam Arnott (28) , miner, 88 South Avenue, Blairhall, Fife, was fatally injured in the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Colliery yesterday morning. He was at work in the north mine, Mynheer section. A new cable was being fitted to the roof when part of it fell upon him, fracturing his skull and causing other injuries, from which he succumbed shortly afterwards. Arnott leaves a widow and one daughter. [Scotsman 16 December 1935]

6 April 1937

Findings At Other Inquiries - Formal verdicts were also returned in inquiries into the deaths of the following persons: - Robert Blackhall Dorward, miner, 60 Links Street, Kirkcaldy, who died on April 6, 1937, from stomach trouble following an accident in Francis Colliery, Dysart, on December 17, 1935; William Rothwell, coal miner 142 Beatty Crescent, Kirkcaldy, killed by a fall from the roof in Francis Colliery on May 1 1937, Andrew Brown Sinclair, underground fireman . 70 Cairns Street, Kirkcaldy, found dead in the haulageway of the Lochhead Pit East Wemyss, on May 29, 1937. In the last-mentioned case, the jury stated in their verdict that the accident was believed to be caused by the derailment of an empty hutch, although the evidence did not disclose the cause of the derailment. [Scotsman 29 June 1937]

26 April 1937

A 14 year old boy, George Rushford, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Robert Rushford, residing at 39 Wemyss Terrace, East Wemyss, was killed on Monday night when employed as a hutch attendant at the pithead of the New Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, belonging to the Wemyss Coal Co. (Ltd). The boy, who was on the back shift, accidentally stumbled between two hutches of coal and was so severely crushed that he died before medical aid could be summoned. [Scotsman 28 April 1937] [Many thanks to Janet Keefe for supplying this article]

1 May 1937

Fatal Roof Fall In A Dysart Colliery - A miner was fatally injured in an accident at the Francis Colliery, Dysart, on Saturday morning. He was William Rothwell, who resided at Beatty Crescent. Kirkcaldy, and he was engaged in the early shift, working near the coal face, when there was a fall which almost completely buried him. His mates immediately went to his rescue, but by the time they had got him clear he had succumbed to his injuries. [Scotsman 3 May 1937] (see also entry under 6 April 1937)

5 May 1937

Died After Burn To Arm - Evidence at Kirkcaldy Inquiry – Coaltown of Wemyss Man - A statement that a colliery banksman's death was the sequel to burning injuries to the arm which he had sustained was made at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday by Dr J. C. Khambatta, East Wemyss, when giving evidence at an inquiry before Sheriff-Substitute Dudley Stuart and a jury, into the death of James Laing (69), 26 South Row, Coaltown of Wemyss. Evidence was given by Laing's widow to the effect that part of her husband's duties in his employment at Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, belonging to the Fife Coal Company, was to remove silt and sediment from the boilers. In February of this year her husband had a small burn on his left arm, and he told her this had happened through his coming into contact with a hot boiler.. On Wednesday, April 21 when he returned home from the night shift, he had a deep burn on his left elbow, and said he had burned it while attending the boilers. He was unable to return to his work, and was attended by Dr Khambatta. On April 30 the colliery officials were notified of a possible claim for compensation, and replied that they knew nothing of the accident. Her husband had told her there was no one there when it happened, and he had not reported it. Later, her husband became seriously ill and died on May 5. Evidence was given by John Scott, boiler fireman, 84 Beatty Crescent, Kirkcaldy, and William Galloway, colliery, manager, Haugh House, East Wemyss, to the effect that Laing had not been observed while at the boilers, but they had been attended to, and this must have been carried out by him. Both witnesses agreed that Laing might have slipped and burned his elbow through coming into contact with some part of the boiler. Dr Khambatta stated that the injuries were very serious for a person of Laing's years, and his death was the sequel to the injuries he sustained. The jury returned a formal verdict. [Scotsman 29 June 1937]

