A new project is being launched to honour Fife’s mining communities.
The Fife Miners’ Memorial Way will create a long-distance walking and cycling route through Fife, connecting memorials, murals and monuments that reflect the coal-mining industry that shaped the region’s identity for generations.
Led by the University of Stirling, the project is being developed through its Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The route will tell the stories of mining communities across the region, including a new memorial in Kincardine.
Dr Catherine Mills, senior lecturer in environmental history at the University of Stirling, said: "Living in Fife and having worked with mining communities since 2016, I am very aware of the importance of miners’ memorials, and I am delighted that the Fife Miners’ Memorial Way is now being brought to life."
The idea for the memorial way was first suggested by former miner Iain Chalmers during an event at Kirkcaldy Galleries.
Mr Chalmers said: "In Fife we are proud to have the Pilgrims Way that follows the route pilgrims took through Fife to St Andrews.
"With the memorials, cairns and murals in the former mining towns and villages I always felt that the same principle could be applied, with a route that connects all the mining areas in the Kingdom along with the stories of each memorial.
"When I mentioned this at a talk in Kirkcaldy Galleries the response was very positive indeed, and I’m pleased that my dream is becoming a reality."
Sites already included in the project are Valleyfield, Blairhall and Kincardine, home to a new stained-glass memorial.
The Kincardine window commemorates the 40th anniversary of the 1984–85 miners’ strike and stands as Scotland’s only stained-glass tribute to the dispute.
Artist Keira McLean, who led the creation of the Kincardine memorial, said: "It was an amazing experience working with members of the Kincardine community to create this lasting stained-glass tribute to the 1984 miners’ strike.
"Our group was made up of striking miners, families of miners, citizen archivists, and historians.
"Together we researched, designed, and made Scotland's only stained-glass window commemorating the miners' strike.
"The window, now housed in Kincardine Library, is enjoyed by the whole community.
"I hope in some small way this project gives voice to those affected and mistreated during the strike and reinforces the power of art as a way of sharing our struggles and histories."
Other locations identified for inclusion on the memorial way include Cowdenbeath, Cardenden, Glencraig, Kelty, Kirkcaldy, Dysart, East Wemyss, Lochore Meadows Country Park, and a mural in Comrie.
Locals are encouraged to submit photographs, locations and personal stories.
Richard Baker MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife said: "It’s impossible to think about Fife without talking about our proud mining history, which was such a major driving force in shaping our communities.
"The Fife Miners’ Memorial Way is an excellent way to connect these stories and ensure our history continues to remain relevant.
"It creates a literal journey through our past and I’m certain the route will be fascinating and informative both to visitors and to Fifers who lived and breathed those times."
The University of Stirling’s Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes is Scotland’s first industrial eco-museum.
It covers the Scottish Midland coalfield, stretching from Ayrshire through to Fife, and features community-generated walking and cycling routes that commemorate the heritage and sense of place shaped by mining.
Caroline Clark, director for Scotland at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Fife has hugely important mining and industrial heritage.
"Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant will enable the Fife Miners’ Memorial Way project to develop this new long-distance route and deliver opportunities for communities along its length to get involved, enabling Fife voices to tell Fife’s story."
The mapping phase of the project will continue until summer 2026.
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