Sole survivor of Kingsmill massacre approved for ‘Troubles pension’ weeks after marking 47th anniversary

The sole survivor of the Kingsmill massacre has been told his ‘Troubles pension’ has been approved almost two weeks after he marked the 47th anniversary of the attack.

lan Black was shot 18 times in a hail of bullets that killed his 10 Protestant work colleagues near the Co Armagh village in on January 5, 1976.

The minibus they were travelling in was ambushed by an IRA gang. 

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley hailed the development as a “big result” for the man who “miraculously survived” one of the most brutal atrocities of the conflict.

“Alan had faced huge delays in receiving his Troubles victims’ pension,” he wrote on Facebook.  

“It was an issue I vowed I would not give up on.

“I have pushed the issue at every opportunity.

“I have just received a call from Alan to tell me that his Troubles victims’ pension has now been approved and will be ratified by the end of the month.”

The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment opened almost a year-and-a-half ago to allow eligible recipients to apply for payments ranging from between £2,000 and £10,000 a year.

“To say I am personally delighted for Alan is an understatement,” Mr Buckley said. 

“He should have never had to fight for this, but as usual, he did so in a quiet and dignified manner.

“Alan, I know this pension means a great deal to you. I want you to know as a community we are with you all the way.”

Mr Buckley thanked his DUP colleagues Ian Paisley and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for their help on making sure Mr Black was able to secure the payment.