Reminiscences - People

1950's Monday Washdays

I was born in Liverpool but was sent to live with my grandparents in Dundee (Gardner Street, opposite the allotments.) when I was 4 years old. I went to Ancrum Road School in 1950/1951, for about the next 5 years. Their ground floor flat had a huge bedroom at the front, and another smaller one. There was a press and a toilet off the hallway and then at the back, overlooking the 'greenie' was the living room/ dining room with their bed in a large recess! There was a coal fire with a large over mantle and a coal bunker in the window bay. Read more......

Submitted by Blues an

78, Lochee Road

I lived above Andrew Woodcock in mentioned  78, Lochee Road. I live near Aberdeen now, but last time I drove down Lochee road, the old tenement had been demolished. Andrew's brother Stuart was my pal during that time and my brother Andrew B was Andrew W's pal. All the "noisy" families lived over one another. Read more......

Submitted by Andrew WoodcockSubmitted by Gordon Ballantyne

78, Lochee Road

I lived above Andrew Woodcock in mentioned  78, Lochee Road. I live near Aberdeen now, but last time I drove down Lochee road, the old tenement had been demolished. Andrew's brother Stuart was my pal during that time and my brother Andrew B was Andrew W's pal. All the "noisy" families lived over one another. Read more......

Submitted by Andrew WoodcockSubmitted by Gordon Ballantyne

Happy Days - Memories Will Last Forever

I was born in 1946 brought up in City Road (the roadie) as we called it. I went to Blackness Primary school the Logie Secondary, I was in the netball and swimming teams in both schools. I remember the old baths when there were 3 pools.

Childhood memory of my mum taking my brother and myself down the Old Overgate to the pea buster stall then over to Greenhill for our Saspirilla (Black Sass). Read more......

Submitted by Marilyn Devlin

Great Time

I was born 1949 lived in Derby Street then moved to 7 Dallfield Walk when I was 4. We then moved to Kirkton when I was10 but great memories from Dallfield Walk was at Rosebank School....great times.

Submitted by Betty I

Hungry Chicken

I was born in Maryfield  Hospital in 1950 and lived  in Buchanan Street until we got moved to Douglas in 1953. I went to St Vincent school until age 7 when a new school St Pius was built opposite my house  in Balmerino Road. I used to love going to the baths on Saturday morning one week and the Gaumont on another, I used to love going through the Arcade under the  Caird Hall and see the roast chicken turning on the spit. It made me feel really hungry.

Submitted by Dave Carlin

Kick Start Questions About Beautiful Dundee and Delightful Broughty Ferry

My memories of staying in the beautiful city and delightful Broughty Ferry now need a kick start....
 
Stayed at Tayview Guest House, believed to be in St Vincent Street just around the corner from the welcoming Sliding Tackle pub (our adopted local).

Worked in Main Road adjacent to the Timex factory upgrading electricity cables and jointing, at the time of Tay Bridge construction. A gang of seven, we made several friends, among them a crowd who claimed to be known as the "Dundee Bums".
 Read more......

Submitted by Brian Rogers

Baxter Park Terrace

With regards to Stanley's comment, Baxter Park Terrace was a block away from Baldovan Terrace, running from Pitkero Road to Arbroath Road. Park Avenue ran from Baxter Park along the bottom of Baldovan Terrace, crossing Morgan Street and into Albert Street.

Submitted by Stanley PorteousSubmitted by Stuart Forbes

Baxter Park Terrace

With regards to Stanley's comment, Baxter Park Terrace was a block away from Baldovan Terrace, running from Pitkero Road to Arbroath Road. Park Avenue ran from Baxter Park along the bottom of Baldovan Terrace, crossing Morgan Street and into Albert Street.

Submitted by Stanley PorteousSubmitted by Stuart Forbes

The Gift Shop Milnbank Road

I've just read about Nighebhoy on his way to school. The shop opposite Rosefield Street was called the Gift Shop and was Arthur Spinks mum's shop, the well known Dundee accordion player, he was boyhood pal of mine and I can still hear  his mum shouting 'Arthur, time to practice'.

Submitted by Dennis GreeleySubmitted by Nigebhoy

The Gift Shop Milnbank Road

I've just read about Nighebhoy on his way to school. The shop opposite Rosefield Street was called the Gift Shop and was Arthur Spinks mum's shop, the well known Dundee accordion player, he was boyhood pal of mine and I can still hear  his mum shouting 'Arthur, time to practice'.

Submitted by Dennis GreeleySubmitted by Nigebhoy

Hays Antique Shop

I was brought up in Wellington Street, how many people remember Hays Antique shop in Ann Street, also where was Kidd  
Street?
 
Submitted by William Mooney

St Mary's Forebank Football Team

Came from Wellington Street went to St Mary's Forebank school with my two brothers Jimmy and John and my sister Anna, was there from 1945 to 1953. The Marist brothers playes a large part in my life. My very good friend John Markie and myself played for the school football taem, so did my two brothers, happy days.

Submitted by William Mooney

Happy and Sad Memories of Dundee

I first lived at 21 Kinloch Street at the foot of the Law Hill. An old tenement with 1 bedroom and kitchen/front room. The coalman used to come in and dump the bag of coal in the space under the wooden draining board. We moved to Findcastle Street in 1953 and we thought it was great, a new house and a garden. I went to St. Vincent's infants and primary school. It was a long walk to school. Then on to St. Michael's in Graham Street, we got a penny transfer for 2 buses. Used to go the Marryat (near Caird Hall) and the Palais to see all the bands. Read more......

Submitted by Monica Cooper (now Ward)

How the Blue Mountains Got its Name

The Blue Mountains at the bottom of the Hawkhill on the left hand side were called after an Italian man came to Dundee and lived in that tenement, he was so homesick that he painted the blue mountains on  the wall of his flat to remind him of his home near the Blue Mountains in Italy .

Submitted by Lolly HughesSubmitted by Jack

How the Blue Mountains Got its Name

The Blue Mountains at the bottom of the Hawkhill on the left hand side were called after an Italian man came to Dundee and lived in that tenement, he was so homesick that he painted the blue mountains on  the wall of his flat to remind him of his home near the Blue Mountains in Italy .

Submitted by Lolly HughesSubmitted by Jack

Dundee Childhood in 50s

I was born in the Overgate in 1957, from there we moved to Shepherds Loan. My first school was Hawkhill. We moved again to Macalpine Road then to Kincardine Street, our next move was to St. Fillans Road. When I was 12 we moved to Wallsend Newcastle.

Submitted by Margaret Wright nee Symons

Veeder Root Factory in the Late Seventies

I worked at the Veeder Root factory at Gourdie from 1977-79. I really liked working there making tachographs, sitting in long rows of women working away some with jigs some putting small parts together. My family lived in Fintry at 31 or 32 Findcastle Terrace opposite the primary school. My aunt's sister worked there also, Rosemary Pillins, and my friend Jackie Clancy, I think she later joined the navy. Her aunt Francis was really nice. Happy memories. 

Submitted by Catherine Cvjetkovic (nee Harris Scott)

School Memories Good and Bad

My parents Ella and Bill Scott lived at 132, Dunholm Road, Charleston from 1959-64, they were the first people to live in the house. My dad built the rockery in the front garden, it was still there in 1979. I went to Charleston Primary school from 1960-64 then my family moved to New Zealand. The 3 Thompson children often played with myself and 2 younger sisters, Ann Yvone and Frankie Thompson. Some childrens names I went to school with; Alison Leach, Elizabeth Baird, Alan Low, Martin Smart, Ruth Matheson, Lyn Hackney, Rhona Miles. Read more......

Submitted by Catherine Cvjetkovic (nee Harris Scott)

Mitchell Street School

I went to Mitchell Street school from 1966-68, primary 6 and 7 classes. My parents lived my mum's parents at 70 Polepark Road after coming back from New Zealand. Miss Joan Drumond was my teacher lovely lady and some of my classmates names; June Campbell, Marion Foy, Marion Finnie, Hazel Stuart, Flora Mcrae, Harry Knapp, Betty MacIntosh, Kevin Fyfe, lots more but don''t remember their names. Catherine Cvjetkovic nee Scott. Western Australia. 

Submitted by Catherine Cvjetkovic (nee Harris Scott)

Nostalgic Memories of Dundee and Broughty Ferry

To rekindle nostalgic memories of Dundee and Broughty Ferry, I worked here in 1966, a 24 year old East London Sassenach but staying in St Vincent Street, Broughty Ferry. Loved the city, the people, the atmosphere. Used the Sliding Tackle pub, (Dear old Bobby Cox, the pub manager), John(?) the Locarno (?) ballroom) the Chalet along the seafront, and a hotel on a Sunday with a fab band, on the banks of the Tay river on Broughty Ferry Road. Weekday dinners at the Timex factory canteen, suggested by friendly locals. Happy days.  

Submitted by Brian Rogers

Happy Days in Dundee

I was born in Germany as my dad was in the RAF. Unfortunately my mum died before my second birthday and we moved to Dundee to live with my mum's parents in Linlathen at Blacklock Crescent. We were not well off, but at the same time I had everything for a great childhood. I went to St Vincent's Primary School where Miss McManus was my teacher and what a great teacher she was. All the kids loved her. Her father was the Lord Provost no less! Some time later my father remarried and we moved to West Lothian, however I've always considered Dundee as my home town. Read more......

Submitted by Alpha

Dundonese

Local words and expressions
(Many relegated tae th' past)
Survive in conversation
It's to be prayed they're here tae last

Unintelligible - perhaps!
Tae th' young'r generation
Below - a chosen few
Listed with discretion

Jump aff the kribbie
Dance in a dub
Fa' doon a kundie
There's a rammie in th' pub

Tea at th' bunker
Watch oot- ye're slaiver'n
Doon on ye're hunkers
Cut th' comedy - ye're haiver'n

A shottie o' a book
Plooterin' squeezin' a persistent plook Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Blue Mountains?

I lived in St David's Lane, West Port, we used to play in the "Blue Mountains" on the Blackie. I have recently heard they were called the infamous Blue Mountains, does anyone know why?

Submitted by Lolly Hughes

Prefab Houses

My mum moved from the Overgate to the new prefabs in Kirkton in 1948. I was born in 1956 and went to West March Primary school before going to Australia. We didn't stay long. Woul love some picture of the prefabs. My favourite memory is the arcade on a Saturday and the smell of roasting chicken still takes me back.

Submitted by Sheena Buckland

Princess Street in the 60s

Grew up in St.Mary's during the 60s. I especially remember the visits to the grannies house above the Windsor Bar for Sunday dinner. After dinner the adults listened to Stranger on the Shore and me and my wee sister watched the people and traffic on Princess Street from the sitting room window.

Submitted by Jimmy

1937 Memories

I remember Beechwood, 11 Kingscross well, we moved there 1937 thats going back to when it was just being built. We moved from Rosebank a small cottage with a blackSmith. It was great to see electric light and a loo inside and I remember mare tinnie in the top storie, and I remember Patons Lane well too, in thoses days great daysI have been back often. 

Submitted by John Fraser

Great Liquorice Drink Memory

Born in Clement Park 1947, then lived in 21 Step Row and remember going and getting hard sticks of thin black liquorice and putting it in a lemonade bottle with a rubber stopper, filled with water, then put it under the bed for 2 weeks, boy you can't imagine what a great drink that was. Read more......

Submitted by Jack Knight

Information Technology

Pray conversation
May never be 'non-event'
As Information Technology
Floods with intent

Attempted business calls
(even with Smart Phones)
Can drive to sheer distraction
Lowering language tones

"We ARE very busy
Thank you for holding the line
Your call IS valuable to us"
(But it's wasting precious time)

"Press 1, 2 or 3 (instructs automation)
(in welcomed surprise)
"Or 4 - without hesitation
To connect with one who'll advise" Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Unknown Joiner

I remember one winter in Douglas when we had no coal for our fire, my Mum sent me over to Douglas School which was just being built (so I would have been about 6 or 7 years old) to collect some of the wood off cuts. A joiner was working late, (I remember that it was very dark) and took pity on me and filled a sack with logs and carried it over to my house for me. My Mum, my three siblings and my self (my Dad was not around) had a warm house and hot water for some nights after that and we will always be grateful to that unknown joiner.

Submitted by Dave Carlin

Not a Care in the World Days

I was born in the front bedroom at 1, Craighill Place in 1946. My first school was the hutty at the bottom of Pitarlie Road, them went to the Rainbow, had great times playing and dancing in the backies where it was all tarmacked, somebody would put a record player on their window and we would jive away, even Mum's would join in, great days and not a care in the world.

Submitted by Jess Westie

Remember..

Who if anyone remembers sugarellie water? The Happy Hillock shop at Mid Craigie, The Arcade where you could buy almosy anything on a Saturday especially scraps. Playing boxes with a shoe polish, tin penny dainties, fireside tartan, the belt provident cheques, an orange and apple at Christmas, homemade paper, Christmas decorations, making calendars using old Christmas cards at school. The joy of it all never to be forgotten. 

Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)

Milk Delivering and Berry Picking

Lived in Findcastle Place in Fintry late 50's early 60's . My father was the milkmam and I and 3 other boys delivered milk with him. I started at age 11 and finished when I was 16. We worked from 5 30 in the morning until 7 30. Carried two metal crates with 8 bottles of milk in each 364 days, got New Year's Day off. The winter was horrible used to go round hands and feet frozen, snot dripping but summer was great because when we finished the milk we would catch the berry lorry at Fintry shops and pick berries all day. Make a fortune. 

Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)

Lost Places

So glad Mollie remembered Mid Craigie. I was born in Maryhill HospitaI in 1946 and my mum, dad, older sister and me went to live with my granny at 119 Drumlanrig Drive Mid Craigie, while they waited for a council house. They got one in Fintry and now had 4 kids. When they moved I was 4 and sick so stayed with my granny. I lived with her until I was 11. It was a wonderful childhood used to get 1/2 penny to keep watch for the police from the men playing cards. Putting a line on for my gran at the iillegal bookies. Getting the sheets wrapped in brown paper out of the pawn shop. Read more......

Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)

Rainbow School

Tina so can't believe I forgot the school was called the rainbow, big memory jolt.
 
Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)Submitted by Tina

Rainbow School

Tina so can't believe I forgot the school was called the rainbow, big memory jolt.
 
Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)Submitted by Tina

Girls Game Only

Mike the game was just called stot the ball against the wall but only girls were allowed to play!
 
Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)Submitted by Mike Mochan

Girls Game Only

Mike the game was just called stot the ball against the wall but only girls were allowed to play!
 
Submitted by Lynda Kay (Campbell)Submitted by Mike Mochan

Milnbank Road

I remember walking to school in the morning and stopping at the shop that used to be on Milnbank Road across from the bottom of Rosefield Street. You got a 2p mix which did the whole day. At that time I was at Blackness Primary on Blackness Road. I had been moved from Mitchell Street Primary the year before. On the way home at night we would go past the police box on Milnbank Road next to the playpark to see if there was a policeman there we could talk to and ask questions.

Submitted by Nigebhoy

An Ode Tae Yon Haggis

An Ode Tae Yon Haggis
Fleein aboot it's heilan hame
yon haggis a sicht tae see
Fir ye see it cannae flee
As it swaggers through
Yon purple  heather
A hunter clad in boots and leather
Shoots yon beastie deid
Fir the next time
Ye see yon haggis
It'll be served upon
A silver platter
And grace will be said
We a helping o' neeps n' tatties
And a wee dram tae awash it doon.

Submitted by Edboybee

Great Life in the Multis

My family moved to Carnegie Tower in November 1967, when I was 10. Carnegie Tower was the first of the 4 tower blocks to be built in Alexander Street. Previously in that area, there had been streets full of old small shops and tenements where families lived, mainly in cramped conditions and sharing outside toilets with neighbours. I was an only child and we had lived only a few hundred yards away in a one bedroomed first floor tenement flat at 76 James Street. Read more......

Submitted by Dorothy Goldie

Boy on the Bike

I note the photograph of the Princess Cinema, I am the laddie on the bike, the photo taken by someone from D.C. Thomson about May 1959. I lived at 88, Hawkhill from 1951-53 and went to Tay Street School. Them moved away to Paisley. Came back in 1958 and lived in Rosefield Street. My mum had a second hand shop and a cafe in Brook Street, bottom of Larch Street. I remember playing in the high landie. Only remember one person from Tay Street School, a lass called Ella McGuiken who loved in Park Row until about 1960. She was a bonnie dancer. Read more......

