I grew up in Penrhyndeudraeth and my roots are deep in the slate industry.
Two of my great grandfathers worked in the industry. One at Croesor quarry (he also owned the Parc Quarry for a while) and the other as the owner of one of the black boats that carried slate on the River Dwyryd from Maentwrog to Ynys Cyngar. This of course before the arrival of the Ffestiniog Railway. My grandfather was also a quarryman at Croesor and worked there when Cooke’s explosives used the quarry as a store. My father was the Construction Manager on the Ffestiniog Railway.
I was very proud to be the Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Development for Gwynedd Council leading up to and when it was announced that the designation of the North West Wales Slate Landscape as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was successful. It was a privilege to be recognized worldwide for the work and contribution of my forefathers and many others to this important industry and landscape.