He led the union through the UK miners ' strikes of 1972 and 1974 .
In 1968 , McLean became a vice-president of the Scottish Area , then the following year was elected as its general secretary .
McLean led the union through the UK miners ' strikes of 1972 and 1974 .
In 1968 , McLean became a vice-president of the Scottish Area , then the following year was elected as its general secretary .