Coalfields Solidarity was again in mourning today following the death of Jim Griffin at Pennyvenie near Dalmellington.  The site will be closed until after the funeral while HSE Mines and Quarries Inspectorate carry out a detailed assessment of the scene with police in attendance.

Solidarity Co-Convenors Tommy Sheridan and Rosemary Byrne expressed the party's sorrow at the news:

"Solidarity would like to extend our sympathies to the family of Jim Griffin who died yesterday in an tragic industrial accident at Pennyvenie Opencast Coal Site in Ayrshire. 

"Coming less than a year after the deaths of Brian French and Colin Ferguson at the same site, it is a tragic day for our comrades in Coalfields Solidarity, our industrial branch started by opencast mine workers.  Our thoughts are with the family and all the workers at the site and across Scotland's coafields."

This is the fourth accidental death at the site in the last eight years and a public inquiry will follow