Submitted by Michael Butler

Boy on the Bike

I note the photograph of the Princess Cinema, I am the laddie on the bike, the photo taken by someone from D.C. Thomson about May 1959. I lived at 88, Hawkhill from 1951-53 and went to Tay Street School. Them moved away to Paisley. Came back in 1958 and lived in Rosefield Street. My mum had a second hand shop and a cafe in Brook Street, bottom of Larch Street. I remember playing in the high landie. Only remember one person from Tay Street School, a lass called Ella McGuiken who loved in Park Row until about 1960. She was a bonnie dancer. Read more......

Submitted by Michael Butler

Memories of 50 Years Ago

I was born in Clement Park in 1943. I lived in the square in Shepherd's  Loan, in my Granny Ogilvie's house. It had four rooms and a toilet. I went to Hawkhill School. My grandfather Hall lived under Cox's Stack in a big grey house. One of my friends was Jean Navickas she lived across the square. There was Mary Gatley and Helen Davies who lived above us. We emigrated to Australia in 1951. I told my friend Jean that I would be back in two years for a holiday but didn't get back for another 50 years and then my memories were all gone.

Submitted by Elizabeth Hall

Happy Days

I moved from Montrose to Dundee and worked as a porter in the D.R.I. After a spell at Step Row off the Perth Road, we were given a house in Dunbeg Place, Trottick. We came to know some ot the residents and still keep in touch with Betty and Ian. My brother, who was a chef in the D.R.I. and I played golf at Caird Park. Ian and I frequently visited the Claverhouse (Ian called it the slaverhouse) on Saturday nights. Happy days.

Submitted by Tony Munro

Tipperary

Born in 1945 in Clement Park, I lived at 50 Marshall Street, Lochee (overlooking Tipperary) with my mother Mary and my grandparents Andy and Lizzie Wilbourne. I remember the trains chuffing past our 'back green', Ancrum Road school, being sent to the shops for 'a lippy 'o tatties' and a globe for the gas light, pushing an old pram full of laundry to the wash hose in St Mary's Lane..so many memories..

Submitted by Ingrid

King's and Palace Theatres

My grandfather Simon McIntosh was stage manager of the King's Theatre and prior to that of the Palace Theatre. I have his autograph book with some of the 'stars' like Harry Lauder and pictures of that time.

Submitted by Trawler Bill

Ancrum Road Activity Centre

Can anyone tell me what the activity centre in Ancrum Road was originally called. I think it might have been a school?

Submitted by Annie Gorman

Harry Deaks Horses

 

I was brought up in Cherryfield Lane, one memory I have is of Harry Deaks horses coming home from a hard days work on the building sites, sometimes a horse would slip on the cobbles and crash to the ground, this terrified my pals and me to see the horse struggling to get up, we thought the only safe place to get away was to run up three storey's in the building opposite. The year would have been in the 1940s and I would be about six or seven.

Submitted by Les

Fintry Photos

We were brought up in Fincraig Street from 1961 to 1965 then moved to New Zealand. We stayed three years came back and stayed in Whitfield with my Grandmother Julie Roberts them moved to Glenrothes. Three years later we moved back to New Zealand again. I have been back twice over the years 1981 and 1992 and had the pleasure of bringing my wife and two daughters back to Fintry and Dundee. It had changed so much and it is so good to see the old Fintry photos and old Dundee photos, thanks so much. I have shown my 12 year old Grandson the photos.

Submitted by Martin (Marty) Roberts

Linlathen in the 60s and 70s

Our family lived in Linlathen next to Mossgiel and Linlathen High School which are no longer there. Times were hard but we made do playing football in the street, making swings on trees, playing street games such as ghems up the poley, kick the can..this was late 60s/70s...we would go to Swanny Ponds, Baxter Park and Den o Mains. I remember as a kid going to Caird Park with a wheelbarrow to collect twigs/broken branches for the coal fire, going to Pitkerro Rd newspaper shop for the penny tray which had all kinds of sweets...wish I got pics from those days. 

Submitted by Graham Byrne nickname Toastie or Burnzee

Mary Brooksbank

Hi Tina. Like you, I remember the metal gates and barbed wire used to prevent anyone from Linlathen to cross the viaduct from Fountainbleu Drive to the wilderness that was Fintry, although my elder siblings found them little deterrent when they crossed from Linlathen to make a few bob picking spuds on McLean's farm. Happy days, they lied. A heroine of mine, Mary Brooksbank, called such times the good old bad old days, and I think she was spot on. She would arrive unannounced at the top of our street, Riddell Terrace, sing two or three songs and then move on. Read more......

Submitted by Drummie

Growing up in Dundee

I was born in 1946, and lived on Baldovan Terrace until 1958. I was reading the letter from Magnus Walker about growing up on Park Street. Baldovan Terrace is one block away from Park Street. He stated that he played in Baxter Park and Stobbie Pond which were both placed that I also played at. I was just wondering if I knew him. I moved to the U.S. in 1961 where I have lived ever since. I am now also retired, and live in Buffalo, New York. I enjoy your articles on auld Dundee. They bring back many memories. Many thanks.

Submitted by Stanley Porteous

The Early 70s

During the early 70s, my friend David Stewart played in goal for Ayr United, before signing for Leeds United. He used to leave tickets for my late father and me for any games in and around this area.

On one such occasion, I remember going for a pint in a pub called the Forrester's Arms (a black and tan priced 1/11d). Can anyone tell me exactly where this pub was? Read more......

Submitted by Ollie

Grew Up in Linlathen

I live in Birmingham now, but grew up in Linlathen with my Gran and Aunt Norah looking after me as my mother was ill in the DRI. I went to a few schools, enjoyed the freedom of playing in and out of the prefabs in Fountainbleau Drive, climbing the gate on the bridge which leads to Fintry where my aunts later moved to. The Den o Mains was the place to be at Easter. I have seen pictures of the Rainbow School and Stobswell which I went to but can't find St Michaels. O well happy days.

Submitted by Tina

Keepsakes

To the listener
The spoken word
Seldom remains unheard
Perhaps lingering on
Long after conversation's done

Leaving behind
Keepsakes
In corners of the mind

 

 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Day War Broke Out

The day war broke out it was one week to my 8th birthday and I spent it with my family. We were evacuated to Banchory, Aberdeenshire. We had never seen green fields or cows and we had to walk one and a half miles to school. I was amazed but loved it. We stayed for six years and did not want to come back.

Submitted by Eileen Alexander

Born in Dundee

I was born in Dundee in 1950. I remember I was in the 49th Life Boys in Kirkton and a lot of photos were taken at that time. It would be nice to see them after all these years. After that I was in the Boys Brigade and also had a spell in the Sea Cadets. I was at HMS Unicorn in the docks. Good memories.

Submitted by Brian Seven

With Circles in Mind

Round City circles (in roundabout way)
Travellers are travelling every day

Inner circles - outer circles
Serving old and young

'The Circle' falls fluently
From the tongue

May she remain
True to her own good name

Leaving little doubt
She knows with certainty

She's a Roundabout

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Broughty Ferry Beach

I can remember going down to Broughty Ferry to the beach, getting burnt and being ill for a few days.

Submitted by Morag Walker

Street Game

I am trying to remember the name of the street game where you put a ball inside a woman's nylon stocking and hit it against the wall, above your head and between your legs? Anybody know?

Submitted by Mike Mochan

Let The Mystery Be

Kundie - peculiar to Dundee
Is descriptive
To you and me

Foreign to Fife - Forfar - Perth
Ask tourists the meaning
They'll give wide berth

Travelling abroad
Away from home
Kundie is in a league of its own

Let Kundie - a mystery be
In the colourful language
Of Dundee

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Memories of Polepark

I was brought up in Polepark by my dad Frank Traynor and the lovely Ann and Bert Small who owned a little grocer shop at 16 Polepark Road. They took over the majority of my care after my mum sadly died when I was four years old.

I have many happy memories of the jute workers who came into the shop and the actors from the Rep Theatre which was in the church at the top of Polepark. It was a lovely time to grow up and a caring way of life when people all looked after their neighbours. Ann and Bert Small ran a lovely wee shop and were kind to their customers. Read more......

Submitted by Ann Traynor (Small)

Born at Maryfield Hospital

Born at Maryfield Hospital in 1956 and lived at 135 Alexander Street until 1964, firstly in the attic flat with outside toilet on the pletty then luxury we moved into the first floor flat with a inside toilet above the chippy until they knocked it down to build the multis, what a great place to grow up. Read more......

Submitted by Ramsay Strachan

The Parrot

The parrot that sat on the milk crates outside Keillors shop at the bottom of the Blackie, the sledging down the brae from the Blackie to the burn, so many kids there we had to line up to get your turn. Great days, but we were all kids then, we didn't know about life then.The woman that sold puff candy across from St Joseph's school, that's just a wee bit of great memories.

Submitted by May Jack

Down Memory Lane

These are my memories of Dundee. I have lived in Ireland for thirty years now, but go back home at least once a year.

Down Memory Lane

I’m taking a trip down Memory Lane,
Down through the years to my childhood again,
I’ll let you walk with me and maybe you’ll see,
Places and times, the things special to me. Read more......

Submitted by Susan Howard

The Citadel – West Marketgait

The Citadel – now razed to the ground
Leaves behind the silent sound
Of Salvation Army Silver Bands
Of tambourines in soldiers happy hands

Songs of praise of “Blood and Fire”
A motto truly to inspire

No last post or bugle sound
As her walls came tumbling to the ground

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Awakening of Spring

Spring awoke this morning
With snowdrops in her hand
And primroses of delicate colours
To decorate the land

Daffodil gold
Cherry blossom pink
Shades of winter
Vanished in a wink

Lush green leaves and grassland
Under a sky of youthful blue
Transformed the landscape
Into a stunning view
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Bonar and Long

I also worked at Bonar and Long back in 1969 for about 1 year to 18 months. I worked in the office and was friends with Irene Lawrence and Ted Johnstone. Ted was a draftsman. I moved out of the country and lost tough with both of them.

Submitted by Cathie

Playing in the Snow

I was born in Dundee at Dalfield Walk. I remember going out to play in the snow in 1950, I was 2. We moved to Kirkton and thought we inherited a palace. We played at Gilburn Park, happy memories were had. When I was 5 we saw the Queen on the Kingsway. I had my Union Jack and got a tin of chocolate, it didn't last long.

Submitted by Rose

Memories of Dundee

I was born in 1947 in Blackshade - a great place to grow up. Prefabs like little bungalows with front and back gardens! Open grassed areas for endless football and woods for countless adventures! Hatties was the first newsagent (hat never left his head) it was at the top of Iona Street. The only other shop to start with was Sandies at the St Mary's brae roundabout. Read more......

Submitted by Jim Hutchison

The Harbour Wall

Waves crash the harbour wall
Clouds above loom dark and full
Thunder rumbles in the distance
As rain begins to fall
Creaking in the wind
Boats and yachts sway in the swell
As lightning strikes the discovery bell

Submitted by David Barrie

Dundee City of Discovery

A beautiful setting by the sea
What a surprise to me
Dundee City of Discovery
With the river called the Tay
Yes it takes your breath away
As I view from the Law
Scenery to beat them all

David Barrie, 1995

Submitted by David Barrie

Dundee Poem

Such a transformation it's really a sight to see
Down by the river in my home town of Dundee
Gone are the architectural nightmares of days gone by
Soon we will have our very own V & A
A new kid on the block down at Victoria Dock

Submitted by David Barrie

Dens Road Market (1980’s)

An Aladdin’s cave it seemed tae be
In the early 80’s – for you an’ me!

Bargain-huntin’ hopin’ tae find
Perhaps an unusual “Vassart” (signed)

Or Clarice Cliff – Moorcroft – Weymss Ware
Among the junk depositied there

For many stall-holders a family affair
Workin’ the’ gather selling their ware

Some selt second-hand claes
That’d mair’n often seem better days!
An’ if the ‘student-look’ was in the mind
It was nae ower hard tae find
Odd apparel has an academic ring
An’ youth (ye ken) must hae it’s fling Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Dreaming Over Rainbows

Exquisite jewel displayed in antique fair
Opulently sparkling there
From jaded presentation case
Swathed in old Victorian lace

Oh! The drama you inspire
Pearls fluster as rubies desire
To tease transparent peridot
Clasping a lover’s knot

Were skies always sapphire blue
Did silver bells all ring true
Did emerald or turquoise sea
Bring a beloved back to thee

Were you the fairest ever seen
Did you grace a regal queen
Or perhaps a maiden fair
With shining crown of platinum hair Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

My Song For You

The sweetest of love songs
I'll bring to you
Greeting each morning
As sunlight peeps through

Singing ever so softly
Lyrics so true
A sweet little love song
Meant only for you
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Lip Service

Friends in conversational mood
Turn their faces to me
That I may read upon their lips
Words I'm able to see

Their slightest – most delicate touch
Draws attention near
In noisy environments
Where works can become unclear

It’s unwelcoming
The freeze of feeling ‘left-out’
Trying to guess the subject matter
Or having it totally in doubt

Minimal my hearing impairment
But I profoundly realise
Communicating across the barriers
Takes more than meets the eyes.
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

“Highland” at the Arbroath Highland Show - July 1987

Victoria Park – The Angus Show
Marvellous weather – off we go!
Horses – sheep – cattle calls
Competitions – colourful stalls

“Guess the weight of the bull today!”
But he wasn’t in sight – he’d run away!

£10 prize for the lucky winner
But by the time he was caught
Was he several kilos thinner?

Early in the morning he’d broken loose
No one ready with a noose

Red Alert was the call today
Constable Shepherd made his way
Crook in hand – eager to go
Chasing the bull around the show Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Local History Wellgate Central Library

The Local History Library
Contains information of renown
About the city and surrounding areas
And the ‘Town and Gown’

Rare books from antiquity
In vaults for safe-keeping
Aired – on request
Aroused from sleeping

Microfiche – old news-print
Beautifully leather bound
Discover your heritage
But please don’t make a sound!

The Local History Library
Turns the key
Offering wealth of knowledge
For all to see
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Desperate Dan

Desperate Dan
A 60th birthday tribute 1997
(BSE Scare year)

Hi! There Desperate Dan
D.C.Thomson’s ‘Dandy’ man
Tough as nails – stubble on chin
From Cactusville your were ‘drawn-in’
In 1937 – to comic page
Immediately to centre-stage

With enormous strength and appetite
Gigantic cow-pies were your delight
But menus change – less beef jerky
More fish and veg and legs of  turkey

Your boots have raised a lot of dust
Spurs gathering reader-trust
Returning every week
To ‘sit-com’ and havoc wreak Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Oor Wullie

He’s a braw lad – Ooor Wullie
Read the Sunday Post an’ see
Every single thing that he does
Gaes doon in history

Frae Dundee tae Australia
An’ everywhere he goes
Sunday widnae be Sunday
Withoot his weekly comic shows

He disnae like a haircut
Loves Maw’s hame-made cakes
Temptation’s ower much for him
Every time she bakes

Sunday’s clootie dumplin’
Gaed missing frae the windae-sill
P.C. Murdoch canna tell’m’aff
For he got a slice frae Wull Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

What a Beano

Bash Street – the newest in Dundee
Celebrated the 60th anniversary
Of Bash Street Kids – Class 2B
They were a’ there – jumpin’ up ’n’ doon wi’ glee
The kids wir chuffed
Dennis The Menace – wiz affay huffed!

The Headmaster (in robe and mortar board)
Taen it a’abroad
Ordering biscuits and tea
The janitor there tae see
Crumbs were swept (but beein’ lazy)
He broucht the cat tae make it easy Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Chalet

My gran died when I was 8 this was 1968. My gran Isabella Flynn cleaned the chalet in Broughty Ferry for many years. Does anyone have any photos or memories of her. Thanks Lorr.

Submitted by Lorr

Halcyon Days

I lived at 20 Kings Cross Road Beechwood up to the early seventies then moved to Kirkton when I was thirteen. I remember a newspaper vendor called Johnny Croll who used to give us a few bob to deliver the telegraph to the industrial estate through the hole in the wall in Beechwood,we also used to collect empty lemonade bottles from the factories then take them to Margi McBains sweetie shop and receive a few pennies for them. Halcyon days indeed.

