It follows a campaign from residents to celebrate the area’s industrial legacy and to remember the men who lost their lives while working there. Miners travelled from across the central belt to work at the collieries, which closed in 1974.

The Kingshill No1 and No2 collieries were owned by the Coltness Iron Company. Kingshill No1 opened in 1919 followed by Kingshill No2 in Forth. A treatment plant was built at at No 1 in 1952. There was also Kingshill No3, which was the first NCB colliery to be opened in the area in 1952. All of the pits were important to the people of Allanton.

As the mining industry declined, pits in the Shotts area began to close. Kingshill No1 closed in 1968 and No3 closed in 1974.

The new piece of art to honour the miner’s lives was created by renowned sculptor John McKenna.

Margaret McLean, secretary of Allanton Tenants and Residents Association, said: ‘The sculpture is a truly inspirational piece of work and I have no doubt that everyone who has a family member associated with mining will be filled with admiration and pride when they see it. The sculptor John McKenna has created a tremendous artwork for our memorial'.

‘We are grateful for the support we have had from our local councillors and various staff at North Lanarkshire Council for their support and guidance.’

Unveiled 27th October 2017