Freedom of Falkirk for miners group that won't forget the 'battles of the past'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Freedom of Falkirk is to be granted to the Free Colliers of Redding to recognise their tireless support for miners and efforts to keep the traditions of their communities alive.

Baillie Billy Buchanan proposed the honour for the group at a meeting of Falkirk Council today (Wednesday), saying the group - which was formed in 1863 deserved recognition for "supporting miners and their families when the pit was operational, keeping alive the traditions of the mining communities and for their charitable activities in Redding and further afield".

Baillie Buchanan told members that the ‘Sir William Wallace Grand Lodge of Scotland Free Colliers’ - otherwise known as the Free Colliers of Redding had been formed in 1863 to defend miners and their families from the oppressive acts of the mine owners and their Government supporters. Read more: Plans for homes in Polmont woodland backed by councillors Baillie Buchanan said: "At the time the men were represented by local associations and there was no proper national union."Any man brave enough to speak out against falling pay rates or encourage others to take action was liable to be identified, sacked and kicked out with his family from their colliery-owned homes."In the aftermath of a failed strike, the inspiring leadership of Redding miner, James Simpson, led to the formation of the Free Colliers, at a time when the defeat meant wages were reduced and conditions even worse."The new organisation adopted the name of national hero William Wallace as a symbol of their determination to fight for freedom and justice for all,""The Redding Colliers inspired a huge wave of support all across Scotland and within a year there were 65 other groups representing miners in every part of the