29 May 1937

Killed In Colliery Accident - A Kirkcaldy man was killed on Saturday while employed underground at Lochhead Colliery, Coaltown of Wemyss, belonging to the Wemyss Coal Co. (Ltd.) He was Andrew Sinclair, aged 42, who resided at 70 Cairns Street, Kirkcaldy. Sinclair was engaged as underground examiner and fireman, He had just made his rounds of inspection at the commencement of his shift, and was travelling down the new "dook" on the main haulage road, when he wag struck by a runaway hutch. Death was instantaneous. Sinclair served in France with the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field. He is survived by a wife and family. [Scotsman 31 May 1937] (see also entry under 6 April 1937)

31 May 1937

James Rollo, miner, aged 59, residing at 21 Herd Crescent, Methilhill was seriously injured early yesterday morning in the Rosie Colliery, near Buckhaven. Rollo was working on the main haulage road when one of the steel haulage ropes suddenly broke away from the guiding pulley on a bend of the road and crushed him against the side of the haulage way. He received a fracture of both legs and one of his arms was fractured in two places. He was conveyed to Wemyss Memorial Hospital. [Scotsman 1 June 1937]

2 June 1937

Dunfermline Pit Worker's Fatal Injuries - William Hugh Drysdale (53); pithead worker, 39 Main Street, Kingseat, Dunfermline, has died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital from the effects of injuries received on Thursday of last week in an accident at Lochside Mine Townhill, belonging to the Lochside Coal and Fireclay Company (Ltd.). He was in the act of emptying a hutch containing blae when the hutch tipped over and went down a chute, carrying him with it, a distance of about twelve feet. [Scotsman 3 June 1937]

29 July 1937

Fife Miner Injured In Explosion - Angus Cook, 43 Overton Road, Kirkcaldy, while employed at New Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, yesterday, received serious facial and eye injuries when a charge of explosive suddenly went off at the coal face. Cook was conveyed to hospital, and later sent to the Royal Infirmary. Edinburgh. [Scotsman 30 July 1937]

6 September 1937

Fife Miner's Death - William Hynd, miner, 40 Rintoul Avenue, Blairhall, died in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital yesterday from the effects of injuries which he received early in the morning in the Coltness Iron Company's Blairhall Colliery. He was engaged at the face in the five foot seam when there was a fall of coal, which caught him before he had time to make his escape. He was 25 years of age and unmarried. [Scotsman 7 September 1937]

11 December 1937

Dunfermline Mine Fatality - Robert Wilkie, mine inspector, Chamberfield Road, Dunfermline, was fatally injured as the result of a shot-firing accident early on Saturday morning in the underground workings of Lochside Mine, Townhill, Dunfermline. Wilkie, who was about 50 years of age, is survived by his wife and one son. [Scotsman 13 December 1937]

18 January 1938

Fife Pit Accident - A Fife miner, Edward Thomson, residing at Douglas Street, Windygates, was seriously injured while at work at the Randolph Colliery, Wemyss yesterday morning. While Thomson was at work near the coal face, the roof suddenly collapsed, and he was pinned to the ground by the falling debris. Some of his colleagues who were working nearby heard his shouts for help and ran to his assistance, but it was only with great difficulty that they extricated him. He was removed to the pithead , where he received temporary treatment, and was later removed to Kirkcaldy Hospital suffering from severe injuries to his body and right leg. [Scotsman 19 January 1938]

29 January 1938

Tragedy of Toil At Coal Face - Thomas Waddell (35), coal stripper, Kennoway Road, Windygates, was killed, by a fall of coal in Rosie Colliery, East Wemyss, on Saturday night. Waddell was working at a coal face when there was a sudden burst, and about six tons of coal collapsed on top of him. Two workmates, after digging frantically to extricate him, found that their efforts were in vain. Waddell was dead when uncovered, and his injuries were so severe that death must have been almost instantaneous. He is survived by his wife and a family of two. [Scotsman 31 January 1938]

12 March 1938

John Downie, employed as a waggon attendant at Leadside Pit, Wellwood Colliery, near Dunfermline, died in the Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday from the effects of injuries which he received in the course of his employment on Thursday. He had been making adjustments on the drum of a haulage machine at the pithead, when, it is believed, his hand having become caught he was dragged into the moving machinery. When extricated by workmates he was unconscious, and suffering from injuries, including a fracture of the spine. He was 34 years of age, and resided at 60 Robertson Road, Dunfermline. [Scotsman 14 March 1938]