Submitted by Kevin Melville

The Dairy

My grandparents ran the Dairy at 6 Shepherds Loan. When they moved there as a married couple in 1906, they were cowfeeders i.e. they had cows in milk and sold milk round the doors. Then they had a byre and then "larries" and his brother had a dairy in Strathmartine Rd., with the first milk lorry in Dundee a model T Ford, I could write a lot more and have done so in my series of "Poems and Stories". My other grandfather was stage manager at the Palace and at the King's Theatre in the 1914-18 war.

Submitted by Trawler Bill

Dundee is my heaven on earth

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1947. My mum Ruby Fisken was a long time nurse there. My dad Jim played the piano in a local band that played at the dancehalls. I used to go and sit by his side. By the time the night was over, you couldn't see anyone's heads for the secondhand smoke.

In summer, I loved going for a day at Broughty Beach. When the bus would start and stop, all the shells of the wilks would run back and forward. Read more......

Submitted by Pam Fisken

Dundee meh city

Dundee meh city, Dundee meh hame
It's whaur eh belang
Fae the Ferry tae Lochee
It's whaur eh whant tae be
In the city o Discovery.

Submitted by David Barrie

Napper Thamson

Wha remembers “Napper” Thamson
And his jaunty bus tours
Lavin’ early in the morning’s
Comin’ hame at a th ‘oors

In the fifties – oot for a run
Soakin’ in some summertime sun

Remember ‘Napper’s’ furniture store
Wi fancy goods an’ welcomin’ door
Furniture – toys o’ every kind
Walk roond – mak’ up yer mind

Browse roond – dinna be shy
Naebody’s forced tae buy

Display cabinets – radiograms
Quilts for cots an prams
Single an double beds
Striped flannelette sheets an candlewick spreads Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Foul Business

Doggie needs
Dogs on leads
Stray dogs
Of different breeds
On the pavement
Before my eyes
Dogs freely ‘exercise’

Maist nichts I get the blues
Scraping it
Aff my shoes
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Traditional Tenement Problems

Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Dowpies – spent matches
Stour lyin’ there
Oh! Wha’s no takin’ their
Turn o’ the stair

There’s somebody’s washin’
On my streetcher line
There’s somebody’s washin’
On my streetcher line
Socks an’ pyjamas
Nane o’ them mine
Somebody’s washing’s
On my streetcher line

Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Wha’s no takin’
Their turn o’ the stair
Fluff frae last Seturday
Auld mattin hair
Oh! Wha’s no takin’ their
Turn o’ the stair

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Queen of Bernard Street

My sister Wilma was crowned queen of Bernard Street in 1953. My mum and dad both worked at Cairds Jute Mill and I went to Hawkhill School. We left Dundee and came to live in Torquay, Devon. I can still smell the jute on my mums hair when she came home and trying to get it out of her hair. We lived in Peddie Street right next to the West End Bar. Needless to say my dad spent a lot of time in there.

Submitted by Pat Little

Food for Thought

Remember wartime ration books
The ingenuity of wartime cooks
Nothing allowed to go to waste
Porridge becoming a familiar taste

Tatties and neeps (stomaches-full)
Peas from the kailpot to chew at school
Remember tops of eggs being taken
For tea – it was no joke
Kids then seldom tasted yoke

Powdered egg in a tin
Less sugar and sweets (more saccharin)
Baked rice, raisins, curds an’ whey
Custard and rhubarb – desserts of the day Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Worm's Eye View

Granda’ passed awa’
An’ they laid him tae rest doon deep
In a shady spot in his cemetery plot
Granny started tae weep

Twa lairs they’d bought a’tween them
Lang time ago
They want’d tae be th’gither
When their time had come tae go

An epitaph for their tombstone planned
We walk’d th’gither through this land

She died last week on Sabbath
But when the earth was being prepared
They found him I’ the tap layer
He’d hae died had he been spared Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Those Tattie Howkin’ Days

Tattie howkin’ in bygone days
Reminiscin’ auld ways
Up i’ the mornin’ wi’ the dawn
Scarcely e’er the cock had crawn
On tractor bogie tae fertile fields
Harvestin’ precious yields

Smell o’ diesel – strictly measured drill
Wicker sculls – strewn tae fill
Muscles achin’ – backs bent
Scatterer scatterin’ wi’ intent
Up ae drill – doon ainither
In a’ different kinds o’ weather Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Rockwell and Write

School teachers – Rockwell
Pupils – Assembly bell
Line-up in school’s playground
March to class for register round

Slateboards – blackboards – exercise jotter
(Teacher’s pet was a little rotter)
Parrot-fashioning times tables
Discovering Alice and Aesop’s Fables

Catch-as-catch-can (playtime games)
Film starts’ initials – guess their names
Skipping ropes – relay races
P.T. – thro’ the paces

Sirens screaming out alarm
Air raids – sheltering from harm
School doctor’s medical – headlice – scabies
Innocence of storks and babies Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Endless Search

Within dregged teacups
Silhouetted leaves in scattered profusion
Are drawn into irregular mysterious patterns
By an unknown hand

Will their shapes satisfy the seated listener today!

The translator – searching thro’ compelling creative artistry
- pauses – aware of tangible outlines

Carefully, selectively (in the trust which is strong between them)
- he utters his impressions

Images of the future! – Perhaps

But how many desires are made of gold
And how many teardrops does this teacup hold
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Days O’ The Nine-ees

Gie me the days o’ the Nine-ees
Frae Lochee at brak’ o’ day
Stridin’ the length o’ Riverside
Takin’ sicht o’ Gowrie Bay
Steppin’ oot in Sunday best
Reachin’ oor destination
Doon the steps o’ the railway brig
Withoot hint o’ hesitation

Bile-up cans, pots an’ pans
Rattlin’ on oor backs
Sets o’ auld claes – tichtly packed
In canvas haversacks
Chasin’ a crannie tae change in
In the rocks alang the shore
Syne, gaitherin’ driftwood for kindlin’
For a biley-up at four Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Shore

I spy with my little eye
Down by the shore
Fulsome flotsam – effluent galore
Entangled refuse – broken glass
Canine litter fouling the grass
Walking along stony beach
Pollutants within offensive reach
Sewage slapping rock and shingle
On high water mark they intermingle
Seducing whelk breeding ground
With sensuous sweet soothing sound
Consider harvesting in haste
Thro’ contaminating clinical waste
Sharps freely ebb and flow
Nomadic – their numbers grow
They deride
Predictability of each turning tide.

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Westminster Abbey Bells

(Dedicated to the Westminster Abbey Company of Ringers – 29th April 2011)

With tongues untied
They were proud
To project their voices
To the crowd
With virtuoso flare
When love was truly in the air

A regal sound
Ringing the skies – touching the ground
Chiming in celebration
Of this royal occasion

Majestic campanology
In attendance – an emotional day

Listeners – far and near
Lent an appreciative ear

Silently at dawn
Bell-ringers memories lingered on
With each tongue-tied voice
Have reason to rejoice.
 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

A Quickstep Back

Wha remembers the Palais
The Locarno an’ the Chalet
Kidd’s Room an’ Gray’s Rooms
An’ pals th’gither at th’ looms
Plannin’ a nicht at the Empress
Tae dance wi’ lads in spivy dress
Or enjoy Hawhill’s Robbies
Or partner Hilltoun Proggies

There were dancers – romancers
And the inevitable bunch o’chancers
The quickstep and rhumba
Foxtrot – tango and samba
The energetic jump an’ jive
It was a great time tae be alive
Big band sound – crooner’s voice
Last waltz – ladies choice Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

A Pokie Fu' O' Whulks

An auld pram
Haudin’ whulks
Creel at her feet
Spewin’ dulce
The east-coast fishwife
Wi’ workin’ will
Ev’ry Seturday
At the fit o’ the Hull

A cuppie fu’ o’ fine fresh whulks
Or, maybe – ave – some teugh green dulce

Delvin’ intae curly shells
Rattlin’, scrapin’ o’er spills

Ane or twa cuppies – did ye say
Is there ony mair ye’d like th’ day?

Paper pokies i’ the hood
Come buy fresh whulks
Nourishin’ food Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Buster Stall

Saturday was buster day
Chums eagerly made their way round Boots' corner
Past Greenhills sarasparilla (Black Sass)
Mid Kirk Style outings for a lad and lass

Late 40s - early 50s the old Overgate
Was where they kept that special date
Sitting by the fire to eat
Tupp'ny busters - a weekend treat

Winter - summer - the stall was warm
Coke-fire sparks caused alarm
When chip-pans on top (remember)
Spat boiling fat to red-hot ember
Rocketing fire to boot-lace thongs
(Before retreival with heay tongs) Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Octogenarian

The old looking-glass
In simple wooden frame
Smiled reflectively
As if in curious game
A trick of light
Maybe!
But was the image really he!

He sought a silver mirror
Framed with filigree fine
And held her closely
To reflect each laughter line
Softly she responded in truth
Antiquity
Embraced his youth

A jewelled vanity glass
Encrusted with gold
Entrusted respectfully
An image to behold
Of sculptured age
Serene - sublime
Weathering
Sands in time

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Die to be Dressed

I'm gazing at you from this coffin
Unwittingly fashioned by hand
Laid out reslendent in plush velvet jacket
Looking remarkable grand Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Relapse

When the glass touches the lip
Feel the grip
She can't let go - you know it's true
She's controlling you Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Alcohol Abuse

Abusing alcohol!
Consider - you might lose control
One drink - maybe two
Till one day it's got a hold on you
Blurring vision
Scorching the mind
Entering dimension of a different kind
Encouraging the soul's demise
Till - ultimately - thro' despairing eyes
Despising the vessel from which you sip
You're compelled to raise to your lip
In nauseous intoxication
Consider the risks being taken


 

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Burndept-Vidor

Can ye mind o' Burndept-Vidor
West Kingsway Industrial Estate
Clockin' in-an-oot each day
At the battery factory gate

Can ye hear the soond o' the Can Press
Thumpin'-oot cans week-by-week
Presses makin' sae much din
Ye'd tae shout tae try tae speak

Workers a' the time
Conversin' in sign

Did ye ken the man shovelling Black Mix
Wha was striken-doon ae day
Wi manganese poisonin
(He was paid "hazard" pay)

Rows o' inspection lines
Quality Control
Inspectors in white jackets
In their important role Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Chimes of the Times

On Sunday evenings church-bells chime
Heradling bingo-time
Worshippers congregate religiously
To queue and wait Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Dog with the Smile in His Tail

If I take a walk over to visit my neighbour
I'm always bemused by her beagle's behaviour
He'll run round my ankles - the trick's yet to fail
Then he'll swagger around with a smile in his tail Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Cadbury My Pelican

My flat is very small
Four metres from wall to wall
Scarcely room to hang a hat
Let alone swing a cat
But I have a pelican - who - what's more
Lays chocolate cream eggs by the score Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Coorie In

Wheest bonnie laddie
Coorie intae gran
Sleep's cam a' courting'
My couthie little man Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

As in a Dream

The rainbow faded to black and white
Willows bowed their branches low
Woodlands of evergreen pine
Wore weeds of indigo Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Road to Hell

Tiny bubbles
Briskly - briefly
Boost lemon twist
Thro' gin and tonic
Before depressing it
To depths of the glass Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

On Balance

Pay now - die later!
Consult a funeral undertaker
Discussing - on personal request
Arrangements
For 'laying to rest' Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Sea of Dreams

You will forever be the sun
Radiantly bright
And the path through heaven
On each star-lit night
And you will be the moon above me
Sailing silvery beams
Silently across the ocean
On a sea of dreams Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

From the Heart

Have I ever told you
You have a heart of corn
Or that the sun shone brighter
The day that you were born Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Hallowe'en

Witches on broomsticks
In spirited flicht
Skim rooftop grannies
Chasin' munelicht
Goblins - sprites
Bogles micht be seen
On the eeriest nicht o' th' calendar year
Hallowe'en Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Wellgate Clock

Crowds gather in anticipation
Showing their appreciation
The footman grinds the hurdy gurdy
In tuneful animation
A monkey turns to look around
Two bluebirds take their station - Almost midday
Precisely then - the clock becomes alive
Unicorn gallops and nods his head
To the cat's fiddling jive Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Lord Provost Duncan's Christmas Concert

WOW - What a sensational Christmas treat
Of inspirational sound and sight
School children entertaining
For our pure delight Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Watson and Philip

Spending a most enjoyable and comfortable evening in Queen's Hotel on Friday 15th November 2013 with former employees of Watson and Philip (Food Importers, Dundee) I only recognised one person there - ME - my reflection in the cloakroom mirror. Years have rolled. After all 1951-1953 were the years I was in the firm's employment. It was my second job after leaving Rockwell High School at the age of fourteen-and-a-half. Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

'The Bread' Folk Club

Constitution Road, Dundee - late 1970s

'The Bread' - long days gone by
Left memories sweer to die
Folk music reached every rafter
Rooms beamed with laughter
Instrumentalists tuned-up
As young lovers sipped from loving-cup Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Hame An' Dry in Irvine

Auld clinker hull and mast
And sail-spar frae the past
Anchor near the beach
Yards awa' frae slipway reach.
Shreds o' shroud and strands o' net
Cling reverently yet
Tae fragments o' forestay at the bow.
Her workin' keel back-broken now. Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Ghosts of St Kilda

Storm beach of Hirta
Black houses of Village Bay
Thro' still photographs
Fancies fly away Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Credit This

May Christmas-time be white
Snowflakes falling thro' the night
May tinsel - mistletoe - Christmas trees
Join in harmony to please Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Penny Buster Stall

Born in February 1942 in Brook Street I came from a family of 10. We moved to Polepark Road and attended Mitchell Street primary school in 1946 until going to Logie High (Penitentiary). Later we moved to Grey Street, Lochee. Many happy times of going down to the penny buster stall in the Overgate and of Greenhills the chemist where our late dad would buy us a saspirrila to clean out the insides. I also remember being pulled out of school and sent to the tattie howkin. We were paid the great sum of 10 shillings. Read more......

Submitted by Tommy Fox

Jean Gall

What about this lady who was a bible singer from the old Overgate. She had a hall above the 60 minute cleaners and was blind. She used to sing in City Square on a Sunday and we used to call her organ over from her hall. In these days we used to go with her to public houses for a donation, and she got quite a bit of money in them days. In her hall we used to sing all bible songs and she had acute hearing and knew by your walking who was doing anything wrong. Her hall was freezing at times as we used to stand on chairs to get warm etc. Read more......

Submitted by John Kane

RRS Discovery

Lovely wooden hull
Guided by rope power
Stripped of her tall masts
In her sunset hour
Bowing to the river mouths
No more for her the sea
Derigged on an in-coming tide
To Discovery Quay Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

A Gull Travels

A seagull - fancy free
Requested directions to the sea
To see what he'd never seen before
Perhaps travel to a sandy shore

 Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Monkey Parade

Frae Panmure Street tae Tally Street
On Sunday's efter tea
Teenagers walked backwards and forwards
Thro' the centre o' Dundee
On only ae side o' the street - in procession
Headin' for a musical 'session' Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Picture Queue

Standinn' in a lang queue
Tae see the double-bill
Ootside the Plaza
On the middle o' the Hull
Some frae Norrie's Pend
Ann Street - Coldside
Winchin' couples haudin' hands
Waitin' tae get inside Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The City Arcade

Wha remembers the City Arcade
Underneath Caird Hall
Buyin' onythin' frae a half-loaf
Tae a bouncing rubber ball Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Tae a Pie

Land o' Cakes whaur pies were born
Nae true Dundonian dare wad scorn
A dinner '' Wallace's juicy pies
Mooth-waterin' sicht afore oor eyes
Succulent mince - a joy tae savour
Nae ither dinner has sic' flavour
Bairns love them - dads an' mums
Grannies - grandads an' their chums
Enjoy pies, tatties an' warmed baked beans
A royal dish tae serve yer freens

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Verdant Works

Silently echoing thro' Verdant Works
O'er granite and flint cassies
Hooves clatterin' - cairtwheels rattlin'
As lads eyeup the lassies
In the eighteen-hundreds
Workers wrought a twelve-hoor shift
And wove textile heritage
Wi' toil and thrift Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Cafe Royal

The Auld Overgate's up an awa
Wi Tally Street and Thorter Raa
Whaur Cafe Royal's atmosphere
Brimmed an frothed wi custome cheer Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Dreamtime

How many dreams have been fulfilled
How many still lie sleeping
Silently with heart's desires
Held closely in safe-keeping
As they do!
Making believe they may come true

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Royal Arch

I remember the royal arch in the early 1960s nobody in Dundee at that time liked it. It was like most buildings in the town centre covered with black soot generated by the smoke from all the mills and domestic fires in the town centre. This was before the clean air act was applied in Scotland. It was covered in black soot which was  contrasted with the white bird droppings deposited on it. Dundonians were happy to see it go.

