Author and retired miner Iain Chalmers brought the project to David Fairweather’s attention explaining how he had preserved various mining artefacts which he gifted to both Kirkcaldy Museum and the Scottish National Mining Museum to be kept so that future generations will understand the impact coal mining had on Fife.

With the backing of the Scottish National Mining Museum and Fife Council an area has been dedicated in the Park to the creation of an interactive attraction near the Mary Pit Head which will include a miner’s cage, bogies and engines as well as track, equipment and storey boards bringing alive the miner’s journey from the surface to the coal face.

Mr Chalmers’ fundraising for the project continues with the publication of his book Beneath the Kingdom: Memoires of a Miner the proceeds of which are all being donated to the Save the Cage group. It is available for just £10 plus postage and packaging and anyone wishing to buy one can contact the Save the Cage group on Facebook.

Mr Chalmers kindly gifted a signed copy of his book to Muir Construction as a thank you for the donation and having read the book from cover to cover during the easter break.

David Fairweather said: “As someone who knew very little about mining, and who has never experienced such working conditions, the stories give an insightful view of the communities and characters associated with the mining industry.

“The anecdotes are page turning, very often hilarious misadventures and occasionally sobering reminders of the hardships endured by miners and their families. For the collectors amongst us the history behind the creation and design of miner’s badges and plates as a means to generate support for striking miners during the “Long weekend” of 1984 is also intriguing. It was a great read.”