SUNDAY marks a very poignant anniversary for many Fifers.

Forty years ago on Sunday, September 9 1967, a fire broke out at Michael Colliery in East Wemyss and the worst day in Fife's mining history occurred.

The Michael Disaster claimed the lives of nine men between the ages of 36 and 64. Three of the bodies were never recovered and to this day lie entombed underground.

And this weekend, the Kingdom pays tribute to those nine men who failed to survive the raging flames and thick black smoke.

On that fateful night 40 years ago, 311 miners were working a nightshift when a seam of coal ignited.

But although the Michael Disaster is a tragic part of Fife's mining history, there are also heroic stories of those who battled to save the lives of the miners working that night.

A mammoth 36-hour rescue operation was carried out with teams from Cowdenbeath, Coatbridge, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock as well as the Michael Colliery Rescue team.

William Shaw, Leader of the Michael Colliery Rescue team, received a Queen's commendation for his part in the rescue.

He made three attempts to rescue two men who eventually escaped. During an attempt to draw smoke away from the affected part of the pit, Shaw was knocked over by the blast that burned his face.

But despite his burns, William went back down to rescue five day-shift men from Number Two Shaft.

David Hunter, Shot Firer, received the George Medal for carrying one of his workmates out into the fresh air, despite being on the verge of collapse himself.

Andrew Taylor was awarded the Edward Medal, a posthumous award for bravery. After the fire started he made his way through the underground workings with two others and despite their protestations went back to rescue Hugh Gallagher, a Kirkcaldy man, but was never seen again.

After the disaster the pit was sealed and later closed by the National Coal Board seeing the end of 75 years of mining in the area. Almost half of the miners were paid off with the rest retired or transferred.



To mark the anniversary of the Disaster that touched so many lives in the Kingdom, Methil Heritage Centre will be opening its doors on Sunday from 12 noon until 5 p.m.

As well as being able to see The Michael Disaster 1967-2007 exhibition, visitors are invited to enjoy complementary refreshments provided by the Friends of the Heritage Centre, which will be served all day. The exhibition runs until October 27.

East Wemyss & McDuff Community Council has also organised a memorial to the events of 1967 on Sunday.

This event is open to all members of the public, starting at 12 at the Memorial structure on Main Road, East Wemyss.

A local piper will play and key speakers will say a few words before a minute silence and laying of wreaths and flowers.

Visitors can then retire to East Wemyss Bowling club at 1 p.m. where there will be refreshments.