Should The Goth be Listed? April 1974

35 years ago .. as reported in East Lothian News

What goes around comes around does it not?

Was there not such a kitchen at the town's Gothenburg just in February 2009 when the Summerlee Mural was unveiled? And are not those who greatly benefited from the Listing of The Gothenburg 35 years ago this time arguing for the Listing of the Auld Fowler's HQ?

This is what the East Lothian News had to say back in April 1974:

A SOUP KITCHEN has been set up in Prestonpans to feed the children of striking miners. About 40 youngsters were fed at the town's Labour Club on Wednesday lunchtime. Each child received a bowl of lentil soup, a couple of slices of bread, a glass of orange, a packet of crisps and a scone or hot cross bun.

"We have no other option, the Regional Council are not allowing our children to get free school meals," said Mr Johnny Russell, Chairman of the local Strike Committee. Around 380 miners from the Prestonpans, Cockenzie/Port Seton area are on strike.

THE GOTHENBURG aka the Forth Tavern, Prestonpans, could play a major role in the development of Scotland's national mining museum. The pub, known locally as "The Goth," has historic links with the town's mining community. Now East Lothian District Council are taking steps to safeguard the pub's historic past. The Council's bid to have the pub listed as a historic building was welcomed by licensee Mr George Ross.

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Scotland's Mining Museum eh. Those were the days when David Spence was a campaigning hero and the Steamies gave us such pleasure in the summer months. Time for another massive effort is it not to honour the memory of David Spence and thousands more who worked in the pits. Time in particular to support the campaign for the Miners' Statue too. And surely the Goth is playing its part is it not? Hot-bed of the artistic revolution hereabouts. Ed.