A councillor is looking for the descendants of those who died in a mining disaster almost 125 years ago.

Cllr Jimmy Miller, elected member for Stevenston, wants to find the relatives of the men and boys who perished in the Auchenharvie Mine Disaster.

He said: “There is a commemorative plaque at the old Pumphouse, but it’s in the middle of a golf course.

“Nelson’s Battery overlooks the site, so it would be nice to have a plaque there.”

On August 2, 1885, water suddenly erupted into the working area of the colliery.

Although many escaped, with some being rescued later, sadly nine died.

Those that did not survive were: Duncan Gallacher, 32, John Glauchan, 30, William Glauchan, 26, James Glauchan, 19, Henry Glauchan, 17, John McGee (or McGhee), 14, Robert Conn (or McConn), 16, James Mullen, 19, and Peter Mullen, 14.

Next year will mark the 125th anniversary of their deaths and Councillor Miller wants to find relatives to give their blessing to a memorial plaque he wants to see placed at Nelson Gun Battery, in Auchenharvie, commemorating the tragic loss of life.