Clackmannan County Mining banner returns to public view

A replica of the Clackmannan County Miners’ banner was carried at the Durham Miners' Gala for the first time in 40 years.

The revived banner honours Clackmannanshire’s mining legacy, which shaped its communities for generations.

The front of the banner shows Abe Moffat and William Pearson (Image: Supplied) Billy Fraser, a former miner from Sauchie who worked in the Fife coalfield and led the fundraising campaign for the replica, said: "My grandfather, uncles, and father all marched with the banner – it just meant so much to have the replica made and to parade it at the Durham Miners' Gala.

"I felt very proud to march with it and to showcase the area’s mining heritage."

The original banner had been in storage for around four decades before Mr Fraser’s efforts brought it back to life.

Brian Leishman MP with Billy Fraser (Image: Supplied) The design features four former mines from the region: Tillicoultry, Bogside, Glenochil, and Dollar, alongside the slogan "Unity is Strength."

It also depicts two prominent trade unionists, Abe Moffat and William Pearson.

Mr Moffat, a highly respected Scottish trade unionist, served on the executive of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).

Mr Pearson also served on the NUM Executive before resigning due to ill health.

The reverse side of the banner shows the pithead wheel of a deep mine, believed to be Greenside Mine in County Durham rather than one from Clackmannanshire.

The pithead wheel of a deep mine is shown on the rear of the banner (Image: Supplied) Mr Fraser was among the last miners recruited in the area before being transferred to Fife following the closure of the Clackmannanshire pits.

He said: "When I started, you were told it was a ‘job for life’ and circumstances – whether that be political or else – meant they were always going to close the pits, so unfortunately, we lost out."

At the Durham Miners' Gala, the banner caught the attention of Alloa and Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman, who recognised its significance.

Mr Leishman said: "Seeing the banner proudly carried once again is a deeply moving reminder of our shared heritage and the generations of working-class people who built our communities.

"Billy Fraser and his friends have done something truly special – not just reviving a piece of history but reigniting the spirit of collective pride that defines our coal mining legacy.

"It was an honour to meet them at the Durham Miners’ Gala earlier in the summer, as well as in the constituency later on, witnessing that powerful connection between past and present."

The original banner has been part of the Clackmannanshire Heritage Collection since the 1980s and was conserved more than a decade ago.

Brian Leishman MP and Billy Fraser at the Sauchie mining commemorative plaque (Image: Supplied) It was produced by George Tutill, a renowned London-based maker of double-sided trade union, friendly society, and ceremonial banners during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Typically made of silk, these banners were either woven or painted with intricate designs.

Although documentation is limited, it is believed the Clackmannan County banner was created in the late 1950s or early 1960s, based on the figures and mines depicted.

Susan Mills, former museum and heritage officer for the local authority, said it is believed to be the only surviving miners’ banner from Clackmannanshire.

Ms Mills said: "It's very good to have had it photographed properly for the very first time and also that the enthusiasm of Billy Fraser and others has ensured that the excellent replica has been made and carried proudly in the procession at the Durham Miners' Gala.

"The design of the banner has not been seen in public for many decades, so it's wonderful that it's visible again."

Mr Fraser said he hopes the banner will continue to be used at events in Clackmannanshire and beyond.

He said: "If anybody in Clackmannanshire required it, even for gala days or fun days, that banner will be available for anybody to use, unless it coincides with a mining event."

Mr Fraser described the public response to the fundraiser for the replica as "just tremendous" and thanked all those who contributed.