5 April 1938

Man Fatally Injured At Colliery - David Morgan (52), labourer, residing at Mansionhouse Buildings, Cairneyhill, was fatally injured yesterday morning in the course of his work at the pithead of the Fife Coal Co.'s Valleyfield Colliery. He was oiling points at the colliery railway siding when he was struck and knocked down by a mineral train which was being shunted. Death was almost instantaneous. [Scotsman 6 April 1938]

14 June 1938

Colliery Mishap - Fife Man Killed : Mate Injured - An elderly pit-worker was killed, and his mate was injured, when they were buried under a heavy fall of material, in Valleyfield Colliery, near Dunfermline, yesterday. The men, James Gillespie (68), pit repairer, West Green. Culross, and William Morris (29), stripper, 153 Rumblingwell, Dunfermline, were at work in the Preston splint section when they were caught by the fall. They were trapped for several hours, further falls occurring while rescue workers attempted to release them. When they were extricated, Gillespie was found to be dead, but Morris escaped with injuries to his legs. [Scotsman 15 June 1938]

20 June 1938

Men Ablaze on Pole - Electric Cable Becomes 'Alive' - In Grave Condition - Two colliery electricians employed at Lochhead Colliery, Coaltown of Wemyss, are in a grave condition as the result of extensive electrical burns inflicted when a 6600 volt high tension cable at which they were working yesterday afternoon became "live." The men are David Hunter, aged 22, 19 Viewforth, Leven, and Robert Keddie, aged 23, 26 Henderson Park, Windygates. Both are in Wemyss Memorial Hospital. They were engaged in disconnecting a high tension cable from the 20-feet high junction pole, it is stated, when flashes of flame suddenly shot from Hunter's body. Keddie, it appears, was working immediately below him. Trying to release Hunter from the " live" cable, he also became a mass of flames. The men, their clothes ablaze, and their bodies electrified, were held at the head of the pole for several seconds. The current was quickly switched off, and the men dropped to the ground. First-aid men were on the spot in a short time, and extinguished the flames and rendered first-aid. Hunter and Keddie were removed to Wemyss Memorial Hospital by an ambulance which was summoned from the Rescue Station at East Wemyss. Both had sustained extensive burns, and may also be injured by their fall. [Scotsman 17 June 1938]

"Live" Cable Tragedy - Injured Colliery Electrician Dies in Fife Hospital - The death occurred yesterday in Wemyss Memorial Hospital of David Hunter (22), 19 Viewforth, Leven, one of two colliery electricians severely burned when contact was accidentally made with a 6600 volt High tension cable at Lochhead Colliery, Coaltown of Wemyss, last Thursday. The other man injured, Robert Keddie (23), 26 Henderson Park, Windygates, was stated yesterday to be holding his own. The accident happened after Hunter and Keddie had climbed a 20-feet high pole to carry out some work on the cables. They were under the impression that the current had been completely switched off. Hunter appears to have come in contact with a "live" cable just as he caught hold of Keddie, who was above him, There was an immediate burst of flame, and the plight of the hapless men, unable to release themselves, was seen by many miners on their way to work. A phone message had to be put through to Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, about a mile and a half away, before the current could be switched off. When the current was cut off both men fell to the ground. Hunter was found to have sustained exceptionally severe burning injuries affecting the spine. [Scotsman 21 June 1938]

Fife Man's Death - Shock from Electric Cable - Jury's Rider To Verdict - The death of a young Leven electrician, David Rodger Hunter, 16 Viewforth, Leven, at the Wemyss Memorial Hospital, after receiving a shock from an electric cable containing 6600 volts, was the subject of an inquiry at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, yesterday, before Sheriff-Substitute Dudley Stuart and a jury. Thomas Hunter, the dead lad's father, in reply to Mr Tom Cassells, M.P., solicitor, Falkirk , for the relatives, stated that he had visited his son on several occasions in hospital. He asked the lad how it had happened, and his son, in describing the accident, said, "I have made a mess of things this time." Questioned further by Mr Cassells, witness said that his son had told him he had been instructed to go to this place by the foreman. Mr Cassells - Did he make it quite clear he had been informed the current was off?-Yes. Mr Cassells added that another man named Keddie, who had been injured, was still in hospital, and could not be present in Court. John Turner, 643 Wellesley Road, Methil, an electrician with the Wemyss Coal Co., stated that on June 16 he was engaged in taking a disused electric cable from a pole. The operation was being supervised by John Sym. Witness said that it had been arranged that the current should go off at 1.30 p.m. and Keddie was to go up and release the shackle. That had been arranged by Sym. Turner then told him he had looked about 1.45, and saw Keddie come down for a key, presumably to remove a bolt.

