“From Pit to Pitch: A Story of Coal Seams and Football Dreams”

Watch the recording of the talk given by Ray Lafferty (Curator at the National Mining Museum in Newtongrange) given on 4th December 2025 

Ray explores the links between mining and football in Scotland with a particular focus on Midlothian and East of Scotland clubs.

Coal mining communities across central Scotland were the incubators of great footballers and a series of successful football club managers.
Working day in day out in a dangerous environment, miners were reliant on each other for safety which naturally fostered a solidarity within mining communities. Resilience, hard work and teamwork, all traits commonly found within the coal mining workforce, are important characteristics of professional football. Mining created strong and fearless players, rich in character and resolute in their loyalty.
The talk reveals Scotland’s linked mining and football heritage and legacy.

To watch the recording of the talk click here.