 

Submitted by Ivor

Mains School Memories

I was school boy at the old Mains School on Claverhouse Road situated at the bottom of the old Mains Loan. I started attending Mains School in 1947 and left in 1954 to go to Stobswell Boys Secondary. Read more......

Submitted by Tom Cunningham

My Hulltoon 'Hert'

I've just came across this site by accident and its wonderful to read old  stories and look at old photos of Dundee. I was born at the foot of the  Hulltoon (as it was known) in Sheperd's Pend (46 Hilltown), when I was 4 we swapped houses with my Grannie to 20 Hulltoon. They called it Meekie Land I went to St Mary's Forebank and St John's schools growing up 1944 to 1959. They were great days.
 Read more......

Submitted by Chick Stewart

A Worthy

Empty shell
Broken frame
Crumbling
Listen to the concrete grumbling Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Twist Marathon

I was in the twist marathon with hubby Jim McKenzie at the JM ballroom, he won world champ once. My sister Marilyn and our brother Ray all lived in the West Port, St David's Lane.

Submitted by Aileen Hughes McKenzie

Fond Memories

Many fond memories come back when I think being brought up in Fintry. I suppose I was lucky as I was born in our house in the late fifties, my mum would tell us of hardships she had trying to start a family in a single end in Little John Street, now gone. We spent most of our seven weekies picking berries, that was us saving up for a new school uniform .... which was only once per year, unless our shoes went done.! Our auntie had a single end in Foundry lane in town ... what a dump, but thinking back it was someones home .... maybe we were just posh living in Fintry ha! ha! Read more......

Submitted by Robbie

The Swinging Sixties

I was born in Dundee in 1948, although we did move away for a number of years as my father was in the RAF. We came home in 1961 just in time for the swinging sixties when it was all happening. Saturday night was the Marryat night and it was fantastic. Then having a blether at the coffee stall before catching the last bus home and woe betide me if I wasn't home off that bus. Happy days!

Submitted by Pauline Brogan

Pigs in Blackness Library

I have read that Blackness Library is celebrating its centenary this year and that members and former members are being invited to offer special memories associated with the library. I have one incident with which I was directly linked and which caused something of a surprise at the library in the 1940s. Whether anyone else still linked to the area remembers it I am not sure, but I believe it was the talk of the Sinderins at the time. Read more......

Submitted by Hugh G.C. Macdougall

Bonar Long

Re Ian Robertson's memories of his time spent working at Bonar Long, I worked there as well from 1957 to 1960 and remember the Test Department. The foreman of the test was Frank Spalding. An apprentice was electrocuted I remember in the test bay. I remember Douglas Berry (research) Roy Macdonald Factory Manager and Ronnie Anderson (Assembly - Frank Herschell (Winding) and a guy called Franklin who was managing director. I now live in rural Manitoba, Canada. but have many happy memories of my time spent at Bonar Long.

Submitted by Linda

Paton's Lane

I was born in Paton's Lane in 1936. We used to play down the Magdalen Green and the bandstand.

I remember the Kings and all the other cinemas. My dad used to play bowls down the green, and dominoes in the Tay Bridge Bar at the top of Paton's Lane.

Submitted by Agnes Gostling nee Loftus

Transport Aircraft Observation

I was reading your summary about Vyachaslev Molotov and it reminded me that, while walking around Emmock woods one day early in the war, my father and I saw a large plane land at Tealing aerodrome (Handley Page Hereford?). My father at that time worked for WP Robertson who provided chauffeur-driven hire cars/taxis in the city. Read more......

Submitted by Jim Campbell

Born during the hard winter of 1947

Born during the hard winter of 1947. I lived in Park Avenue until I moved to Forfar 25 years later. My mother was a jute weaver at the CWS works in Morgan Street, most of my fathers working life was on the Tay Ferries (The Fife'es) in local dialetic.

My Schooling was Glebelands and Stobswell Boys. Our playground was the surrounding traffic free streets then when older Baxter Park & Stobbie Ponds or even sneek into the TA grounds at Rodd Road where we could spend hours playing on an old rusting Brengun carrier. Read more......

Submitted by Magnus Walker

The Auld Steeple Clock

I used to wind the Auld Steeple clock every week. I was apprenticed to Wullie Reid who was responsible for maintaining many of the citys' turret clocks in the mid 50s. Later, around 1957-9 I wound the clock at the Royal Arch. The West Station clock was also refurbished by Jack Knight and I. We worked for Rattray the Jewellers at that time. Great memories of these years.

Submitted by Ken Kyle

Bed in the West Port, St David's Lane, also in Lochee

Loved going fishing at Balmarino, overnight stays, also the fish and chips from Tony's doon the Overgate about 1962 ish, all gone now eh? My wee pals and I played on the building sight where the New Overgate/ Angus hotel was being built, we found lots of bones/ skulls all buried in a mass grave by Monks army when he sacked Dundee, the Auld Steeple was our play house then!! The Sat morning movies at the Guament, the sweeming baths, those old one, it were great the shivery bites!! The Sasperellas from the Italian shops yum yum! Read more......

Submitted by Tam the Bam

Memories of Ninewells

I was brought up in Ninewells and am now 63 years old. It is amazing how much this place has changed in a fairly short time. Gone is Bill Davidson's wee shop, Joe Johnstone's smiddy, Lauries's nursery and the greenhouses behind it. Ninewell's garage is still there, albeit much changed and no longer a petrol station. There was also another petrol station close to where the railway bridge crossed over the Perth Road by Johnny Callaghan's scrapyard. Read more......

Submitted by Bill Dryden

Visiting Dundee

In the early 50s my mother and grandmother converted 2 attic bedrooms in our house in Grangetown, Cardiff into b&b bedrooms. We used to take in BRS drivers and we had our regulars mostly from Scotland. Read more......

Submitted by Sandy

School Days

I remember the Scene 1 disco, behind the boutique that was open during the day. I remember plunking off school to see the Hollies who opened it.

Submitted by Dottymay

Memories of living in Kirkton

I've lived in London 48 years but regulary visit home which I loved coming to Dundee until maybe 8 years ago. Too much social and drug and alcohol problems which seems to be spiraling out of control but nothing will take away my memories of living in Kirkton and two grand schools. SS Peter/Pauls an the Mikies the Earle Blue Stars great band in the Continental across the road the Commie club and the Empress Tues night brill , playing pinner at the paulies.

Submitted by Tam Welsh

Gray's Cinema

My mother used to take me to Gray's cinema when we lived in Paton's Lane in the 40's.

Played down the Magdalen green on the swings and in the band stand, used to love going to the fair, lots of happy memories of Dundee.

Submitted by Agnes Gostling nee Loftus

Memorial Memories

I was born in Charles Street on October 2nd 1942 and moved to 43, Hill Street the following year. From our house, if we leaved out we could see the war memorial on top of the Law. I remember my Mum putting up this black sheet every night, so it was obviously war time. The best memory however was seeing the flame lit on the memorial, so I now presume it was VE day.

Submitted by Stewart Reid

Memories of Dundee

We lived in MacVicars Lane off the Perth Road for a while but in 1959 we moved to Millars Wynd. I went to the Demonstration School in Park Place and remember some classmates names like Kenny Campbell, Ronald Koppel, Alistair Soutar, Diane Buick, Cherry Leaper, Jaqueline McMaster and Stewart Patterson. Our headmaster was John Gunning and it truly was the best education a child could have. The teachers like Mr Watson, Mrs McFeet and Miss Gregg were simply the best. Read more......

Submitted by Rob Irving

Market Life

"They had a market at Murraygate (in 1950's) and we used to get busters, chips and peas. She just stood and fried them. When you finished, she just dipped the plate in and used it for the next person (laugh), never hygiene, was it? (laugh) But everybody loved them!"
 

Submitted by Jean Mori and Margaret Hepburn

Empress Ballroom

I remember the Empress Ballroom beside the Royal Arch. It was called recory roundabout. I went with my friends and we were still at school as we were aged 14. We paid 1/6 admission and we loved every moment of it.

Submitted by Jon Nicoll

Holidays

Many happy childhood memories were going over to New Port in Fife. This was a big day out for me and my brothers. We also needed to get on the bus to Broughty Ferry from the stance at Slone Tie. This was also part of our holidays. It seemed miles away to us as we did not have a car.  


When I was young I needed to go to the "berries" to earn some money to go to the pictures. In my teens, I frequently went to the dance halls: The Tonk; Robbies which was up the Hawkhill. These were good time.          
 

Submitted by Virginia Samson

Scene 1

Does anyone remember the disco that opened up in the Overgate Centre called Scene 1? It was not there very long.

Submitted by Mimi

Last Tramcar Dundee to Lochee

I think my grandad drove the last tramcar his name was Peter Malone. He lived at 13 Tofthill Place, across from Cox's stack. He originally came from Lochee. He was a second generation Irish immigrant. His wife was Isabel Malone. I'm his grandson kevin Malone. I now live in Minniesota, USA.
Submitted by Kevin Malone

Beattie's Bread

I have a 1935 copy of a puBlication from Glasgow called 'The Bulletin' I could not find any reference to it but there is an advertisement on the back page for Beattie's Bread, I recall my Nanny speaking about different products from Scotland and England and this is one of them. Is it still in business? Just curious.

Submitted by Gail Varcoe (Campbell)

Gas Explosion

I recall getting off the bus at Kings Cross Road and walking along Dronley Place when suddenly there was a massive gas explosion behind me.

One of the tenements in Kings Cross Road had the front blown off. I felt like I had just experienced an earthquake as I walked home that day. It must have been about 1975 or slightly earlier.

Submitted by Beechboy

School Holidays

Spent a lot of my school holidays at my grans in Catherine Street, Dundee and with my auntie and uncle in Monifieth. Always remember 'Land O Cakes' scones and getting eggs and four from there. Also the chippie and mealie puds. Mum was a Dundonian and dad served in the fire service for a while. Good times!

Submitted by Alistair Durham

Good Days

I stayed in a house like the one displayed in the Bygone Memories exhibition, in Central Library, right before I got married, going back 40 years. But now I am a widow, I do remember the good days I had there. Little shop on the corner where you went and got all your messages. I stayed at 14 Lyon Steet, all in the past now.

Submitted by Mrs M. Page

Childhood in Beechwood

I have fond memories of growing up in Beechwood, living in a tenement in Kingscross road. I remember playing and making dens,  and having many adventures at the miley. I think its still there and keep meaning to visit. Maybe one day. I wish my old house was still there.
 

Submitted by Margaret Young (Foy)

Dundee Days

Lorimer Street - low door "But and Ben" (1945 - 56). Jute Factory "Bummer" (Wm. Boase). Rag and Bone man with his bugle. Early morning milk deliveries by horse and cart. Playing street games like hopscotch/chicy/melly. Attending Saturday morning children's club at the Odeon Cinema.

 

Submitted by James Adams

Johnnie Norries Candy Store

On Main Street I loved the smell coming oot o' Johnnie Norries candy store... Magic!
 

Submitted by Ecky

Favourite Dance Halls

I found reading  all the memories great but I've checked out on all websites  
and have yet never seen nor heard anyone mention my two most favourite dance  
venues The Continental which still exists I believe but not as a dance hall  
and my favourite the Commie Club which I recall being near each other in  
the Wellgate area, also The Tonk. I wonder if anyone has any photos as Dundee  
was a wonderful place then.
 

Submitted by Tam Welsh

Bring It On!

Playing football in the streets all day/night, greengrocer vans, ice-cream vans. Happy days, real family days, a community, the days oe the Waltons. Skint knees, holy-troosers, base-ball shoes, plym-soles(sand-shoes)and punk-rock, bring it on, bring it on...bring it on.

Submitted by Henricky

Tenement Life

Immediately after the Second World War my Aunt lived in a tenement exactly like the model on display at the Central Library, Dundee. It had been an abandoned building, a “backland” in Nelson Street, but such was the need for more housing after the war that this and other buildings like it were hastily done up for homeless people. Read more......

Submitted by Margaret Manning

Teeny Tadpole

As I sat on my dad’s knee
Many stories he told me
They were always of the same wee thing
Everyone different, made my heart sing. Read more......

Submitted by Eileen Hay (nee Raitt)

Housies

Arbroath RoadAs a little girl I lived in Morgan Street. I would play in the Ritz Picture House doorway with my doll Maureen at (housies). Also Cardean Street with a ball in old stockings “under leggy” or throw the ball jump over it saying boys or girls names in the alphabet. Doll in pram walk to Baxter’s Park. Sit on steps in front of pavilion with Maureen (housies) again. Great imagination! Not like today kids all computers and phone games.

Submitted by Eileen Hay (nee Raitt)

Fincraig Street in the Sixties

Fincraig Street in the summer of the 1960s.


PlayingThe pong of the bins, nappies, endless nappies on the line in the “backies”. Elvis on the radio from upon verandas and beer bottle Andy with his long black sack collecting last nights booze refuse. Bumble bees in jars with clover stuffed inside and chalking boxes on the pavements while the green nurse passed by. Read more......

Submitted by Audrie Taylor

The Old Rep

I remember the old Rep off Lochee Road going to see the smokey folk and other bands. I remember one of the funniest plays, I think it was called 'The Chipped Chantie'.

Submitted by Old Sparkie

The Queen's Visit

I remember when the Queen came to town about 1957 or 58. There was a bus provided by the school, we were transported to the Kingsway to see her but when everybody had to get their bus back I got lost and another bus had to take me to the Eastern School in Broughty Ferry.

Submitted by Morag Walker

St Michael's School

With the bulldozers busy knocking down the 'Mikey's' I thought it might be interesting to share the old school hymn.

Dear St Michael hear our prayer
Thou whose name our school doth bear
Be our help in times of need
Keep us pure in thought and deed
Warrior whose flaming sword
Gave protection to the Lord
Strengthen us that we may be
Fearless in our faith like thee.
Submitted by Dundee Cake

Memories of Blackness Road / Brook Street

We lived in tenement at the bottom of Blackness Road / Brook Street. Only gas, no electricity and the loo was on the landing, my mother having to clean her part of the stairs, and as Billy Connolly would say we used an old army greatcoat as an eiderdown. Then the exciting time of moving to St Mary's to a three bedroom house with garden and a great treat of having a loo and bath indoors. Even though I was only 2/3 I remember the journey in the back of a removal van from our old tenement to our new home. Great days, I wish I could rewind and go back to those days (time move on). Read more......

Submitted by Allan Lorimer

Jock McCoull

Hilarious stories about a Dundee character named Jock McCoull - does anyone else remember these?

Submitted by Jill

Memories of Dundee

My memories of my beloved Dundee are too many to tell , so if you're like me then you will know what I mean.
Submitted by Derek Conway

Step Row Memories

West End West EndI am a Step Row boy born 1947, can't find anyone from Step Row or from the streets. We had a gang called the 'Black Hand Gang' and had to pay to be a member. We had moms cellar for our gang, we lived at 21, at the top, great view of the Tay Bridge. I found an old groat in the ground floor and still have it. Also we found a grenade at Cosgrove's yard. My grans paper shop was the last shop on the Hawkhill across from Dempsters the bakers. I suppose we could all write a book. Hawkhill School at the teacher Miss Pringle say no more.

Submitted by Jack Knight

Albert's Memories

Born 23 Hilltown 1926. The Progie Dance Hall, Norries Pend, the Wellgate Steps, always plenty action. Owned the Silvery Tay. Chipper in Menzieshill before moving to USA. My dad owned a chip shop at 21 Hilltown in 1926. I remember Andy Reekie the seven foot cop and Dirty Joe selling roasted chestnuts at the end of Dudhope Street.

Submitted by Albert Rizza

Bonar Long

I also started my apprenticeship at Bonar Long in 1969 served my time and was there until the factory closed. I remember Ian Robertson well especially when the factory was split into power and distribution transformers. It was a good place to work. Sadly all gone now even the building.

Submitted by Old Sparkie

Seagulls

Deserted natural habitats
Abandoned sea shores
Where have all the gulls gone?
Flying to fast-food stores! Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Diamond Jubilee

Citizens are partying today
Chasing clouds away
Singing with Dundee
It’s The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Ashludie Research Project

Conditions in Dundee at the time when Lorna contracted Tuberculosis

Background to the interview with “Lorna” who was 100 years of age in May 2011. Visit Lorna's Memoirs page to find out more.

