He followed his father in joining the Scottish Area of the National Union of Mineworkers , and regularly attended miners ' conferences .
Born in Larkhall , McLean left school at the age of fourteen to work at a local colliery .
McLean followed McLean 's father in joining the Scottish Area of the National Union of Mineworkers , and regularly attended miners ' conferences .
Born in Larkhall , McLean left school at the age of fourteen to work at a local colliery .