Miners’ strike call for evidence – local engagement event

Were you, your family or your local community affected by the 1984/85 miners’ strike?

An independent review has been commissioned by the Scottish Government into the impact of Policing in affected communities during the period of the miners’ strike from March 1984-March 1985.

As part of this review, evidence is sought from individuals and representative groups to learn about the experiences of local mining communities. A local engagement event has been arranged for Friday 12 October at Cumnock Town Hall at 5:30pm. If you were a miner, a resident in a mining community, a police officer, or were affected by or involved in the strike in some other way, please come along.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “The 1984/85 miners’ strike is widely regarded as having been one of the UK’s most significant industrial actions in recent times and the consequences of the dispute have been long lasting, not least of all in the mining communities of East Ayrshire.

“Whilst things have moved on, the memories and scars remain and this Review will hopefully provide some understanding and recognition of what happened, allowing those who were affected some form of closure.”

A final report detailing the findings from the review, with recommendations, is expected by June 2019.

A dedicated website has been set up for the review: https://beta.gov.scot/groups/independent-review-policing-miners-strike/

If you are unable to attend the meeting on 12 October, you can submit a response by email to minersstrikereview@gov.scot

The deadline for responses is Friday 30 November 2018.