Coal Mining in the East Neuk of Fife

Coal-mining in the East Neuk was an industry which began many centuries ago, flourished all too briefly, and ultimately declined. It provided a crucial driver to industrial development in the East Neuk of Fife, from medieval times until the late twentieth century. In the early days of the industry, the coals were recovered on the shoreline or from valley slopes where their excavation was relatively simple. As the easily accessible seams were exhausted it became necessary to dig deeper. Thus, a need for a detailed understanding of the rocks beneath the surface became essential. Knowledge of 'how and why' the rocks formed as they did in past geological times developed, as did expertise in how to cope with the difficulties presented by their geologically turbulent formation. The welfare of the miners and their families was also a key factor as the industry grew and developed. John McManus surveys the geology and social history of the mines in the East Neuk and of the people who explored, owned, and laboured in the area. Applying a deep understanding, gained from his lifelong interest and scholarly achievements in studying of the geology of the area, the author takes the reader on a graphic and fascinating tour of the mining industry in this beautiful part of Fife. In so doing, he shines a light on aspects of its cultural and economic history which have, until now, remained almost unknown. [Subject: Scottish History, Mining History]

John McManus BSc, PhD, DSc, FRSE, graduated from the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, University of London. He lectured, first in the University of Dundee, later in the University of St Andrews, where he was appointed Professor in 1993. John McManus has published more than 200 scientific papers and an earlier book on mining in Fife, Mining between Ceres and St Andrews (Windfall Books, 2010), he continues to research the history of the mining industry in East Fife.