This image of a thriving miner’s family belies the dilemma that faced many parents in the mining industry: 'Let’s be honest Alan, would you want your bairns to work doon the pit, noo?'. 'I wid actually. If I hid three sons, I would say, ‘Aye go, it's a good joab, try it out, get yoursel educated, make a name for yirsel, dae better and climb the ladder.’ Eddie Crowe and Alan Mackie, Lochore Miners’ Welfare Social Club, 20 August 2023.