Back cover text:

From local legend, newspaper reports and family history, Alistair Findlay has pieced together a comprehensive documentary of Scotland's shale mining industry; of the people, communities and generations of families involved, and the cultural and political impact of the industry. Enlivened throughout with numerous photographs, drawings, poetry and short stories, this incredible history of human courage, endurance and endeavour will appeal to any reader with an interest in Scotland's social and cultural history.

Reviews:

Alistair Findlay has added a basic source material to the study of Scottish History that is invaluable... Scotland owes him a debt of gratitude for undertaking this work.   Tam Dalyell

One of the finest pieces of social history I've ever read.   Mark Stephen, The Scottish Connection, BBC Radio Scotland

For thousands of people across the country their attitudes, lifestyles and opinions have been formed through an industry which was once the envy of the world... captures the essence of the feeling of the time.   Lindsay Gould, The West Lothian Courier

Findlay records their voices, as sharp and red as the rock they worked... The result is to recreate the directness, simplicity and power of everyday speech.   John Foster, The Morning Star

The real and rounded history of the people... important, informative, captivating and inspiring, speckled with hardship and humour, it is well worth a read.   John Stevenson, Scotland in Unison

...do you not feel echos of Lewis Grassic Gibbon's Sunset Song in this man's writing?   William Wolde, Scots Independent