Recognition for Scots Bevin Boys

The men were named after the wartime labour minister Ernest Bevin

A special service honouring the efforts of Scottish men who were conscripted or volunteered to work in coal mines during World War II has been held.

Ochil and South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks handed out dozens of the medals to the Bevin Boys at the ceremony at Newtongrange Mining Museum.

More than 48,000 men helped ease the UK's coal shortage during the war.

They were named after wartime minister Ernest Bevin. Until recently their efforts had gone unrecognised.

The boys, aged between 18 and 25 and chosen by lottery, had no experience of mining when they were conscripted.

After the war, their efforts were largely ignored and they were banned from marching with ex-servicemen at Remembrance parades.

Mining stock

Earlier this year the Prime Minister Gordon Brown ended years of campaigning by former Bevin Boys and presented badges to 27 men in Downing Street.

Mr Banks has campaigned for more than two years to have the men honoured.

He said: "I became involved with the Bevin Boys thanks to one of my constituents.

"He spoke of the work of the Bevin Boys and my family are of mining stock, so it gave me an interest in them and what their contribution to the war effort had been.

"I know what this recognition means to the Bevin Boys.

"This is something that gives them pride, that their efforts are finally being recognised, even if it is 60 years too late.