South Broadrigg pit

BLACKRIGG COLLIERY TO CLOSE.

Blackrigg Colliery. which employs 300 men. is scheduled for closure in October. Re-organisation of the men will commence after the July holidays. when a number of them will be transferred to Woodend Colliery Armadale. The facts were placed before the men at a pithead meeting on Tuesday.

West Lothian Courier, 29th May 1953

TALKS ON FUTURE OF BLACKRIGG MINERS

Officials of the National Coal Board (Scottish Division) and the National Union of Mineworkers will meet shortly after the New Year holiday to discuss the future of the 270 men employed at Blackrigg Colliery, Blackridge, who will be affected by the closure of the colliery in May. Blackrigg Colliery was scheduled for closure last August, but was given a reprieve. The pit has produced 1000 tons of coal per week, and the closure is described as being due to the seams having become exhausted. It is understood that most of the reserve in the pit can be taken out by the neighbouring Woodend Colliery, Armadale, but any men to be transferred to Woodend will have to wait their turn for a working place. Many of the men are already seeking employment in other areas, and the first 30 men paid off are expected to secure engagement at Kinneil Colliery, Bo'ness. Others are hoping to be transferred to the new surface mine north of Baads Colliery, near Stoneyburn, which is expected to be in still production by March. About 180 will be employed at this new mine, and it is estimated production will be 70,000 tons of coal per year.

Edinburgh Evening News, 29nd December 1954