 Read more......

Submitted by Mari Phillips

Jean Bruce Pringle - Ballet School

I also went to Jean Pringle at the foot of King Street  - I think round about  
1960. Linda Penman who lived in Albert Street also went there and a girl  
called Ria or Lea who was from Charleston Dundee. I absolutely loved it. Jean  
looked every inch a ballet dancer and my weekly lesson couldn't come quick  
enough for me. Hopefully I will hear a bit more from some other pupils from  
that time.

Submitted by Margie Bruce (nee Williamson)

Smell of Jute

I lived in Shepherds Loan in the early fifties in a tenement right next to Thomson and Shepherds, at the end of the day the bummer would sound and men and women would stream up the road on their way home, the jute fibres filled the air and the smell of jute hung heavy all around us. I loved Lizzie Smiths shop at the top of the road and would spend all of my one and sixpence pocket money there.

Submitted by Fran Giblin

Beechwood Shops

I notice that there are virtually no shops in Beechwood now which made me think of the names/types of shops that thrived there in the 50s namely:

From left to right Mallow, Beechwood Stores, Andrew G Kidds, The Butchers, Johnston Stores, McBains or Mary's and lastly the chippers. Read more......

Submitted by Alan Lamond

Burning of the Last Trams

I remember the burning of the last trams at the Marchbanks depot in 1956. I was 13 years old then and the night before they were burned the trams we sneaked in and "purloined" some of the copper wire which was otherwise going to be burned.

We took it down to Frank Kelbies (the local scrap merchant) and I think we got about 14/6 (about 75p in todays money) and which seemed like a fortune then.

Submitted by Alan Lamond

Sass Shops

Following on from Tam Smith's memories of the 'sass' shops in the Overgate, I had to write to expand on this. My grandfather was J.J. Naulty, who owned J.J. Donaghey's the Chemist at 185 Overgate, and was the original seller of 'sasses'. Greenhill was in fact one of my grandfather's apprentices who then went on to open his own shop and sell 'sasses' of a similar style. He achieved more notoriety for his sales of them but the original recipes came from Donaghey's!

Submitted by Caz J

Happy Days

I was born in DRI in 1950. We lived in Hunter Street till I was 7 then we moved to fintry we felt as if we had won the  pools, the house in Fingarth Street seemed like Buckingham Palace after the two rooms of Hunter Street. 

Baxter Park concerts, rolling our easter egg at Den of Mains playing in the fields which are now where Whitfield stands, playing outdoors from morning till night, then coming in for tea they are just some of the memories from my childhood which I remember fondly.   Read more......

Submitted by Lindylou

Mid Street Memories

My Grandfather lived in 20 Mid Street, my Welsh father was docked in Dundee during the 2nd world war where he met my mother. We have very happy childhood memories of Dundee in the 50- 60s, sad to see the photos of Mid St knocked
down where a family lived with so much pride.

Submitted by Linda K

Party Memory

52, William Street, Dundee, end of World War 2. Huge bonfire in the court yard, 5 storeys high, one tenant organised a party of tenants to get together and make all the children costumes out of crepe paper. Mine was orange and white. Now that was a party! Must have been to remember it all those years ago!

Submitted by Ticky

Memories of Dundee - Part Eleven

There was another potential danger that had to be considered and guarded against, poison gas! That was used on the battlefield in the First World War so the chances were that it could be used again, against civilians this time. Thus everyone had to be issued with a gas-mask. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Ten

In some ways, the war had an immediate impact on our lives. The Blackout, which I mentioned previously, was imposed by law on every house, street and premises nationwide. All vehicle lights were curtailed, with black paper stuck on them, allowing only a half-crown sized circle of light to show. Torches became almost a necessity, but even they were restricted to a small circle of light showing. As a result, torch batteries, owing to demand, became somewhat scarce and if work got round that a certain shop had some there was a rush of customers at these premises, eager to buy. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Nine

The coming of war brought many changes to our lives. However, I felt the very first impact of war, two day before it started. On the evening of 1st September 1939, the day Germany invaded Poland, a country whom we had pledged to help if they were attacked. I went to see a film about the Dionne Quintuplets, born to a French Canadian mother, who roused a lot of public interest at the time. When I came out of the cinema, I thought it was very dark, but I didn't realise that there were no street lights on. It wasn't until I got home that the truth was brought home to me. I assume this was the first ever blackout and I guess, a practice for that which would later become commonplace when war was declared two days later. I assume the Government was then resigned to the fact that war was inevitable. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Eight

Street vendors were commonplace in my childhood - there were so many different ones. One of the first who comes to mind is the milk man who had a small two-wheeled cart pulled by a pony. On the cart was a huge metal churn with a tap from which the milk was drawn to fill the customer's pitchers and jugs. Being two-wheeled the cart sloped and I could never understand why the churn didn't fall off and spill the milk. Then there was the banana salesman who came round carrying a basket of bananas shouting "ripe bananas sixpence a dozen" he left his basket on the street one day to go round the doors with a few bunches and when he returned to where he left his basket, someone had pinched a lot of the bananas from it. I felt sorry for him. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Seven

1939 was also a remarkable year for me personally. My parents were Good Templars, i.e they did not drink alcoholic beverages and were staunch members of the Independent Order of Good Templars in Dundee or simple ‘the Lodge’ as they termed it, since every branch was a lodge with a particular name and number. My first recollections are of them being members of Camperdown Lodge, which met on a Saturday evening in Camperdown Masonic Hall which was situated in a corner of a square, up an outside stair from which access was gained by way of a pend in Barrack Street. However this closed, due to lack of members in 1938. My parents them transferred their allegiance to Rescue Lodge which met on a Tuesday evening in St Salvador’s church hall in Church Street. There were other lodges which met on other evening's throughout the city; The Home of Peace, The Pioneer of Peace and The Perseverance are the ones I remember. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Six

The year 1939 was memorable for a number of reasons. First of all there was the Mrs Jordan sensation. Of course it didn’t mean very much to me at the time, but I can understand now how big a thing it must have been. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Five

Just before the war, roundabout 1937/38, my Uncle Jack, my Dad's brother, bought a hut sited in on the 'Downs Poultry Farm' simply known as 'The Downs'' between Monifieth and Carnoustie, near Barry. There were a few other huts situated there, probably about a dozen or so. Nearby to the site was a military camp associated with a convalescence building (I think) called the Soldiers Home. We regularly spent weekends or sometimes longer at 'The Downs' as did many others from Dundee when they had a few days off. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Four

I suppose one of the big things in my life was the Empire Exhibition. This was held in Glasgow in 1938, at Bellahouston Park. There was a special railway excursion to be running on the autumn holiday Monday of that year, them known as the October fast. We (my sister May and I) were taken along with Mum, Granny Gillan and Doris (my Mum's unmarried sister). It was so exciting-Glasgow! That was a long, long way away in those days and I had never been on such a long journey before. This was really something special for a seven year old like me. I remember being amazed at the fountains in the grounds and staring goggle-eyed at the sight of a red-coated Mountie just outside the Canadian pavilion, actually riding a horse. This was even better then Nelson Eddie playing the part of a Mountie and singing to Jean McDonald in the film 'Rose Marie'. That had been my only experience of these romantic figures until them - and that was in black and white! Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Three

It was also round about this time, 1935 that George V and Queen Mary celebrated their Silver Jubilee and of course there were celebrations of all sorts throughout the country. I remember being given a tin of caramels at school along with every other pupil as a celebratory gesture from the government. There were also decorations in the shops etc to a degree. One thing which comes to mind is a lapel-badge featuring George and Mary that I was obviously given, probably along with the sweets. I remember looking at it and discussing it with my sister May as we walked down the Hilltown one day. However with the beginning of 1939, January 20th to be exact, (don't ask me shy I remember that date) the mood of the nation turned sombre, with the death of George V. I believe he had not enjoyed the best of health in his latter years. One of the souvenirs I have of his reign is a cigarette card album containing a full set of Will's Woodbine cigarette cards depicting 'The Reign of George V'. I remember being given it in a sort of throw-away gesture by Mr Gegan who had a tobacconist shop on the Hilltown, when I was in the shop for some reason. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part Two

In my first year at Primary School (Dens Road), one morning for some reason our class got out early. I couldn't go home because my sister May took me home. Accordingly, I was sent up to May's class, Miss Bruce of the senior grade. She set me down beside May and gave me a paper to draw on. However I was a distraction for her school friends, particularly Gladys Thomson her closest friend and she began helping me to draw. The big thing at the time was the Queen Mary, the second largest liner in the world, only a couple of feet shorter than the Normandy, the French equivalent. The Queen Mary had three deck and three funnels. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Memories of Dundee - Part One

I think the best way to start is to go back to the beginning - to my earliest memories:- One of these is my fourth birthday. I've worked this out with a bit of calculation. It must have been my fourth birthday, since I was born on the 18th October 1930, which was a Saturday. The occasion I remember was a weekday afternoon so it must have been before I was at school. I reckon it must have been Thursday 18th October 1934. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Stobswell and Links to the Late Jim Reid

The recent death of Dundee folk singer, Jim Reid, raised in the Stobswell area of the city, brought out a few references to his song " The Stobbie Parliament Picnic".

The Stobbie Parliament were the old men who sat on a long bench just above Ogilvie church in the early years of the 20th century. They sat and blethered and, as the name suggests, set the world to right. Read more......

Submitted by Willie Coupar

Hilltown Days

I happened across this site featuring the Hilltown by pure chance and just had to contribute. My parents lived at 62 Carnegie Street when I was born in 1943 at the DRI. Very shortly thereafter my parents separated and my sister Violet and I moved in with my Grandmother who lived opposite the blacksmith in Kirk Entry - just off the Wellgate. I must have been six or so when we moved to our first house (an attic) on the Hilltown, it was on the west side between Ann and Alexander Street. Time spans are hard to remember but I'd say a year or two later we moved a little farther up, it was a long narrow close next to (possibly) Wullie Cook's bar? It led to the back land of a complex where we once again had an attic. It was there on Xmas eve 1951 that I have my first memory of my family - we had one sister and three brothers much older than us. The reason for the reunion was because our father had just died. The next boy older than me was 16 or so and the image of him crying will stay with me forever (I couldn't understand what could make a boy cry). Read more......

Submitted by William (Bullie) Brady

Slipping at Tannadice

I was at Tannadice park to see Dundee United play Celtic. It was raining that day. At the United end I slipped on a slippery part of the ground and I got helped up by two Celtic supporters.

Submitted by William Simpson

Lost in Douglas

I remember moving from Charles Street in the town to Balunie Avenue in Douglas at the age of five. My first day at Balerno Primary I about turned and ran out of the school. I was lost and running around Douglas as I didn't know how to get home. I always remember Miss McKinlay and her numerous big rings on her fingers. If you said something she didn't like she would clout you round the back of the head and I still remember trying to avoid eye contact with her. She would also lock the classroom door when she left the room. Ahhh, those were the days!

Submitted by Wendy Flint

Standing Only

It was December 1951. I had just been discharged from hospital where I had undergone an arthrodesis of my right knee which rendered it unable to bend; locking it in a straight position. I was sitting on a tram on the lower deck where there was a long seat on either side; the passengers facing one another. It was leading up to Christmas and a lady boarded the tram laden with parcels up to eye-level. She did not see my leg stretched across the alleyway and before I could move she had tripped over my leg, her parcels scattering everywhere. Read more......

Submitted by Walter Blacklaw

Violet Was Born in Dundee

I was born in 1932 in Dundee Royal Infirmary. My first school was Ancrum Road School but I cannot remember much about it. As my parents were both English we had to live in lodgings until the start of the Second World War. We eventually got an upstairs three roomed house at Pitkerro Drive. There were four houses in the block. I learned to cycle through the leggy as we called [it] on my father's bike. Read more......

Submitted by Violet

Remembering!

I was brought up by my grannie Alice and No 41 in the 50s happy days at St Mary's Forebank. Stannergate with a bucket for wilks, plundering apples and pears, the wee pool at the sweeming, hired trunks, fishing for floonders at the docks, sky larks singing on the law, chicky nelly, doos eggs at the hoose o doos, climbing the three waas, Blaikies and the forest for birds eggs, the green hills sliding in the winter. The Plaza, Vic, Rex, minors of the ABC, kissy catchie, Jonny and the gun, kick the can.

Submitted by Tommy Purvey

The Hilltown Area

I was born there, went to school there, delivered papers and milk there, started my first job as apprentice barber there, and finished the last 21 years of my working life, in my barber shop at the 'Tap O' the Hull'. Read more......

Submitted by Tom Dolan

Tramways of Dundee 1877-1956

In yonder years of long ago
We found a tram went to and fro
The horse-drawn tram a feature
Was a tram pulled with creatures Read more......

Submitted by Thomas Cammock

Magdalen Green

I was born and brought up in Bellefield Avenue and to me and my generation both here and on Magdalen Green this was to be our playground. Read more......

Submitted by Thomas Shepherd

Coronation Day

One of my first memories as a child was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 2nd not the 1st, I'm not that old. I lived in a 'single end' in Bernard Street and we had a great street party. My cousin Francis Harvey was dressed up to be the young Prince Charles. I was only 3 at that time, but I still think of it with fondness. Later that year we moved to a new house in what I thought was the countryside because it seemed so far away and there was a farmer by the name of Sherrit who lived up the road. Read more......

Submitted by Theresa Blacklaw

Loads of Entertainment

I was born in Peddie Street in 1938. I went to St. Joseph's then on to St. John's in Park Place. I worked in Johnston's Stores in Allan Street. After that I had a job in Thomson Shepherd's in Taylor's Lane.

From there I went into the Royal Engineers for three years. I spent some time in Germany then a year on Christmas Island before being demobbed in Ripon. Read more......

Submitted by Terry

Greenhill's and Donnachie's

In the Overgate there were two sassperilla shops - Greenhill's and Donnachie's. Donnachie's was oppostie the top of Long Wynd and Greenhill's was towards the bottom of the Overgate, between Tally Street and High Street. Greenhill's had a larger selection and was more popular. A 'sass' was reputed to be a cure for a hangover. You could buy it in one of two sizes - a pint or a half pint. Read more......

Submitted by Tam Smith

Occupied Groningen

It was September 1944, I was a student nurse in Apeldoorn and I had been at home on sick leave as I had TB. The cure was bedrest and good food. We lived in occupied Holland, Groningen, not far from the German border. My father worked there on the railway and he was told by the Underground that we had to leave our house and go underground. We put what belongings we could in an empty room belonging to a neighbour. The rest we just had to leave in our house. Father and Nico, my brother, dressed as workmen and cycled to Makkum, the village where my parents were born, and where we had a lot of relations. Nobody wanted me as I was ill and did not have a ration card. Read more......

Submitted by Syta Coleman

Dundee Twist Marathon

The highlight of my teen years was when I took part in the 'Dundee Twist Marathon' held in the JM Ballroom. I twisted for 32 hours then fell asleep on my feet! What a great few days that was - we all had fun and a few weeks later took part in our second marathon held in East Kilbride.

Submitted by Sylvia Gudgeon

Hot Cocoa

I remember walking from our house in Kirkton to the Auld Steeple to go to Sunday School. I loved the hot cocoa after.

Submitted by Sylvia Bremner

Forever in my Heart

Born 1928. Living at 47 James Street, a family of 8 in two rooms. Opposite was Paddy's Market open on Saturdays lots of fun. We played "Hucky Duck", "Reely fo", "Kick the Can" and "Skiffies" at Mr. Geekie's sweet shop in Alexander Street and only a wee walk to the "Peek". Dundee will forever by in my heart...xxx.

Submitted by Syd Young

Holiday Memories

My grandfather's unmarried sister, Georgina Scott lived in Eden Street for many years and her parents before her. She died in approximately 1960. Our family stayed with her for a holiday a few years before she died. My sister can remember a bed in the living room. I remember the man in the corner shop could smoke his cigarette backwards i.e. with the lit end in his mouth.

Submitted by Sue Stead

Twa Tram's

I read with interest the reminiscence made by Derek M with regard to the old Dundee tram which was transported to the City Road allotments and was used as a greenhouse. There was not one but two trams on this site, the other was transported by my Father. I was there to assist in them being slid down from Pentland Avenue using batons and rollers. Derek's Grandfather was also our neighbour living in Kincardine Street at that time, and those trams were a great success and provided an extension to the gardening skills as the allotments were the means of providing much need vegetables during the war. Read more......

