Ewan Gibbs
@ewangibbs.bsky.social
Historian of work, energy, industry and protest. Author of Coal Country. Now writing An Injury to All: The Unmaking of the British Working Class. Not getting that much more right wing as I get older.
Pinned
Ewan Gibbs
@ewangibbs.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Coal Country - University of London Press
The flooding and subsequent closure of Scotland’s last deep coal mine in 2002 brought a centuries long saga to an end. Villages and towns across the densely populated Central Belt owe their existence ...
uolpress.co.uk
My book, Coal Country: The Meaning and Memory of Deindustrialization in Postwar Scotland is the first book-length account of the end of coal mining in Scotland through the memories of miners and their families. It is available to download for free on this link, or you can also buy paper copies.
Week two of the Christmas cake. We fed it brandy. Very pleasing boozy fumes coming off it!
November 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Week two of the Christmas cake. We fed it brandy. Very pleasing boozy fumes coming off it!
Skilled Scottish workers deserve so much better than two failing squabbling governments rushing to cackhandedly respond to the announced closure of the Mossmorran ethylene plant. We shouldn't be once again scrabbling as more manufacturing jobs are lost.
SNP and Labour governments in bitter row over Mossmorran job losses
The Labour Government has accused the SNP administration of pushing ahead with their own tasforce, rather than pursuing a "Team Scotland" approach.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Skilled Scottish workers deserve so much better than two failing squabbling governments rushing to cackhandedly respond to the announced closure of the Mossmorran ethylene plant. We shouldn't be once again scrabbling as more manufacturing jobs are lost.
Resistance by Steve McQueen is an impressive and extensive exhibition exploring a century of British popular protest from suffragettes and hunger marchers to the demonstrations against the Iraq War.
It’s on at the National Gallery’s Modern Two in Edinburgh til after Christmas!
It’s on at the National Gallery’s Modern Two in Edinburgh til after Christmas!
November 23, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Resistance by Steve McQueen is an impressive and extensive exhibition exploring a century of British popular protest from suffragettes and hunger marchers to the demonstrations against the Iraq War.
It’s on at the National Gallery’s Modern Two in Edinburgh til after Christmas!
It’s on at the National Gallery’s Modern Two in Edinburgh til after Christmas!
Running under the rising sun 🏃♂️
November 22, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Running under the rising sun 🏃♂️
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
useful thread
simple compelling narratives can be deeply misleading in any field (thinking of vaccines, immigration etc) but even in big infrastructure stories where the concrete, steel and pipeline facts are less contestable
simple compelling narratives can be deeply misleading in any field (thinking of vaccines, immigration etc) but even in big infrastructure stories where the concrete, steel and pipeline facts are less contestable
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
November 20, 2025 at 6:07 PM
useful thread
simple compelling narratives can be deeply misleading in any field (thinking of vaccines, immigration etc) but even in big infrastructure stories where the concrete, steel and pipeline facts are less contestable
simple compelling narratives can be deeply misleading in any field (thinking of vaccines, immigration etc) but even in big infrastructure stories where the concrete, steel and pipeline facts are less contestable
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
More people should listen to Ewan imho
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
November 20, 2025 at 6:11 PM
More people should listen to Ewan imho
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
We're attracted to simple big stories to explain complicate problems. In Scotland the idea of the energy transition is a key example.
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
When oil and gas workplaces close down and workers lose their jobs we're told it's down to the transition. Except usually it isn't. Here's why🧵
This is a very important point. The transition perspective means that Mossmorran was not going to remain a carbon-based chemicals production site for the longer-term. Scottish government policy recognised that and even made planning for it a priority only to fail to act on it.
Mairi McAllan announced in April 2024 that a just transition plan for Mossmorran would be developed by the SNP Government.
John Swinney was asked by both the Greens and Tories today: Where is it?
Hundreds of jobs are now on the line.
John Swinney was asked by both the Greens and Tories today: Where is it?
Hundreds of jobs are now on the line.
