Kames Colliery Disaster

On 19th November 1957 at approx 7.00pm. A coaldust explosion rocked the 6ft section of the West Mine, Kames Colliery Muirkirk, killing 17 men. It was one of the last major explosions in the British coal mining industry. Between August 2007 and December 2007, with funding from the O2 community fund and Scotland Unltd. I digitally recorded the memories of the miners who were underground in the West Mine on the night of the explosion and who were involved in the rescue and recovery operation that followed. The men paint a very vivid picture of the events of that fateful night and the effect it had on the village. They tell of the great spirit the community showed in coping with the disaster and how neighbours came together to help one and other. It was a privilege to hear and record their memories. It's a remarkable story, told by remarkable men… Accessibility is the key factor that makes the Kames Audio Project unique. I specifically recorded with the internet in mind and worked closely with the Muirkirk Community webmaster so the completed recordings could be heard and read online. The recordings can also be heard at www.muirkirk.org.uk/minersvoices I also made a CD of the interviews which the participants kept and CD's which were sold to raise funds for the village. I also worked closely with the Ayrshire Archives where copies of the CD's are available for public access. The Archives also keep Master Copies of the recordings and transcriptions in a future proof format, so they can be easily transferred as new technologies arise.