Submitted by Stewart Cunningham

United Wedding Day

The day we got married I told the wife we would go to Edinburgh for our honeymoon. Little did she know but United were playing Kilmarnock in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. It was a draw and we went back for the replay. She really enjoyed her first Dundee United game. And we are still together even though United lost the replay. Can't wait to get married again, ha ha!! Better luck next time.

Submitted by Stan McGregor

Horse Meat

A butcher at the bottom of the Wellgate sold nothing but horse meat. In the pendy opposite, the blacksmith shod the town's cart horses. We nicked the horseshoe nails and nipped up round the back and crossed Charles Street. Running up narrow stairways, through dilapidated tenements we came out onto Victoria Road next to the fish shop selling whale meat. We dropped our horseshoe nails into the tram lines and waited until a tram came rattling down. Then we'd jump forward and pick out the hot nails. They were transformed into fiery little silver swords. Read more......

Submitted by St. Reid

The Christmas Tram

I came back from America aged about seven and lay in bed, barely containing myself, for the decorated tram which would come along Perth Road. An open topped tram with Santa Claus driving it, decorated with holly. It was magical. I had remembered it from before I went away aged about four and here it was again? A decorated tram on the single track outside our house in Springfield. It was part of the joy of Christmas and Santa Claus. There were no trams in America.

Submitted by Sheilah Cruickshank

Buster on the Benches

I was born in 1948 in Maryfield Hospital in Dundee. We lived in William Street for the first couple of years of my life, then moved to Kirkton where I grew up. As a toddler, until the age of about 6 or 7, Saturday mornings were my time with dad. We would go into the town, where Dad would buy his seeds and bulbs for his garden in a shop near the bottom of Whitehall Street. Read more......

Submitted by Sheila Lemottee

Step Row

I remember my first impressions being of Step Row just off the Perth Road. My grandfather, James Kirkland was a coal merchant and everybody knew everybody. I remember especially the lovely summer days, an ice cream cone with raspberry on top from Tony's on the Perth Road. Happy days when bairns played on the street making their own fun and life was plain and simple. I have since moved to New York and have lived in many very fine places but my heart will always hold a place for all the special ordinary people and memories of Step Row.

Submitted by Seren Kirkland

Buster Stall

My Great Granny Christina De Gerniar MacGregor had a buster stall in the old Overgate. She was some woman after having sixteen children.

Submitted by Sandra Anderson

Penny Transfer

Does anybody remember the 'penny transfer'? I was at Harris Academy (Primary) at Blackness Avenue from 1954 - I used to catch the tram into town and then get the No. 17 bus to Ancrum Road / Sutherland Street - for that it cost the princely sum of 1d in old money.

Submitted by S.W. Phillips

A Conductor's Tale

In 1955, having just left school and starting a college course, I was employed as a temporary tram conductor during the summer of that year. It was one of the happiest summers I ever experience and I have many happy memories. Read more......

Submitted by S Fairweather

Working Hard

My first job was in (?) in Ward Road. Then I went into the Calender in the sewing department. I worked in the Jamaica Works and then I worked in Victoria Road Works, then East Port, then several other works. When I got married I went part-time. Later I worked in Keiller's in the chocolate dipping and then in Maryfield in the bakery. Later I worked in Woolworths for a few years and then I landed up in the newsagents in Douglas.

Submitted by Ruby

Happy daze!

Seeing all these stories about Dundee trams, etc. Around 1946/47 (when I was about 8) I was knocked down by a tram close to the Blackness School. I was unconscious to start but awoke to find a naval officer carrying me into the school. Mother was called and took me home and put me to bed, but shortly after, the polis arrived and carted me off to the D.R.I. (hospital) in a Wolseley police car. I had a large bump on my head where I had hit the cobbles. Read more......

Submitted by Ronald Smith

Youngest Tram Driver in Dundee

I may have been the youngest tram driver in Dundee when they went off in 1956. I was just 22 years old when I was approached by the Corporation Union chap while working as a conductor on the Lochee Road. Read more......

Submitted by Robert Laing

Free Tram to School

In 1940 I was transported by tram car from Maryfield to Blackness School. As the war started in 1939 and we moved to Linlathen in 1940 and there were no schools there so a free tram car went from Maryfield to St John's in Tay Street and St Joseph's in Blackness Road and also to Blackness School, Logie and Mitchell Street. I was only 9 years old and left home at 8am walked to Maryfield and spent the day away.

Submitted by Rena Bueckardt (nee Middleton)

Linlathen

I remember living (squatting) at 13 Larch Street in the nine storey tenement and attending Blackness School prior to moving to Fintry in 1951, and moving to Linlathen Primary just over the Linlathen bridge. I'm sure it was a foundry opposite us on Larch Street, and a huge open midden around the corner on Urquhart Street. A penny dainty from the corner shop on the way to school was a treat to look forward to.

Submitted by Ray S

Happy Days!

Way back in the 1950's, I was friendly with a girl who lived in the Downfield area of the city. When the last tram of the day was coming near the terminus at Downfield, the driver used to give quite a few rings on his bell to let everyone know, and you had to run like mad to get up to the terminus to catch it back to the city. Happy Days!

Submitted by Pete Carrie

Dundee in the Sixties

So many memories of Dundee in the sixties ... being a teenager at that time was brilliant ... going to the Marryat on a Saturday night was the highlight of the week. Dancing to the likes of the Beatles, The Searchers, Swinging Blue Jeans and many more - then leaving there to stand and blether to your pals before getting the last bus home along the Perth Road because if I wasn't home on the last bus then woe betide me because my father would be waiting for me and I would get a lecture that would last for 15 minutes or more. Even before that I remember my grandma taking me to nearly every picture house in the town. The first one being the Wizard of Oz at the La Scala then going home on the tram. Oh how I loved the journey along past the Seabraes where I could look across the water - great days that stick in your mind forever. Read more......

Submitted by Pauline Stewart

Penny on a Tram Line

I'd been at the Palais and got the last tram home from the Perth Road to Maryfield depot. The route went along the Murraygate and I remember people putting a penny on the tram line to keep as a momento of this last tram journey to Maryfield. At the Woolies stop I remember a certain gentleman got on from my place of work, a jute mill, I'd always liked him, and although we both went on to marry other people, just recently, after over 50 years we have met up for coffee and a blether.

Submitted by Patricia Perry

William Street Tenements

I don't know if you are the same Jean Tully. If you are you will remember Rita and George. I think we stayed with you before we moved to Cheltenham in 1959. Read more......

Submitted by Norman Johnstone

Monkeys Parade

Before leaving Dundee, we lived in Annfield Street, above Mrs Ledger's shop, where she sold horehound toffee. I remember my mother used to give her most of her sweet coupons for her sugar and we would get cakes etc.

I was 10 when we left and I remember when the siren went, we had to go to a shelter underneath the tenement building; later I thought what a stupid place to go - if a bomb fell, we wouldn't have had a chance. Read more......

Submitted by Netta

The Palladium Cinema

I was born in Perth but moved to Dundee when I was still very young. I lived in Dallfield Walk and went to 'The Rosie' (Rosebank Public School) in Tulloch Crescent.

My Dad was a wood turner. Once he made a 'piler' (cart) for my brother. It didn't last long though because he took it out and went flying down Dallfield Walk right under the legs of a horse! When dad found out about it he broke up the 'piler' right away! Read more......

Submitted by Nancy

Carmen Miranda

I am Lochee born and bred and used the Lochee trams regularly. The trams were the deluxe models compared with the trams on all the other routes, they had upholstered seating which made for a very comfortable ride. During the war the Conductors were replaced by Conductresses, one of them resembled the film star Carmen Miranda being small in stature and she wore her hair piled high just like the film star. Read more......

Submitted by Nan Shepherd

Passion for Trams

In the early 1950s I lived in Lochee with my mother, my passion as a little boy of 5 years old was the trams. So much so that I would walk down to the tram stop and get on the first tram. Inevitably I would change trams several times and end up at a terminus or in a tram shed and would eventually be taken home in a police car, sometimes they would let me ring the bell!! Read more......

Submitted by Murray Jacobsen

Brilliant Dundee

My childhood in Dundee was brilliant, Mid-Craigie to me was the grandest place on earth, for me it was home and may I say in all the places I have been to since - nothing compares - that isn't sarcasm - it's heartfelt. The Swannies was my best place to be and Baxter Park in the summer was a joy. I remember skating on the ponds on a few or more cold cold winters, but you never felt it till you got home. Singing like a banshee in the park at the competitions and never winning apart from once. I am talking late 50s/early 60s when life was easier and safer. Read more......

Submitted by Mollie

Never Stay Off School Again

I was born on 27th January 1936 and lived at 45 Cotton Road, Dundee. I went to St Mary's Forebank School and then to St John's Secondary School in Tay Street. Read more......

Submitted by May

Belmont Camp

At holiday times we would go on day trips with our parents on a train to Arbroath or Edinburgh. Sometimes we would go on the Fifies to visit our cousins in Tayport. We would spend all day there and come back on the last Fifie at night. Read more......

Submitted by Maureen M

Maureen's Life

I was born in 1946 in Lochee. Unfortunately my father died at 21 and my mother became a widow at 18. We then moved in with my grandparents in the new housing scheme called "Beechwood". This was a lovely friendly place to grow up in. Read more......

Submitted by Maureen

Bombed Out of Greenock

I was born Mary Greig in the home of my grandparents in 16 Hepburn Street, Dundee in 1935, the second daughter of Joe and Mem Greig. My father had been unemployed for a few months and decided to go to Canada. Interviews were taking place in the Labour Exchange. When he saw the queues he was about to go home but saw a lady at a desk so asked about a job. 'I can get you one in Greenock' - so to Greenock we went - Mum, Dad, sister Anna and me & the baby (my wee sister was born in 1937. We stayed there until we were bombed out when Mum took us back to her Mum's in Dundee. Anna and I stayed with our grandparents until our Mum came back a year later. Read more......

Submitted by Mary

Clark's Chip Shop

When war ended in 1945 a crowd from school assembled outside Clark's chip shop and we were all dancing in Gray Street, then on to the celebrations in City Square, Dundee.

Submitted by Marguerite Blyth

Dundee to Perth Walk

My mother Sarah Scott Reilly, (maiden name) won a medal in the 1936 Dundee to Perth walk, she won a medal presented to her by the Daily Record, it says to the S.W.A.A. Woman's C C Championship won by ... and the date 1936. My mother died in November 2007 and I have just visited in her memory and I just wondered if there was anyone who new anymore about it for our family records. My mum was also known as Cissie.

Submitted by Maggie

Downfield Days

I read George MacDonald's story about his dad being a manager at Bonar Long. I worked in the office at Bonar Long and was office girl and then secretary for about 3 years to the works manager whose name was Roy MaCdonald, so I think it may have been his dad. I left in 1960 to go to another job but still have fond memories of my days at Bonar Long. As a teenager I remember going to Kidds dancing and to the Chalet at Broughty Ferry. I now live in rural Manitoba, Canada. I am 67 years old now but still have many happy memories of my time growing up in Dundee. Read more......

Submitted by Linda Myles

Memories of Dundee

My memories of Dundee are many happy ones, I am trying to write a book of them at the moment. The book will be called memories of Dundee. I fondly remember my childhood there on holidays from Edinburgh, my mother was from Dundee. I remember going on the bus to Broughty Ferry, the fare was one penny from Douglas, down to Swannie Pond we went with our fishing nets, excitedly running to see who could catch the first fish. My brother tripped over and went head first in net and all.

Submitted by Kenneth J. Campbell

Street Party

I lived in a close in Bernard Street in 1958 to 1960. I went to Hawkhill School and my mum worked in a wood shed over the backs. I worked for them on a Saturday selling bunches of kindling. I was only ten at the time. We also had an air raid shelter in the close which we all used to play in and make fires in. Health and safety eat your heart out. I remember we had a street party in 1959 or 60 but can't remember what it was for. We then moved to Menzieshill farm which was taken over for the hospital and housing estate. I have a lot of very happy memories of living in Dundee.

Submitted by Keith Turner

Tram Charm

I saw a young man regularly on the tramcar and liked the look of him. One day I had the chance to sit beside him and I took it. I unfastened my charm bracelet, shook my arm and it fell at his feet. We both bent down to pick it up and bumped heads. I pretended the bump was quite sore, he was apologetic and said he felt bad, we chatted and when it was my stop he insisted he walked me home. We went out regularly after that and married two years later.

Submitted by Kathleen

Ride in a Tramcar

Although my father had a car my parents often took me on public transport. It was 1956 and I was 6 years of age when my father took me for a ride in a tramcar before the Dundee trams were withdrawn from service. Read more......

Submitted by Jonathan Murphy

Auld Lochee

Though many years have gone by, and I now live in Canada, there is still a soft place in my heart for auld Lochee. I was born at 16 Elder's Lane in November, 1929. One of six children. Read more......

Submitted by Johnny Davidson

Ingram's

I remember shopping in Ingram's in Gray Street. My wedding cake was made there. The bakehouse at the back is now part of Jolly's Hotel.

Submitted by Joe Pattullo

Oh The Good Old Days

I was born in Dundee, there were five in our family and we lived in a 2 roomed flat. My Dad worked in the mill and also in South Africa, we were going to follow him there, we had all our jabs and things, Mum changed her mind, so Dad came home in 1952, I wish I could relive it all again. We then moved to a little place about 20 miles from Blackpool, which was alright I suppose. Read more......

Submitted by Joanie

Buster Stand

Holidays spent in Dundee 1939 to 1945. In the Overgate at a buster stand (chips and peas) in a large tarpaulin with an open fire. Sarsparilla from a chemist on Sunday mornings.

Submitted by Jim and Bet

50 Years

Jim was born in Dundee and has lived here for about fifty years.

Submitted by Jim McIntosh

Tram Tricks

Missed the train to Blairgowrie by minutes?
Nae bother ... up the High Street for the Downfield tram and then wait until the train circled round by Liff, Lochee West etc, and get on it at Downfield at your leisure! Read more......

Submitted by Jim Proctor

Tattie Picking

It was only when I was in my mid 30's that I realised that when I was attending St. John's in High Street, Dundee in the late fifties and I did the figures. I was in E4 and 32nd in the class and was made up when I went to 31st only because someone left. Read more......

Submitted by Jim Brave

Only Money

Going to school (Morgan Academy) from the Blackness terminus - a penny (old money) transfer all the way - punched by the second conductor. When I got back to the terminus I used to push the seats back so that they were the correct way round for the next journey.

Submitted by Jennifer Grieve

Memorable Discovery

I was a representative of the Commonwealth Youth Summit that took place in Edinburgh city in 2003. I visited Dundee for a week after the conference and I was very impressed, Dundee kept its tradition to modern day. I was particularly taken by the memorable Discovery, though only a museum right now, it seems so real with the display it has. I will never forget Dundee.

Submitted by Jeffrey Dissing

Streets Now Gone

I was born in 1930, within a cottar-house on Milton of Craigie Farm, long gone, but B & Q and ASDA are sited there. I think 1930 was the year of the darkest day in Dundee, when some people thought the end of the world had come. Read more......

Submitted by Jean

Remember the 'Ager'?

Anyone out there who was an 'Ager' - Dundee Orphanage between 1945 - 1955? Lily and Ann Smith, Wullie Stewart, Edith and John Bell, Phyliss Goldie or the Cox family. We all need to make contact, as we all shared the same upbringing. Read more......

Submitted by Jean MacDonald

Kirriemuir Evacuee

I went to Butterburn School, now demolished and then to Rockwell for 1941 - 1944. I left when I was 15 years old. I have lots of happy memories from both schools, and often wonder where all my classmates are now? I was evacuated to Kirriemuir in 1939 when the war broke out, and I went to schools there also. I am now a war widow, but I often look back and remember my happy school days.

Submitted by Jean Hendrie (nee Simpson)

Whitfield 1968

I remember moving in to Whitfield from Broughty Ferry in October 1968.

Submitted by Jean Tully

Countryside at Fintry

I was born in 1947, I lived with my mother, father and 3 other siblings in what they called a single end at 164 Overgate, my mother's family the Martins and Neys lived at 150, 155. All the women worked in the Mills and some of the men in the docks. My father came from Glasgow, some of his family came to live in Dundee they were steel-fixers by trade. The male line of the Ney's worked in Dundee as lamp lighters from the 1800's. They lost 3 good sons in the wars. My first school was Tay Street. Read more......

