Press Release From Edinburgh May Day Committee
Tuesday 16th December 2003
Tel 0131 556 8869
Edinburgh May Day organisers have announced former Miners Union leader Arthur Scargill will address next years May Day Rally.
May Day Organiser Colin Fox, MSP explained that the march set for Saturday May 1st would mark the 20th anniversary of the 1984/85 Miners strike.
'We are delighted to have persuaded Arthur Scargill to come to Edinburgh. Next year is the 20th anniversary of the great miners strike. I know he had many other offers, so for us to get him is great.
'The Scottish coalfields, Lothians Ayrshire and Fife, were one of the most important areas in that dispute. Many miners endured great hardship and sacrificed a great deal in the year long dispute. The May Day event will give those of us who stood alongside the NUM a chance to reflect on those days and to reflect on the two decades since.'
The Edinburgh May Day parade will take place on Saturday May 1st. Mr Scargill will lead the march down Princes Street and will be be joined by local speakers to celebrate International Workers Day.
Contacts; Colin Fox MSP 0131 348 6389
Derek Durkin, Edinburgh May Day Committee 0131 556 8869
email us: mayday@mayday.org.uk