75th anniversary of the Knockshinnoch Disaster

That this House commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Knockshinnoch Disaster, which took place on 7 September 1950 in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, and resulted in the tragic loss of 13 miners when moss, peat and water engulfed the Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery; recognises the extraordinary bravery of the rescue teams who worked tirelessly over several days to save 116 trapped miners; pays tribute to the resilience of the New Cumnock community and the families affected by the disaster; acknowledges the importance of preserving the memory of this event as part of Scotland’s industrial heritage; further recognises that coalminers powered the nation for decades through their labour, sacrifice, and commitment to fuel security and growing our economy through industry; notes that the Knockshinnoch rescue operation has been studied and referenced over the years by those who teach present-day mine rescue techniques; and calls on the Government to support educational and commemorative initiatives that honour the legacy of those who worked in the coal mining industry and the sacrifices they made.