1972 miners strike: Power cuts and picket lines across Edinburgh and the Lothians
It was the first national walkout since 1926 - and it was a major showdown between the NUM and Ted Heath’s Tory Government.
The 1972 strike crippled the country across January and February as picket lines were put in place, coal supplies dwindled, and the Government declared a state of emergency.
As temperatures plunged and snow fell, the strike impacted on every aspect of our lives – even the floodlights couldn’t go on at football games without official sanction.
These pictures from our archive capture different aspects of one of the great industrial disputes of our time.
As temperatures plunged and snow fell, the strike impacted on every aspect of our lives – even the floodlights couldn’t go on at football games without official sanction.
5. Miners' strike 1972
A whisky firm delivers logs for old people's firewood during the power cuts caused by the miners' strike Photo: Dick Ewart
6. Miners' strike 1972
Edinburgh University students and helpers at Inverleith Park chopping logs for old people's firewood during the power cuts Photo: Dick Ewart
7. Miners' strike 1972
At Edinburgh Fruit Market, one of the Rankins fruit and vegetable family takes delivery of a batch of candles from Holland for use in the power cuts. Photo: Dick Ewart
8. Miners' strike 1972
Miners on the picket line try to persuade a coal delivery driver to turn back from Cockenzie Power Station Photo: Albert Jordan