"The Juice Is On" - "I saw him go up the ladder again," said witness, "and then John Sym asked me what was hindering the work. I told him about Keddie coming down for a second key, and then I saw Keddie lying across an iron strip at the top of the pole. I thought he had hurt himself, but I had no idea that the power was on." Hunter then went up the ladder, and was supporting Keddie by the armpits. He cried, "The juice is on. For God's sake get a rope." Witness told how he ran to get a message sent to get the current cut off. By the time he came back, Keddie was lying on the ground, and Hunter was lying on a bracket on the pole unconscious. Alex. Scott, Church Street, West Wemyss, spoke of seeing sparks coming from Keddie and Hunter, and both men's clothing bursting into flame. When John Sym, foreman electrician, 8 Anderson Crescent, Coaltown-of-Wemyss, entered the box, he was formally warned by the Sheriff. When asked if he wished to make a statement, he said, "In view of the warning, I prefer to say nothing," After an absence of half an hour the jury found that "the accident was due to the foreman electrician in charge instructing his workmen to execute work in dangerous proximity to live wires, when they had been informed the current was cut off." The jury added a rider that stringent measures should be taken in future to ensure the regulations governing this work being enforced, and if possible, improved upon. [Scotsman 2 August 1938]

Three Scottish cases were recognised the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees at their monthly meeting at Dunfermline yesterday. - "Live" Cable Tragedy - David Hunter (22), electrician, 19 Viewforth , Leven, Fife, who sustained fatal injury on June 16 while rendering assistance to a fellow-workman who had come in contact with an electric cable at Lochhead Colliery, Coaltown of Wemyss. In order to take down a disused cable, both men were working at a height of 20 feet on a pole which carried three overhead cables. After unscrewing the bolts, and in mistaken belief that the current had been switched off, one man straightened himself, and his head came in contact with one of the other cables. The current passed through his body, and, after telling Hunter, the man lost consciousness. Despite warnings, Hunter seized hold of the man under the armpits to prevent him from falling, and maintained his hold, although by then his own clothing and boots were alight. When the current was switched off, both men fell to the ground, seriously injured, and Hunter died four days later. Hunter's parents were awarded a memorial certificate. [Scotsman 25 November 1938]

21 June 1938

One man was killed and two others were injured yesterday when a roof collapsed in the Michael Colliery, East Wemyss. The dead man was William Knox (63), sectional oversman, Brae House, Brewery Brae, East Wemyss, and the two injured men are Henry Wilkie, Stark Street, Buckhaven, and James Douglas, stripper, Coronation Place, Coaltown of Wemyss. The two injured men were taken to Wemyss Memorial Hospital and detained for treatment, but were later allowed home. The accident happened in the Barncraig section of No. 3 pit. If the fall had been ten minutes later the men would have been on their way to the surface. About eight men were working in the vicinity of the fall. Two others, besides those involved, were struck by debris, but were thrown clear. The rescue party had reached Wilkie when a second fall occurred and buried him again. One of the rescuers was struck by the fall, but he too was thrown clear. Knox was killed instantaneously. He is survived by a widow and a family of three. [Scotsman 22 June 1938]

