HUNDREDS of workers from across Scotland descended on the Fife pit town of Ballingry on Saturday to mark the 40th anniversary of the great miners’ strike.

With a pipe band leading the way, more than a dozen trade union and colliery banners were proudly marched through the town to a rally in Lochore Meadows Country Park above the workings of the Mary colliery, which once sustained local jobs and industry.

Before returning to the Miners’ Welfare Institute for food, music and an opportunity to share recollections, the crowd heard from speakers who had been there, some who had since fought for justice for mining communities and others who followed in their trade unionist footsteps.