From the Archives

1996

A DRAMATIC drop in crime was the welcome result of the Safer Streets crackdown which had been deployed in June. Cumbernauld police chief Superintendent Tom Buchan revealed: “The increase in police activity has not gone unnoticed by members of the criminal element.’’ Thefts and break ins from both residential and commercial properties had gone down by 40 per cent. So too had thefts from cars.’’ Three off licenses were also charged supplying drink to underage patrons.

A COUNCILLOR who had worked as a volunteer driver in Romania pledged to help the country he had left behind- and asked Cumbernauld folk to show their trademark generosity for his next trip. Vincent Murray said: “The orphaned children of Romania touched many folks’hearts four or five years ago but other tragedies and charities have followed and the children are largely forgotten.’’ He then appealed for items like door handles. locks, scissors and coat hooks for an orphanage.

DOG trainer par excellence Ellen Armstrong finally hung up her lead after three decades worth of teaching local pooches how to behave themselves. The Cumbernauld Dog Training Club supremo from Balloch would remain in the club.

1986

BIG in Japan – that was local piper Mike Dyer who visited the land of the rising sun with the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Highlanders. The 22-year-old from Balloch, who was serving in Germany, had received an invitation to perform in the Nara Dreamland theme park in Tokyo via the British Military attache. The lads put on several performances per day at the attraction and their music and their uniforms earned them a devoted following amongst the Japanese.

A LOCAL man announced he would be fighting for a seat in Parliament. John MacVicar of Whitelees was selected to contest the Glasgow Shettleston seat for the Scottish Nationalists at a meeting in Mount Vernon.

TEENAGE crimper Susan Wilson scooped the laurels at a hairdressing competition in Glasgow. The 17 year old from Westfield who worked at the popular Studio 53 salon in Seafar won the top prize in a trainees hair show.

ROLES as officials awaited members of Cumbernauld Wrestling Club at Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Games. Ian Miller, Fiona Walker and June Wallace all received the call-up.

1976

AN EDUCATIONAL era came to an end with the closure of the tiny Castlecary Primary School and the retiral of its headmistress Elizabeth Lovie. The school had just TWO pupils, Gillian Smith and Janet Maitland, both of whom would be transferred to a school in Bonnybridge.

TOP ranking oil executives jetted in from America and confirmed that they were set to invest in Cumbernauld to cash in on the Scottish oil boom.Staff from ACF were given a tour of the town by Cumbernauld Development Corporation staff - and announced that they would open a factory in Wardpark which would manufacture valves and flow control equipment for rigs. A total of 65 jobs would be created as a result.

THERE were pleas for calm amidst reports that a block of flats in Millcroft Road was ‘sliding’ due to subsistence. Officials from Cumbernauld Development Corporation confirmed that one family had been given a transfer after their flat was found to be structurally unsound. A spokesperson said: “There is apparently minor movement under the structure. The resident was moved because of the inconvenience the repair work would cause – not because the block is falling down.’’

1971

CUMBERNAULD doctor Alistair Pettigrew (27) won a Graduate Fellowship from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International which would enable him to continue his studies in the United States. The graduate of Glasgow University’s medical school who originally hailed from Park Way would be spending a year at the University of Chicago to focus on surgery.

PACKS of wild dogs were roaming the town and there was talk of appointing a dog catcher to combat the problem. Some of the dogs were strays but others were pets who were being put out for the day while their owners worked. Bailie Joseph Brown said: “I am a dog lover myself but this cannot continue. The dogs are a growing menace to children and must be stopped.’’

A DELIGHTED seven year old was chosen as the mascot for Cumbernauld Young Ravens. Alan Gaffney of McGregor roaad was selcted to accompany players out on the pitch at key games. His mother Margaret Gaffney, also a Labour councillor said: “He came home on Saturday with his eyes popping out his head. All we have heard from him since is talk about him being made a mascot.’’

JOBS were up for grabs at the Lovable factory. Machinsts were promised £20 a week.