Labour MSP Carol Mochan: Cumnock miners community event

Scottish Labour MSP Carol Mochan held the event as a way of looking back at the area’s coal mining communities.

The event aimed to raise awareness of working class history and the importance of ensuring local museums and art remain accessible to all.

MP Elaine Stewart stopped in to show support. (Image: Submitted) The group attended the Baird Institute to explore the ‘Before and After Coal’ exhibition, before visiting the Cumnock Creative Arts Hub near Barrhill Road to see a display of local art pieces created by The Nest Wellbeing Group, which were inspired by the exhibition.

Group members were asked to design their paintings based on their understanding of how deindustrialisation has affected the area.

Ms Mochan also displayed some of the local artwork in the Scottish Parliament to allow other MSPs to view the paintings.

Speaking about her experience, Ms Mochan said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate our working-class history and the ongoing importance of our mining communities to this day.

“Everyone loved the event and the chance to explore the captivating ‘Before and After Coal’ exhibition. The wonderful staff at the Baird Institute have been such a great help.

“Museums such as the Baird are critical in keeping our town’s history alive so that we can bring our communities together to celebrate our past.

“I would like to also thank the Nest Community Group for all their support to get this event off the ground.”