25 July 1938

Pit Fireman Fined - Mines Regulations Neglected - Andrew Fotheringham, underground fireman, of 1 Arthur Street, Dunfermline pleaded guilty at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday to three contraventions of the Coal Mines Act. The charges were to the effect that on July 25 in a section of the underground workings of No, 1 Pit, Valleyfield Colliery, (1) he fired a shot before the face had been thoroughly dusted with incombustible dust: (2) when firing a shot electrically fired, he failed to couple up the cable to the fuse or detonator wires, and allowed Thomas Hadden, miner, to couple up the cable; and (3) before firing the shot he failed to see that all persons in the vicinity, and particularly Thomas Hadden, had taken proper shelter, whereby Hadden was injured by material brought down by the shot. An agent said there was a certain amount of excuse for the respondent, as he tried to do more than one thing at the same time. It happened on the day the week was resumed after the holidays, and when operations were not yet proceeding smoothly. Respondent was preparing to fire a shot and had made his inspection with a locked safety lamp. When he had done so, the fans went out of order and he went to put them right. In his concentration upon this work, he omitted the stone dusting and allowed Hadden to couple up the cable. Then he fired the shot without allowing Hadden sufficient time to get out of the way. Respondent had been a fireman for only two months, and it was perhaps just as well that a comparatively trivial accident should have happened so soon after the commencement of his duties, because it would impress upon him the necessity for observing these regulations to the letter. Sheriff-Substitute F. A. Umpherston, imposing a penalty of £4, said that these regulations providing for safety in the mines were of the greatest importance, and neglect of them might have serious results. [Scotsman 9 August 1938]

1 August 1938

Hugh Martin 46, oncost worker, employed by the Fife Coal Co., was fatally injured while at work underground in the Randolph Colliery, Dysart, yesterday. He had been engaged on an incline when he was caught by a hutch, which moved forward as he was positioning it on the rails. Deceased was married, and resided at 88 East March Street. Kirkcaldy. [Scotsman 2 August 1938]

23 January 1939

Electrician's Fatal Injuries - A Dysart electrician who received an electric shock, which caused him to fall ten feet to a concrete floor, succumbed to his injuries in Kirkcaldy Hospital yesterday morning. Deceased was David Robertson (35) of Fraser Place Dysart. Employed at the Francis Colliery, Dysart, he was working at a transformer in a sub-station near the pithead on Sunday at the time of the mishap. He was removed to hospital in an unconscious condition suffering from a fractured skull. He had a short period of consciousness after admission, then a relapse. [Scotsman 24 January 1939]

16 March 1939

Fife Pit Tragedy -A Windygates miner was killed in Wellesley Colliery, Denbeath, yesterday. He was Peter Brown (35), who resided at Rollands Buildings, Windygates. Brown was killed when caught beneath a fall of coal from the roof. [Scotsman 17 March 1939]

27 May 1939

Youth's 40 Feet Fall Ends Fatally - The death occurred, in Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital on Saturday of Charles Irvine (19), 19 Burns Street, High Valleyfield , as a result of injuries which he received at the pithead of Valleyfield Colliery on May 15; He fell from a platform leading to the screening plant on to a railway line, distance of 40 feet, and was removed to hospital suffering from head injuries. [Scotsman 29 May 1939]

19 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. [Scotsman 20 October 1939]

4 December 1958

Rock Fall Kills Three Miners – Pit Due to Close - Three miners were killed and one was seriously injured by a fall of rock at Cameron mine, near Windygates, Fife, yesterday. The pit is one of the 20 in Scotland which the National Coal Board have decided to close.

The men killed were Richard Teevan, aged 36, of Methil, William Wishart, aged 44, of Kennoway, and John Thomson, aged 41, of Methilhill, all in Fife. An under-manager, James Frew, aged 57, of Wemyss, Fife, was taken to hospital with a head injury.

John Hunter, who escaped with minor injuries, said last night: “We were working in two groups. There was a crack like thunder, then the roof came tumbling down. I jumped on to the face, but Thomson and Teevan, trying to get clear, ran straight into the fall. I heard Teevan yell for help, but there was nothing I could do.” Robert Maxwell, who also had minor injuries, said: “We had just finished shot-firing and had started stripping coal when a huge stone came tumbling down on top of us. Teevan and I were trapped but I was partly saved by machinery which took the weight of the stone. Edward Henry (who was also slightly injured) pulled me out. Just then there was another heavy fall near and we heard Frew cry out. We could not get to him." All the dead men were married. Thomson leaves a widow and six children. [Times, December 5 1958]