Cowdenbeath's MSP has asked about the Scottish Government’s plans to mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.

And Annabelle Ewing MSP has invited Kaukab Stewart, the Minister for Culture, to join the commemorative march that will be held in Ballingry on Saturday, June 15.

As previously reported in the Times, the parade will take place at noon from Ballingry, and go down through Lochore and Crosshill, then to the Meedies to Big Mary Pithead Frame.

The event is being organised by former miner Andrew 'Watty' Watson.

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Speaking after Portfolio Questions, Ms Ewing said: “I was pleased to hear from the Minister that the Scottish Government is in communication with others, like the National Union of Mineworkers, developing commemorative activities with the communities that were impacted. 

“I extended an invitation to her to come to Ballingry on the June 15 to join the commemorative march that is planned there.

“Although I didn’t get a direct answer on that - and I appreciate that ministerial diaries are busy - I will be writing to the Cabinet Secretary to follow up and to ask again if the Scottish Government will ensure that there is ministerial representation in Ballingry to further demonstrate the solidarity that the Minister, rightly, pointed out has already been shown by Scotland becoming the first of the home nations to introduce legislation to pardon former miners.”