Submitted by Jane Millar

J.K. Mearns

I was born at 40 Constitution Street in May 1933 where I stayed with my parents and two brothers until we moved to a new house in Kendal Avenue in 1946. I went to Rosebank School then to Rockwell High. When I started work it was in J.K. Mearns at the bottom of Victoria Road, it was a very happy place to work as we had a very good employer (William Mearns). I married George Millar in 1953, we have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Jane Millar

Normandy Beaches

I was born in 1923 and brought up in Dallfield Walk and attended Rosebank Primary School, then on to Stobswell, leaving there at 14 years of age.

I worked in a grocery shop for a spell as a message boy and assistant then left to join my brother in the CWS jute factory, weaving department in Arbroath Road as Assistant Yarn Dresser, eventually becoming qualified in charge at a machine. Read more......

Submitted by James

Albert Street Ironmonger

I bought the ironmongers shop in 1967 from James Murray and retired in 1988 to become a Councillor for Dundee Tayside Region for Ancrum Ward. I have many happy memories of customers.

Submitted by James Opray

Tram Times

My first recollection of the trams in Dundee was when we live in Lochee and I would watch them from our window. During the General Strike in 1926 my mother took me downtown in a tram. She said it was driven by blackleg drivers (all the transport workers were on strike). I went to the front of the tram to see these 'blacklegs'. However the driver was in a civilian suit with a policeman sitting beside him. Read more......

Submitted by James Donald

Tramways Treat to the Bairns

To qualify for the Tramway Treat to the bairns at Christmas time, children were picked from local schools. I remember ripping my jumper and being chosen. The Treat was in the Breakfast Hall in Constitution Road where every one got some food and we played games. I think I would have been about 7 or 8 years old.

Submitted by James Valentine

Another Runaway Tram

On the Maryfield line, just before the Arbroath Road on Albert Street a fellow had parked his horse and cart. The tram driver decided that there was not enough room to pass, he decided to go into nearby shops to look for the carter but the tram's air brake leaked and the tram, full of passengers ran right down Princes Street and King Street to the Gaumont Cinema. Mr Charles Broadley, Superintendent, took charge of the situation, fortunately no one was hurt.

Submitted by James Valentine

Runaway Tram

Six trams went up in convoy to Den's Park with the football fans on board. Unloading and parking on Provost Road. Tram drivers got into the match for free and this day the driver of the last tram in the convoy, in a special hurry to get into the match, omitted to put on the tram brake. The tram, sitting on a brae, started to run down Provost Road. A policeman spotted the runaway tram and stopped all the traffic coming down Moncur Crescent, to let the tram run past, it came to a stop at Isla Street because of the gradient there. No one was hurt.

Submitted by James Valentine

Tram Driver

I started off as a tram Conductor for two years, most of us always started here and then learned tram driving. An Inspector trained me. I began as a spare driver and was then given a steady line on the Blackie to Downfield line. I started in 1947, after leaving the army and worked until 1956 when the trams were taken out of service, any driver under the age of 50 could train as a bus driver.

Submitted by James Valentine

Picture Houses

I was born in the hackie in 1947, the Princess, the State, the Regal, Grays, and that was the picture houses. It was great. I went to the washie in Millar's Wynd with Ma. Went to the scrubers and had a bath. We had nothing but we were happy.

Submitted by Jackie

Roast Beef

I was born in 1954 in my Granny's house in Kirkton. We lived in William Street but went to Granny's all the time to play in her garden and get a bath. My mum was one of five sisters, three of whom were nurses in Maryfield Hospital and it was one of my aunties, Annie Dodds, a midwife, who delivered me and most of my cousins, at home. I remember walking down Victoria Road with Mum to the butcher who always gave us a slice of roast beef straight from the machine and salt to put on it.

Submitted by J.M. Smith

Working from home the Doctor's House as a Workplace

Working from home is not a new phenomenon. The majority of general practitioners did so in the pre-NHS and early NHS days. This is just a reflection of my early days in one Dundee practice from 1964 where the senior partner and house owner had only recently moved to separate accommodation but a caretaker and family was in residence in the house. Read more......

Submitted by J.F.McKellican

Broughty Ferry Beach

I did not go to school in Perth until I was five and a half years old. I started at Northern District School. Of course I was rarin' to go so I thoroughly enjoyed the daily routine - A for Apple, B for Bottle, counting etc. We used a slate and chalk for writing practice. We had to carry a pad for cleaning our slates. Mine was royal blue velvet. I was very proud of it. Read more......

Submitted by Isobel

My Favourite Route

My favourite route has to be Downfield. I travelled for many years to work and for pleasure on the Downfield tram. When we came back to Dundee, Downfield was almost a village before it extended as it is to-day. Monday morning many of us would get on the tram at School Road and for seating for us all, it would be the semi-circular seat at the back upstairs. There was much hilarity as the Saturday night at the Palais was recalled. The Conductors knew you and took an interest in the current boyfriends. You were greeted by most people who you met regularly. Read more......

Submitted by Irene Dowie (nee Durkie)

Poor Wee Soul

When I was 10 years old my family moved to a new house in Kirkton. One morning when the snow fell heavily my Dad took me with him get a bag of coke to boost our coal supply, from a coal merchant at Clepington Road. Read more......

Submitted by Irene

Bank Avenue and Charlotte Street

The name Bank Avenue keeps alive Baldovan, owned by Scrimegours Viscounts of Dudhope and Baldovan. About 1680 it passed to one of the Nairne's of Sanford (now St Fort), Fife. David Wedderburn of that ilk was proprietor in 1710 and the estate was then called The Bank. Read more......

Submitted by Innes A. Duffus

Kicked Out of Tannadice

When my Dad was 9 he went to a football match with his friend and his friend's Dad at Tannadice. The match was between Dundee United and Rangers. At half time my Dad went to the toilet and when he came out lots of boys were climbing over the wall without paying and a policeman thought that my Dad was one of them and threw him out of the ground, he had to walk home by himself.

Submitted by India Malloch

Delightful Trams

My memories of the trams were, they were transport of delight - should never have been disposed of. I was 12 the day after the trams went off for good, it broke my heart. Read more......

Submitted by Ian Whyte

Army Days

I was born in 1924 in Castle Street, Broughty Ferry. I went to Eastern Primary School and then Grove Academy. I served my apprenticeship as a joiner with Suttie Brothers in Union Street, Broughty Ferry. Read more......

Submitted by Ian Robertson

Bonar Long Apprentice

I started my apprenticeship at Bonar Long in 1962. I started in the transformer test department and I was the last 5 year apprentice when during my last year these were reduced to 4 year apprenticeships. I eventually became Chief of Test and Inspection.In 1979 I accepted the position as Chief Engineer in a joint venture, being set up by Bonar Long, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. That was an exciting project as it started from a green field site. We supervised building the factory, equipped it and then trained the local staff. In 1980 I also appointed Works Manager. Read more......

Submitted by Ian Robertson

Horsemeat

Someone mentioned the butcher shop selling horseflesh at the bottom of the Wellgate. I worked there as a laddie after school and on Saturdays, earning £1 a week. And yes, we sold only horsemeat. If I remember correctly beef was rationed at the time (1950) and the queues outside the shop were quite long on most days. We used to get a big parcel of meat home with us on a Saturday night, steaks, joints, sausages etc. Read more......

Submitted by Ian Christie

Pletties

I remember my granny sending me to Mario's ice cream shop in Victoria Street to get two shilling's worth of ice cream. I got a huge jug full with twenty wafers thrown in as well. It was all home made ice cream.

As a child growing up in the 50s there was no TV then so we made our own fun. Being daredevils we used to do things that was great fun then but pretty stupid now when I think of it. Read more......

Submitted by Ian

Helen's Memoirs

Helen was born in Dundee and has lived here all her life.

I was born in Hill Street in 1938 and attended Butterburn School for one year and the Rockwell Junior and Senior until age 15. I worked in the SMT for one year then on to George Stephen's in Castle Street for 40 years until I was made redundant. Read more......

Submitted by Helen

Monkey Business

While travelling with my mother, (I would have been about 10) on a tram, a photographer with his monkey boarded the our tram and sat down opposite us. All of a sudden the monkey leapt onto my mother's lap, it was funny, until the monkey did the toilet on my mother's tweed skirt, which was part of a suit (very hard to afford a suit back then). Read more......

Submitted by Helen Smith

Penguin Cafe

My mum, Bunty Rollo, nee Ovenstone was the niece of 'Teenie McGregor', nee De Gernier, who had the Buster Stall in the Overgate. My Auntie Mary Ovenstone ran the Penguin Cafe up the Overgate in the 1950's and I have fond memories of shopping with my mum on Saturdays and going for a buster - it was delicious! I live in Leeds now but would love to hear from any of the family. Read more......

Submitted by Gwen Rollo

Family Connections

Amelia Zanre (nee Soave) was born in 1921 in Italy. Her family moved to Dundee in 1949. Amelia Zanre (nee Soave) is the wife of Guiseppe (Joe) Zanre.

Submitted by Amelia Zanre (nee Soave)

Zanre Family

Joe was born in Italy and moved to Dundee when he was seven years old.

One of my earliest memories in Dundee was going to see a Charlie Chaplin film. It was in the days of silent films which was just as well as I could speak no English. Read more......

Submitted by Guiseppe (Joe) Zanre

Make-do-and-mend

My Dad was manager at Bonar Long, and an expert in make-do-and-mend. When Dundee's trams were withdrawn in 1956, Dad bought some tram track and tram chassis. The track was laid in the new Bonar Long factory at Kingsway West, and the chassis converted into a truck to convey transformer oil tanks into a giant oven for storing their enamel and for vacuum testing. Dad also bought some tram seats for our garden, and I still have one of the red leather bolsters.

Submitted by George MacDonald

An Ode To Eddie

The shed has lost a legend son,
Eddie you were our number one.
We stood together rain, hail or snow,
Urging the Arabs to have a go. Read more......

Submitted by George (The Woodside Arab) Mather

Memories of Dundee Jute and Jam...

Memories of Dundee jute and jam
Lesser known the 'single deck tram'
From Barries clock top of the hill
Just up the road from Grimonds mill
It ran up hill, down hill for countless days
On the scary 'Hilltown' and 'Conshie' braes Read more......

Submitted by George (McGonagall) Henderson

Dundee and Dundonians

I have many, many wonderful and happy memories of Dundee and Dundonians. My late mother Rita Elder (nee Gillan) was born in Dundee but left in the forties to come up to Peterhead with my father Edward Elder who was born in Carnoustie. My mother was brought up in Brook Street and did in fact work in the jute mills, maybe even the coffin mill. Mother never forgot Dundee and was a frequent visitor coming back at every opportunity. I wish in fact that Mum and Dad had returned to live in Dundee as we seem to spend quite a lot of time going back for weekends and shopping. God bless you Dundee for you have given me and many other happy memories. Read more......

Submitted by Gavin Elder

The Fifties

I was born in 1953, my best memories are from 1958/59 onwards when we lived at 18 Keswick Terrace in Kirkton. I went to Gilburn Primary School and then onto Kirkton High School. I remember my Gran's birthday party in the big shed, which was where the Copper Beach Pub was before they built the Community Centre. I had many happy days at the Den of Mains.

Submitted by Fraser Gavin

My Mother

My father died in 1959 and with him, my mother voted conservative and supported Dundee. She remarried, and with Jim she voted labour and supported Dundee United. Read more......

Submitted by Fay G. Keith

Youngster in Dundee

I came to Dundee from Glasgow when I was 10 years old and went to Victoria Road School. At that time I was living in Todburn Lane, then later on my parents moved to Broughty Ferry Road. Later on we moved to 15 Mid Kirk Style. Read more......

Submitted by Emily

Three Brass Bas

Three brass bas hung o'er the shop
Some fulk jist cred it the pop
Me, eh jist cred it the pan
Eh hated it, goin seeing that man Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

Work and Play

I was born in Dundee in 1954 at Maryfield Hospital.I attended Mitchell Street primary school which was situated on the Lochee Road. I then went onto Logie Secondary on the Blackness Road. On leaving in 1969 my first job was in Hamilton Carharts the factory that made denim clothing at that time. They were located at the docks. Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

Menzieshill

The first time I saw you
You were covered in snow white
I awed at your beauty
Oh what a wonderful sight Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

The Logie Washie

Load the tin bath tae the tap
Dinna need instructions or a map
Eve been doon this road afore
Every sunday,e`m fed up tae the core Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

The J.M Ballroom

The tufty club on a Tuesday night
Was the first time that i went
I thought i was so grown up then
It felt like i was heaven sent Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

The Centrals

Saturday morn elight from the bus
Run and try to get in the queue first
You had to stand in a line
Only so many aloud in at a time
Hold your breath antisipations high
Yes, in you go,let out a sigh Read more......

Submitted by Elizabeth Butler (nee Wallace)

Cultural Shock for Evacuees

I was born in D.R.I. on 27th June, 1931. I lived at 2 Park Lane with my six brothers and sisters in a one room attic. My father was in the army at outbreak of war. My mother and all of the family were sent to Banchory for the remainder of the war. It was a cultural shock for us. We had never seen cows in a field. We lived on a farm for six years. We were so happy then. We did not want to come home. We cried all the way back to Dundee.

Submitted by Eileen Alexander

Overgate Market

I too went to Mitchell Street Primary School. I lived in Milnbank Road and later moved to Denhead Crescent in Charleston. I also attended Logie Secondary from 1960 to 1964 . I was in Ancrum House. I used to love going to the Overgate Market with my mother on a Saturday. You could buy anything there. I remember getting a portion of mushy peas with lots of vinegar as a treat. I went on to nurse in Dundee Royal Infirmary, Maryfield Hospital and finally at Liff Hospital just outside Dundee. I live abroad now and when I come back to Dundee I don't recognise it.

Submitted by Eileen Cochrane (Swan)

Nuts and Raisins Conductor

My favourite trams were the Lochee trams, as I lived in the West End of the city, and travelled on them daily. Where as on the East End of the city when I visited my relatives, I found the Downfield to Maryfield trams very uncomfortable, where the Lochee trams were very comfortable. I always remember our regular Conductor on the Lochee trams was always cracking jokes and was known as "nuts & raisins".

Submitted by Edward Colville

May 1945 Broughty Ferry

It was May 1945 and the war had ended. Great rejoicing in Broughty Ferry!

The neighbours decided to have a party, and it was decided to use one of Charlie Cadenhead's garages at 338 Queen Street. Of the 13 'lock-ups' behind his shop, the 'big garage' at the corner site was chosen. Read more......

Submitted by Edna

Dundee Coat of Arms

In 1956 I was no longer living in Bonnie Dundee. My father Dave Anderson was a long time employee - first a conductor and then an office worker prior to his retirement. Family lived in Kerrsview Terrace, Dundee. Our daughter Deborah visited Dundee and was presented by her grandfather the Dundee Coat of Arms (plaque/disc) taken from the last tram. We still have this momento from this area. Now framed and on display. My twin sister still lives in Dundee, a retired nurse, Betty Urquhart.

Submitted by Ed (Adam) Anderson

Dundee Memories

I was born in the D.R.I. in 1955 and lived in Lawrence Street. Went to Mitchell Street School from 1961 - 1967 and Logie from 1967 to 1970. I then moved to London in 1972 and am still there, but I have some great memories of growing up in Dundee.

Submitted by Dougie McGurk

Lochee in the 50s and 60s

I was brought up in South Road, Lochee during the 50s and 60s. My dad drove lorries for Allison's transport in Clepington Road and my mum worked in the fish cannery, this was right across from our close. It was a great time running around Tipperary and the boag, up to Lochee Park, playing on the swings and roundabout, then another walk to Balgay Hill, this would be done in one day. Read more......

Submitted by Dougie Taylor

Monkey Business

I have a memory of being marched from Hawkhill school down to East Station, to be evacuated to Montrose 1939. At 8 years of age I also remember along the roadside of Dudhope Castle, there were monkeys and parrots in enclosures. I still carry the scar at the age of 76, having been nipped by one of the monkeys.