November 20, 2025 at 12:37 PM
This is a very important point. The transition perspective means that Mossmorran was not going to remain a carbon-based chemicals production site for the longer-term. Scottish government policy recognised that and even made planning for it a priority only to fail to act on it.
Unite, the main union at Exxon's Mossmorran petrochemical plant, has responded to the proposed closure by saying that 'Exxonmobil is one of the richest companies in the world. It cannot be allowed to walk away and leave an industrial wasteland in Fife.'
www.unitetheunion.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Unite, the main union at Exxon's Mossmorran petrochemical plant, has responded to the proposed closure by saying that 'Exxonmobil is one of the richest companies in the world. It cannot be allowed to walk away and leave an industrial wasteland in Fife.'
‘A fitter fae Edinburgh. You spend all year up to your armpits in grease – and then this.’
William McIlvanney’s story of Argentina 1978 celebrates the magical experience of the Scots who got there by hook and by crook. We’ll soon have new World Cup tales!
William McIlvanney’s story of Argentina 1978 celebrates the magical experience of the Scots who got there by hook and by crook. We’ll soon have new World Cup tales!
McIlvanney’s World Cup | Nutmeg Magazine
William McIlvanney, who died in 2015, left us one of the most illuminating pieces of writing on the experience of being part of the Tartan Army in Argentina for the 1978 World Cup, in Surviving The Shipwreck, a collection of essays by the noted novelist, short story writer and poet. This extract from the chapter Journeys of the Magi was written before Scotland’s final game against The Netherlands.
www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 8:49 AM
‘A fitter fae Edinburgh. You spend all year up to your armpits in grease – and then this.’
William McIlvanney’s story of Argentina 1978 celebrates the magical experience of the Scots who got there by hook and by crook. We’ll soon have new World Cup tales!
William McIlvanney’s story of Argentina 1978 celebrates the magical experience of the Scots who got there by hook and by crook. We’ll soon have new World Cup tales!
Kasper Schmeichel! Peter Schmeichel! Hans Christian Andersen! Helle Thorning-Schmidt! Ivar the Boneless! Søren Kierkegaard! Niels Bohr! Karen Blixen! The Laudrup brothers! Do you hear me?! Your boys took a hell of a beating!
November 18, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Kasper Schmeichel! Peter Schmeichel! Hans Christian Andersen! Helle Thorning-Schmidt! Ivar the Boneless! Søren Kierkegaard! Niels Bohr! Karen Blixen! The Laudrup brothers! Do you hear me?! Your boys took a hell of a beating!
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
Exxon are closing Mossmorran petrochemicals plant in Fife leading to over 400 direct job losses. Reportedly, some workers found out their cards were terminated this morning as they reported for shifts. Scotland‘s unjust transition continues at the behest of multinationals and failing governments.
Mossmorran chemical plant to close with hudnreds of Scots jobs at risk
The Fife Ethelyne Plant near Cowdenbeath is set to become the country's next industrial casualty.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Exxon are closing Mossmorran petrochemicals plant in Fife leading to over 400 direct job losses. Reportedly, some workers found out their cards were terminated this morning as they reported for shifts. Scotland‘s unjust transition continues at the behest of multinationals and failing governments.
Exxon are closing Mossmorran petrochemicals plant in Fife leading to over 400 direct job losses. Reportedly, some workers found out their cards were terminated this morning as they reported for shifts. Scotland‘s unjust transition continues at the behest of multinationals and failing governments.
Mossmorran chemical plant to close with hudnreds of Scots jobs at risk
The Fife Ethelyne Plant near Cowdenbeath is set to become the country's next industrial casualty.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Exxon are closing Mossmorran petrochemicals plant in Fife leading to over 400 direct job losses. Reportedly, some workers found out their cards were terminated this morning as they reported for shifts. Scotland‘s unjust transition continues at the behest of multinationals and failing governments.
Imagine looking at Scandinavian models of social democracy from Britain and picking out cruel immigration policies as the big source of inspiration.
