Well-known ex-miner has died in hospital

Tommy Canavan (68) had been admitted to Monklands Hospital but passed away in the early hours of Saturday, May 2. He was 68 years old.

The married father-of-two was heavily involved in the famous miners’ strike of the 1980s.

He was also instrumental in the formation of the Croy Miners Welfare which proved to be such a community hub in recent years.

Tommy was one of the stalwarts of the Labour movement in Kilsyth but withdrew from the party in the late 1990s.

He had taken exception at the way that former Kilsyth MP Denis Canavan was dealt with when he failed to be re-selected to stand in the Falkirk West Seat by Labour’s top brass.

It was sometimes assumed that the men were brothers but this was not the case.

Friend Tommy Crainie said: “Tommy was incredibly committed to left wing politics

“He will always be remembered for his work with the National Union of Miners.

Tommy was brought up in Croy but ended up living in Kilsyth’s Howe Road.

Funeral details have still to be confirmed as a post-mortem is scheduled within days.

It is thought however that the funeral will take place next week.