Recruitment drive for Scottish miners

Longannet is the last deep mine in Scotland

A major advertising campaign has been launched to fill new jobs at Scotland's last deep mine.

Longannet in Fife is looking to recruit 130 miners after a £17.7m cash injection from the government secured its long-term future.

This is the first time in 20 years that any Scottish mine has embarked on a major recruitment drive.

When the vacancies are filled the Longannet workforce will increase to 830.

The mine is looking for 130 miners

The mine, which provides low sulphur fuel for its neighbouring power station, had been on the brink of closure before the rescue package from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Short-term problems in the energy market and the discovery of geological faults saw the mine incur a series of heavy losses.

But the £17.7m cash boost gave the colliery the capital it needed to invest in new facilities and staff development.

Welcoming the recruitment drive, colliery manager Ramsay Dow said: "We have held back on recruiting until the long-term future of the mine was clear.

"We are now facing that future with great confidence. The mining industry in Scotland has a very bright future.

"We are making significant investments in the very latest technology at Longannet and are committed to training and developing in the specialist skills required to keep ahead."

'New blood'

The announcement was also welcomed by the National Union of Mineworkers, whose Scottish general secretary and president Nicky Wilson said: "It is 20 years since the coal mining industry in Scotland was involved in significant recruiting.

"Bringing in new blood in this way, especially by way of modern apprentices, shows the long-term confidence in the future of Longannet."

John Reid: "Vote of confidence"

The campaign to secure the future of the mine was backed by the former Scottish Secretary Dr John Reid.

He said: "Once completed, the recruitment campaign will increase the workforce at Longannet from 700 to 830 and represents a massive vote of confidence in the future of the mine.

"I am particularly pleased to note that 30 of the vacancies being advertised are for modern apprentices who will be able to mix practical `hands-on' training and experience at the mine with college study.

"It is this mix of education and skills that will benefit Scottish industry and allow us to compete on the world stage."

Before Longannet can extract reserves over the next two years it still has to secure planning permission from Falkirk Council to extend workings.

The mine could still close if it does not receive that permission.