November 17, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Imagine looking at Scandinavian models of social democracy from Britain and picking out cruel immigration policies as the big source of inspiration.
This is an important overview of the Scottish renewables jobs situation from @scottishtuc.bsky.social in a concise report.🔽
stuc.org.uk/resources/on...
Renewables employment is dominated by small firms, often sole traders.
Fewer Scots work in wind than energy efficient products.
stuc.org.uk/resources/on...
Renewables employment is dominated by small firms, often sole traders.
Fewer Scots work in wind than energy efficient products.
November 17, 2025 at 4:27 PM
This is an important overview of the Scottish renewables jobs situation from @scottishtuc.bsky.social in a concise report.🔽
stuc.org.uk/resources/on...
Renewables employment is dominated by small firms, often sole traders.
Fewer Scots work in wind than energy efficient products.
stuc.org.uk/resources/on...
Renewables employment is dominated by small firms, often sole traders.
Fewer Scots work in wind than energy efficient products.
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
Spain, an EU member, has, as I'd often said, the second highest number of bodies (+120000) in "known" mass graves after Cambodia. But, often forgotten, we we don't know how many in mass graves from Maoist China, Stalinist Russia, Suharta's massacre of Indonesian Communists, Congo etc
The map in my original tweet shows the number of graves, not number of bodies. Andalucía, by some way, has the most in terms of victims. In mass graves as shown in this map or otherwise.
November 16, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Spain, an EU member, has, as I'd often said, the second highest number of bodies (+120000) in "known" mass graves after Cambodia. But, often forgotten, we we don't know how many in mass graves from Maoist China, Stalinist Russia, Suharta's massacre of Indonesian Communists, Congo etc
Sunset over the Clyde.
November 16, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Sunset over the Clyde.
10k run under the winter sun
November 16, 2025 at 11:29 AM
10k run under the winter sun
Linn Park, the country in the city.
November 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Linn Park, the country in the city.
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
Ukraine's strike halted oil exports from Novorossiysk, which accounts for about 2% of global supplies, according to Reuters
After a massive attack by UAVs and Neptune missiles, the Russian port of Novorossiysk has temporarily suspended oil shipments, which amount to about 2.2 million barrels. 👇
After a massive attack by UAVs and Neptune missiles, the Russian port of Novorossiysk has temporarily suspended oil shipments, which amount to about 2.2 million barrels. 👇
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Ukraine's strike halted oil exports from Novorossiysk, which accounts for about 2% of global supplies, according to Reuters
After a massive attack by UAVs and Neptune missiles, the Russian port of Novorossiysk has temporarily suspended oil shipments, which amount to about 2.2 million barrels. 👇
After a massive attack by UAVs and Neptune missiles, the Russian port of Novorossiysk has temporarily suspended oil shipments, which amount to about 2.2 million barrels. 👇
Reposted by Ewan Gibbs
Marking the anniversary of the Miners' Strike of 1984/5, Keith Gildart reflects on a selection of recent titles in a new Review Article: 'Which Side Are You On Boys? Revisiting the History of British Coal Miners and the Strike of 1984/5'
academic.oup.com/ehr/advance-...
#MinersStrike
academic.oup.com/ehr/advance-...
#MinersStrike
Which Side Are You On Boys? Revisiting the History of British Coal Miners and the Strike of 1984/5
The year 2025 marks the fortieth anniversary of the end of the bitter twelve-month miners’ strike of 1984/5. The dominance of coal in British energy produc
academic.oup.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Marking the anniversary of the Miners' Strike of 1984/5, Keith Gildart reflects on a selection of recent titles in a new Review Article: 'Which Side Are You On Boys? Revisiting the History of British Coal Miners and the Strike of 1984/5'
academic.oup.com/ehr/advance-...
#MinersStrike
academic.oup.com/ehr/advance-...
#MinersStrike
Running in the rain 🏃♂️
November 13, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Running in the rain 🏃♂️