Families of the deceased, retired miners, residents and politicians joined to mark the opening of the memorial, publicly thanking the mining community for all it did for Fife.

Fife Council leader Peter Grant, at the ceremony last Friday, described the memorial as 'fitting' and 'very beautiful', asking the public to 'never forget' the huge significance of the region's mining heritage.

He said: "Frances Colliery was at the heart of this area for over a century.

"As well as those who we know died here, we should never forget those who were injured or are still suffering due to working in the mine. We must also remember their families and everything these people did for our economic prosperity."

The memorial comprises three free standing stones, detailing the names of those who died, as well as panels providing information about the colliery and the history of mining across Fife.

It stands on the coastal walkway, at Edington Place, linking it with the last remaining pit structure, the winding gear.

On the centre stone is the inscription 'Dedicated to the men and women who wrocht at Frances Colliery from 1873'.

Turn-out at the opening event was strong, with Fife politicians and Dysart minister Tilly Wilson offering readings.

Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone, of Dysart, spoke of her deep connection with Frances Colliery, having watched every male member of her family take up employment at the pit.

She said: "As a politician I am invited to countless public events, but I have not been to one so personal or emotional. This is very special to me.

• To read the full story pick up your copy of the Fife Free Press first thing Thursday morning.