In the 19^th century, mining was a mainstay of Scotland’s economy.  What were the living and working conditions of thousands of miners and their families?  Who spoke up for them when those conditions became intolerable?  How did they develop close bonds in their communities? In this lecture you will explore the rapid expansion of the mining industry in the 19^th century, before examining its decline in the 20^th century.  Whether or not you have mining ancestors, you will enrich your knowledge of Scottish history through the study of this vital industry. Lecture style with question and answer time.

An adult learning class from one of CLL’s satellite facilities, the Carnegie Library in Ayr.