Press Release 19 March 2008
Replica Banner Gifted to Mining Museum
Replica Banner Gifted to Mining Museum
A replica banner has just arrived at the Scottish Mining Museum, having been gifted to the museum by the National Union of Mineworkers. The banner is an exact replica of a National Union of Mineworkers Scottish Area banner which was carried in Gala Day celebrations and in demonstrations including those over the 1984/5 strike period.
“We are delighted to receive this new banner. The original banner became part of the national coal mining collections at the Mining Museum is 2007 but is now too delicate to be used at public events. Banners were an important symbol of pride and unity for thousands of miners and we plan to use this replica to give people the chance to appreciate and enjoy this important aspect of Scotland’s mining heritage.” commented Fergus Waters, Director of the Scottish Mining Museum.
David Hamilton MP, a former miner, and Nicky Wilson, President NUM (Scotland), unveiled the banner at the museum.
David Hamilton said, “I welcome the arrival of this banner at the museum and I hope that many people will enjoy seeing this important icon for years to come. The banner was commissioned as the New Banner in the 1970 to mark the amalgamation of the branches into one area. This was a time of great change in the mining industry and this banner is a reminder of those days.”
Nicky Wilson added, “The NUM are please to support the production of this banner for display as it helps to preserve the original and makes it accessible for visitors to the museum. I am certain that there are many other banners out in the communities, perhaps in cupboards, lofts or sheds, and I would urge anyone who holds a Scottish mining banner to donate it to the museum where they can be properly cared for and, perhaps, displayed.”
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