Despite vigorous campaigns from supporters across the political spectrum, as well as an increase in production to record-breaking levels, Ravenscraig’s fate was sealed.
“British Steel regrets to announce… they are to close down remaining steel-making operations at Ravenscraig no later than September 1992.” – British Steel announcement/Wishaw Press, Jan ’92.
Last Shift at Ravenscraig
On June 24 1992 the final slab of steel rolled off the production line. 1200 jobs were lost directly due to the closure with an estimated additional 15,000 being scrapped all over Lanarkshire.
“From our back door – from practically any back door in our village – you could see the red glow in the sky. Year in, year out, it’s always been there. Across the wide Clyde Valley, the flame flared in the night sky. It was a beacon, a special symbol of the towns and villages of Lanarkshire, the communities depended on the ‘Craig. Now it’s gone. The flame has been snuffed out and with it, hope and security.” – Tom Brown, Journalist – Daily Record, June ’92.
4,400 black balloons were released over Ravenscraig, one for each job lost at Ravenscraig and the Clydesdale Tube Mill over the previous two years.
Black Ballons fly over Ravenscraig Steelworks