Today marks the centenary of the Redding Pit Disaster in Falkirk. This was one of the worst accidents in Scottish Mining History, where 40 men tragically lost their lives when the Redding Pit flooded and 66 miners were trapped underground.

An account of the disaster can be found here: Redding Pit Disaster – Falkirk Local History Society

The tragedy had a devastating effect on the small local community, with some families losing multiple relatives. Tales of bravery and heroism abounded from both the miners and the rescuers, and the community came together in solidarity, through their suffering.

At Bannockburn House, we are linked to the tragedy through James Mitchell a past owner of the house between 1910 – 1960.

He was the chairman of the James Nimmo and Co. Ltd, Coalmasters – the owners of the Redding Pit. James was known to have been deeply affected by the tragedy. At the annual business meeting of the Nimmo Company shareholders on 5 December 1923, after making an emotional reference to the pit disaster, James collapsed and died. He was 68 years old. James was survived by his widow Anne and daughter Annie. Annie (Miss Mitchell) continued to live in the house until 1960.

In Redding on Saturday 23 September, a ceremony was held to commemorate the centenary and to unveil a new enhanced memorial to the disaster, arranged by the Sir William Wallace Grand Lodge of Scotland Free Colliers to meet the pledge made that “They Shall Never Be Forgotten”.

We would like to take the opportunity to reflect with the community of Redding and remember the men whose lives were taken from them, and all of those who were affected by this disaster.

Post by Dr Helen Young
Helen is a member of the History Team.