February 23, 2025 - Scottish Affairs Committee is asking for evidence as it examines industrial transition in Scotland, including in the coalfields communities.

Communities across Scotland that relied on traditional industries such as coal mining, steel, shipbuilding and textiles, have experienced heavy job losses due to major industrial decline over the past four decades.

In many cases, this has led to long-lasting socio-economic consequences in former industrial areas, with many displaying high levels of deprivation and poverty.

Last year, the Cumnock Chronicle featured a deep-dive into the area's projected decrease in population, which has been consistent since the closure of the mines in the 1980s.

The Coalfield Regeneration Trust’s 2024 report on the state of Scottish coalfields found that coalfield communities in Ayrshire continue to display signs of ‘substantial social and economic distress’ since deindustrialization.

In this inquiry the Scottish Affairs Committee will consider Scotland’s industrial past and how its industrial landscape has changed over time, drawing on examples of decline in industries like coal and looking at how these difficulties can be stopped in the future.

The inquiry will also aim to examine the socio-economic legacy of deindustrialization on communities, how governments have sought to manage transitions, and whether policy interventions effectively mitigated the negative impacts.

The committee will also explore the future of Scotland’s industrial landscape and industrial change across a range of industries, including growth sectors like clean energy, carbon capture, space, data technology and gaming.

Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, Patricia Ferguson MP, said: “Communities across Scotland have seen life change drastically due to industrial transition over the last four decades.

"Areas that relied heavily on industries like coal mining and steel in the 20th century saw widespread job losses, which has, in some cases, led to long-lasting socio-economic consequences.

"We’ll be looking back at Scotland’s industrial past, the impact of industrial change on our communities, and how the legacy of industrial transition still felt today.

“By looking at previous cases of industrial transition, we want to learn lessons from previous governments’ management of industrial transitions and industrial strategies, and how these can be applied to Scotland today."

The MP added: “As the UK Government prepares to publish its new industrial strategy in spring, we’ll look at how effectively the government’s current approach addresses the opportunities and challenges facing Scotland.

"We need to make sure that the UK Government’s plans work for Scottish jobs and communities and provide the right support for industries in transition, to ensure no one is left behind.”