FORMER miners came together in West Fife yesterday (Wednesday) to mark the 40th anniversary of the start of the 1984-85 miners' strike.

A memorial picket line was formed at the gates of the former Comrie Colliery where NUM president Arthur Scargill received the news that the year-long bitter dispute had begun.

Bob Young, who had been showing Mr Scargill around, spoke at this week's event which was also attended by Labour MSP Richard Leonard.

Dunfermline Press: Ex-miners formed a memorial picket at Comrie Colliery to mark the 40th anniversary of the National Miners' Strike.Ex-miners formed a memorial picket at Comrie Colliery to mark the 40th anniversary of the National Miners' Strike. (Image: David Wardle)

"It was good to see guys who I have not seen for a long time," said Mr Young. "It was a good thing just to be out there to remember what the hell had happened.

READ MORE:Dunfermline's Bob Young recalls the miners' strike 40 years on

"Richard Leonard popped along so he said a few words as well, which was nice of him. He had seen it online and decided to come along.

"The sad thing was a lot of guys who have passed on."

The picket was organised by the West Fife Retired Miners Branch and its secretary, Bobby Clelland, said it was important to remember what happened.

Dunfermline Press: Ex-miners formed a memorial picket at Comrie Colliery to mark the 40th anniversary of the National Miners' Strike.Ex-miners formed a memorial picket at Comrie Colliery to mark the 40th anniversary of the National Miners' Strike. (Image: David Wardle)

"It went well. It was good to see some old faces," he added. "There was quite a broad geographical range, people from different pits, not just Comrie, came along.

"The retired miners meet up at White Gates in Comrie. We have a branch banner and that is going down to Doncaster this weekend as some are going down to a big demonstration down there on Saturday.

"There a lot of things in the pipeline to remember."

Mr Young is due to attend an event in Dalkeith this weekend to mark the anniversary with other events planned for later in the year too.