Pig Lifters at Gartsherrie Iron Works, 1930

These men had the hard job of lifting heavy bars of newly cast iron from the 'pig beds'. They are wearing aprons to protect their trousers and leather flaps to guard their hands against grazes. Round their necks are the pig-lifting hooks that they would use to raise the iron from the surrounding casting sand.

Behind, you can see big stacks of pig iron ready to be taken away to by rail or canal boat.

Museum reference:
U34-2060
Date:
1930 - 1930
Associated with:
William Baird and Co · Garthsherrie Iron Works, Coatbridge, Scotland
Audio:

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By Brian Cavan on February 11, 2026

The gentleman in the front row, third from the left was my grandfather, Robert Cavan, originally from Ballymena in Ireland. I remember my father telling me that sometimes he came home from work with broken fingers but still had to go to work the next day as no work = no money for food and rent in those days. Really hard working men, respect.

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