Scotland and Newcastle
The Camp for Climate Action in Scotland
What happened?
Between the 3rd and the 10th of August the Camp for Climate Action in Scotland occupied the site of a proposed new open cast coal mine in an area of South Lanarkshire called Mainshill wood. The site was chosen in solidarity with local residents who are outraged at the proposed development, and to support a tree-sit already set up in the area to resist the mine.
Why were we there?
Scottish Coal, the UK’s largest open cast producer, has been given permission by South Lanarkshire Council to mine 1.7 million tonnes of coal from Mainshill Wood. This decision angered local residents who for years have campaigned against the mine. There are already four other mines in the area, making it one of the most heavily mined areas in Europe. Cancer rates here are also the highest in the whole of Scotland.
What did we do?
Around 150 people attended the camp, greatly raising the profile of this important campaign of resistance in South Lanarkshire. Over the course of the week anonymous activists disabled a coal conveyor belt, gained entry to an estate belonging to Lord Home (a key backer of the development) and played games in his garden, and dumped coal outside South Lanarkshire Council Headquarters
What next?
Scotland is currently under threat from the development of an additional 20 new mines which have recently been given planning permission. These developments are completely unjust in the face of climate change and serve only to benefit the rich and wealthy, including corporations like Scottish Coal, upper class bureaucrats, and corrupt MPs, MSPs and councillors who refuse to listen to the pleas of their constituents. Coal means misery and death, not just for the thousands of people seriously affected by mining in South Lanarkshire but also for disadvantaged communities around the world who are being hit first and hardest by climate change.
Climate Camp in Scotland has packed up its marquees, but the fight continues – Come to Mainshill Solidarity Camp today!
Check our website regularly for debriefs, feedback and updates on the continuing struggle in Mainshill wood and across Scotland.
Meetings are held at the Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh,( ACE) see our website for updates on where and when.