Valleyfield Pit

Overview

Coal Mining

Whole communities grew up round the industry but today there is little evidence of mines and miners, apart from some memorials, reclaimed land and clubs.

Work on Low Valleyfield Colliery began in 1908, with the engine houses built before sinking commenced in 1909.

"The coal field was enormous. In the early days of the sinking, part of the coal seams cut through were those worked by the Earl of Dundonald and the Preston's of Valleyfield."

"The Valleyfield coal was to prove to be of the best coking and navigation quality in the country."

The biggest tragedy struck in 1939 when 35 men were killed and 26 injured, two seriously, following and explosion.

As several neighbouring collieries closed in the 1960s, Valleyfield received an influx of manpower but, through a combination of factors, the last mine cars of coal were delivered up the Valleyfield pit in April 1968. Valleyfield had lost its identity, as it became Kinneil Valleyfield Colliery, operating from Kinneil, the pits having become linked by a tunnel under the Forth.

www.fifeminingheritage.org.uk

West Fife Villages
updated 03/2012 by Action for Change Scotland