Submitted by Derek Fonteyn

Grandad's Greenhouse Tram

My Grandfather had an allotment at City Road, Dundee. His greenhouse was an old Dundee tram. If memory serves me right, he acquired it from a farmer out in the direction of Auchterhouse who had been using it as a henhouse. He and my father and uncle transported it to City Road using a horse and cart where it was duly installed and produced large crops of tomatoes for many years. Read more......

Submitted by Derek M

Dundee 3 Rangers 2

Indeed, when I got an ankle injury which kept me out for some weeks, it would have been a disaster to me, but for one thing. It was Saturday, October 27 1951, and while we played YM Anchorage at University Park, Dundee was facing Rangers at Hampden in the League Cup final. Read more......

Submitted by David Hebenton

Favourite Tram Ride

I lived at 18, Victoria Street until September 1947. Trams ran up and down Princes Street to the City Square. I did miss that special ride when we moved to South Australia.

Submitted by David Boath

Bygone Ardler

Was brought up in Mid Street and Constitution Road, before moving out to the new housing scheme at Ardler. We were one of the first families to move into Turnberry Avenue, and I attended Ardler Primary School, before it became overcrowded and they had to re-open the old Blackshade Primary. Read more......

Submitted by David McLean

Post War Dundee

Saturday afternoons in the early 1950s for my sister Moyra and myself were very special. I was 6 years old in 1952 and my sister 12.

We boarded the Downfield tram at Fairmuir, rushed up the stairs to claim the 'J' shaped seat at the front window, and headed for the terminus at Downfield. Read more......

Submitted by Dave Burnett

Happy Ever After Band

I lived in Dundee until 1976 when I moved to Leeds to pursue a musical career, which was good until I retired this year. In Dundee I was the singer with 'Happy Ever After' before going solo and remember playing the Dee Club, Angus Hotel and all the American bases. It was a great life and I would like any fellow musicians who remember me to get in touch.

Submitted by Cody

East Port Calender Works

I was born at 35 Benvie Road in 1930. I went to Mitchell Street School and then to Logie Secondary School. I left there when I was fourteen and went to work in Miss Thom's chemist shop in Forest Park Road. I left there after eighteen months and went to be a spreader in East Port Calender Works in the Cowgate.

Submitted by Chrissie

Coffin Mill Scare

We lived at 93, Brook Street during 1941-48 in a converted shop. I remember the Coffin Mill scare when children from the Burn swore to seeing a ghost, reputedly that of a young mill girl, the crowd swelled with Mum's looking for bairns. The local bobby trying to get people to go home. Read more......

Submitted by Celia McCartney

Up the Blackie, Doon the Hackie

When I was 7 years old my dad drove the tram 'up the Blackie and doon the Hackie', he always stopped at my gran's close 'his mums' and I'd jump on at the 'Blackie' and come off at the top and walk back again. This was the 'Blue Mountains' at Brook Street. My dad's name was Joe Fagan.

Submitted by Catherine Staddle (nee Fagan)

Football Greats

I presented 'Player of the Month Trophy' in the dressing room at Tannadice from 1980-88 when Jim McLean and Walter Smith were in charge. I was introduced to Jock Stein in 1982 in the dressing room. I made great friends with Hamish, Paul, Maurice and Physco, these memories will be in my soul till I die. Thank you Dundee United.

Submitted by Cameron McBain

Culture Shock

We moved to Church Street and then in 1929 to Dens Road. Dens Road School was across the road and I started at the nursery class there when I was three and a half years old and then started at the 'big school' at four and a half. This is me in Miss Barrie's infant class in 1930. Dens Road was a great school and I was there from three and a half years old to nine years old. Read more......

Submitted by Burnett

Great Neighbour

Of course I can't go back in time as most of the fowk here, however being born and bred in Dundee living most of my young life in Beechwood I have brilliant memories from there. Read more......

Submitted by Bobby

End of WWII

I was working as a joiner in our family business, Robert Samson Ltd. when World War II ended. All the neighbours were very excited, then we carried on working until 5 pm. There was a big bonfire in the field behind our house which carried on all night.

Submitted by Bob Samson

Train Spotting

The white-painted gates at the level crossing bisecting Gray Street, Broughty Ferry clattered shut, trembled for a moment then settled down to await the arrival of the next express from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. So did I. It was 1946 and I was eight years old. Easily remembered since eight is my favourite number. I was a compulsive watcher of trains. Read more......

Submitted by Bob

The Hurley

I don't remember too much but as a youngster but I do have a very good memory of "the Hurley". When our mother died in the late 40's we went to live with our Grannie in Wallace Street, they never had any room for us so my uncle Bob got an old drawer, put some kind of rollers on it and my older brother and me slept in it for a long time, and we got hurled under Grannie and Granda's bed at night and hurled out again in the morning.

Submitted by Boab

Dryburgh Days

Born in the DRI in 1964 and living in a flat in the newly developed Dryburgh Gardens where I spent a great childhood, playing in the lifts and needing a stick to reach the fourth floor where I lived. Getting chased from the adults as we walked along walls and played football on top of the garages (what were we thinking). Read more......

Submitted by Billy (Wullie) Young

Beechie

16 Dronley Avenue, Beechie was the home of the Hunties. Beechie was the best of places with lots of very large families (Wilkies at 10 as were the Glancies). I know we are very selective with our memories but the 'return to school' street parties, the mums and dads playing in the street wi' the bairns. The McPhails at the bottom of the close with Bella running the tattie squads. All great memories. The 'People's Journal' once had a headline 'How can a place look so beautiful and harbour so many criminals'. Read more......

Submitted by Billy Hunt

Regards to Fellow Dundonians

I was born in Dundee in 1953 and spent the first part of my life at 69 High Street. The family moved to Napier Place, Dryburgh where I attended Dryburgh Primary School. From Napier Place I moved again to Foggyley Gardens (the multi storeys) for a few years before ending up at Liff Terrace, Charleston.  Read more......

Submitted by Bill Reilly

Ninewells

I was brought up in Ninewells, which in the early 50's was a village on the western outskirts of Dundee. It was called Ninewells because a line of natural springs used to appear now and then and water would run across the dip in the Perth Road.

Over the decades the re-surfacing of the road has raised it's level and the water must now drain underneath. The tram terminus was just to the east of Invergowrie Drive and Lauries nursery. It also served as the bus terminus until that was moved further west to where the roundabout is now. Read more......

Submitted by Bill Dryden

Working Days

I was born in the DRI on 13th June 1925. I had four brothers. When I was four and a half years old I went to the Cowgate School. I lived in Constable Street. All my aunts and cousins lived beside each other. My Grandad lived in Wallace Street. I used to go my Gran's messages to Jackie's the butcher for beef, Massey's for messages, the Buttercup for butter, Martin Simpsons for pies and bread and the Mealstore for eggs. When I was about twelve I used to go to the washing house to do my Gran's washing. Read more......

Submitted by Betty L

Evacuated 1939

Here are some memories of my days during the war when three of my brothers and myself were evacuated in 1939.

It was an exciting time for us and many other children. Our mother made it clear that we should be kept together, the children were all happy and excited, we weren't aware how heart broken our Mother was to see us go. Read more......

Submitted by Betty M

Employment Places

I worked in Dundee from about 1949 to 1952. Firstly at Bonar Long on the Kingsway, then as a dispatch clerk with Thomson Shepherd & Co., Shepherd's Lane. My next job was with Robert Kellie & Son, Dock Street. All these places of employment have now gone.

Submitted by Bervonian

Found Memories from Down Under

I was born in Maryfield Hospital in 1952 and stayed in Mid Craigie until I was 3 before moving to Douglas in 1955. I went to Balerno Primary School, then the Stobie. Read more......

Submitted by Bert Hunt

Football Tales

I was at the United V's Hearts match last season when United won 3-0. Near the end of the match, the shed end started singing "we want four", because the team were dominating the match. Another man then shouted "gee's another one for my Angie". Another memory is of the woman who is always sitting behind us in the George Fox lower. She always cheers us up with her cheeky comments. Bless her!

Submitted by Bean (Foxy Lady)

Lyon's Close and the Bananas

I worked in a fruit shop in the Hawkhill, and it was the first time we had bananas in - this was 1946 or 47. Word got round and there were queues all day. To try and get the shop closed was almost impossible. The door which had to be bolted on from the inside, and was kept round at the back of the shop in Lyon's Close, to get the crowds away the boss had to run round for the door, then we had to be ready to throw some bananas into the crowd and them that were left in the shop had to be locked in and let out the back door into the 'Lyon's Close'. Next day, all over again. The worst bit was the bananas were green and hard. Read more......

Submitted by Auntie Betty

Tay Bridge

My grandparents lived at Dunmore Lodge Ninewells on the Perth Road. As a child when my parents would take the journey from Birmingham to Dundee I would look forward to the walks down to the River Tay and the tram journey into the city. As I got older I was trusted to go on the tram each morning to fetch the hot morning rolls for breakfast. My grandfather worked as a gardener for the Dundee Council and set out the gardens at Magdalene Green and near to the Tay Rail Bridge. He died aged 100 at "The Rowans" nursing home. Read more......

Submitted by Arthur Kennedy

Ballad of Beefcan Close

As I gaed up the Overgate
A lassie I did spy
She winked tae me wi' the tail o' her ee
As I gaed passin' by Read more......

Submitted by Anonymous

Derby Street

I was born in a single end in Derby Street and lived there for 16 years. I lived at the Byron Street end and it was Law View Place. The Hill Street end before houses were built was a Darbie Manor. So we always referred to Derby sounding the E which in English is pronounced Darby. The whole street was eventually renamed Derby Street. But I would like it to be spelt correctly in Scots Darbie Street once the multis are gone. Read more......

Submitted by Anonymous

The Last Tram

I was on the last tram (I was 11). We were able to get mementos at the end of the journey, like the driver's seat etc. If I remember correctly the tram was pretty much stripped. My father worked for Dundee Corporation at that time as a bus driver.

Submitted by Anonymous

Tram Driver's Memories

I was employed with D.C.T Department as a tram driver and drove on the Downfield to Blackness, the Maryfield to Ninewells, Lochee to the Auld Steeple routes and the football trams to the Dens Park games. I enjoyed working on all these routes. Read more......

Submitted by Anonymous

Childhood Memories

I remember as a child going on a tram from Ninewells to Sinderins on the way to the family doctor up Blackness Avenue for our vaccinations, we had a drink from one of the water fountains. It had a chain with a bell shaped cup on the end. My mother used to get the coach built pram on one end of the tram and the driver used to fix it on. Of course she had to take the baby out. Read more......

Submitted by Anonymous

Law Tunnel

I was born at 58, Hill Street in 1933 and went to Butterburn School and then Rockwell High. I remember when as a young boy going through the Law Tunnel. There was always stories going around about people that had gone into the tunnel and never came out, so it was a brave kid that would dare to go from, one end to the other. It started at the tennis court in Upper Constitution Street and came out at the Law Crescent gardens at Byron Street.

Submitted by Anonymous

Downfield Tram

My mother, brothers and I used to get Downfield tram which stopped outside our closie in Dens Road to go to the berries at Downfield or go to the Sidlaws on a Sunday for a picnic. We had to walk from the terminus but we used to enjoy all this when we were young. I lived in Clement Park and went to Harris Academy on our special tram. Read more......

Submitted by Anonymous

Memories of Saggar Street

The talk given by the City Archivist, Iain Flett at the launch of the Streetwise exhibition was thoroughly enlightening and interesting. Bringing back many memories of times past. One particular street, Saggar Street, held my attention. Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Before The Last Tram

Travellin' on a tramcar
Frae toun tae terminus
Was an experience
Enjoyed by many o' us Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

The Last Tram

(Sung to the traditional tune of 'A pair o' Nicky Tams')

'Twas the end-o-the-line for the Dundee trams - October '56
The bairn o' the Lochee route'll be up tae nae mair o' her tricks
At twenty-past the midnicht 'oor she rumbl'ed thro' Dundee
A' the wey frae Maryfield tae her journey's end - Lochee Read more......

Submitted by Anna MacDonald

Qualifying Class SS Peter & Paul's

Although I was born in Dundee in 1933 the family moved to Greenock in 1935 where my father, who was an engineer to trade, was employed to help build the engines for the ship that was to be named Queen Elizabeth. Read more......

Submitted by Anna

Dundee's Last Tram

I can remember the very last Lochee tram to run as it stopped outside our building at 78 Lochee Road. At that time I was with my father who got the sign 'WAIT TILL TRAM STOPS' from a chap who had taken it down from its position at the rear of the tram. Read more......

Submitted by Andy Robertson

Dudhope Castle

Does anyone remember the cages surrounding the Dudhope Castle and all the animals and birds they contained? Or do you remember when the prisoner of war camp was in Barrack Square and the cookhouse was also in the square at the top between the museum and the castle?  I have been looking for photos relating to the but to date I have drawn a blank. Read more......

Submitted by Andrew Woodcock

My Younger Days

Born in 1939 I attended Mitchell Street and Logie Schools. During my younger days I lived in the tenement at the top of Smellies Lane and Lochee Road. The building stood on Lochee Road facing the Dudhope Park where I played footie day in and day out during our holidays from school. We called the area where we played Hampden. This was situated and is still there in front of the tennis and bowling courses. Read more......

Submitted by Andrew Woodcock

First Intake at Menzieshill High School

I lived in Charleston for 18 years, going to firstly Charleston Primary School and then the very first intake of Menzieshill High School. I worked for the City Council as a gardener and also worked at a jute mill near the Hilltown. Many good memories of my time in Dundee. Read more......

Submitted by Andrew (Drew) Young

Teeth and the Tram

I was age 7 and had just been to the dentist to have teeth taken out, and had had gas. My father and I got on the tram in the High Street, the tram was crowded and Dad let me sit as I didn't feel too well. We spotted my grandparents at the front of the tram but couldn't get near them. As the tram moved off I felt very sick and told my father who brought out his hanky, but it was too late. I was sick all over my Dad's coat, the tram seat and the floor. The conductor told my Dad he would need to pay, I think it was sixpence to have the tram cleaned and luckily my Granny paid it as my Dad didn't have sixpence. Read more......

Submitted by Alice

Old Dundee Haunts

My husband, Luke and I knew someone called Ian Robertson in fact my husband was best man at his wedding. Luke also worked at Bonar Long and Smedleys and Kelly's all of which are now closed then we moved to Canada. We have seen many changes in Dundee when we visited some good and some not so good. I worked for British Rail back then and remember the west and east stations also no longer there. Luke went to St Patrick's and Lawside and I went to Glebelands and Morgan. We lived in Robertson Street and most of which was gone the last time we were home but it was good to see some of our old haunts were still there. Read more......

Submitted by Alice and Luke Gardiner

Gas Mask at the Ready!

I remember at the start of the Second World War, when every civilian in the country received a gas mask. This Lochee tram was travelling up Lochee Road, in the afternoon. The driver suddenly opened the passengers door and shouted "they are dropping gas bombs, get you gas masks on". Well panic broke out. After about ten minutes it cleared up. They discovered it was only a house chimney on fire. Read more......

Submitted by Alexander Kelly

Proud Dundonian

I went to the Blackie till 1966 and left to go to the Logie. I lived in Forest Park Road and used to go playing down Polepark, Mitchell Street and all over the Hawkhill. Moved to the Perth Road and used to play down the Magdalen Green. Great bunch of pals, Ally Millar, Ronnie Hoppel etc. All we seemed to do was play football and ice hockey, brilliant. We'd play in the Winter (football) down Seafield Road under the lamps, there was not the traffic then. Read more......

Submitted by Alan (Micky) McDonald

Parcel Boy on the Buses

I was a parcel boy on the buses, my district was Downfield. I would catch the tram in the High Street and get off at the Kingsway. We kept a message bike at Duffes Garage. Some of the drivers would let me drive the tram. One day I was caught by Simpson the policeman at the Clepington Road stop. He had just come out of the police box beside Iannetta's ice cream shop. The driver was up the stairs. I think his name was Coul. He played football for Lochee Harp. Read more......

Submitted by Alan (Ginger) White

Grandma's House

My first childhood memories, were being brought up in my Grandma's house in Commercial Street. We lived with her for about 3 years until my parents got their own house. Dad had his fruit shop at the top of the Hilltown and what sweet memories I have of helping him in there. I wonder if anyone out there remembers his shop? I remember Largs, then Lowdens newsagent, Andrew G. Kydd, then my dad, Lyon Brothers the jewellers, then Sutherlands ... such memories. Read more......

Submitted by Forfarlass

Fond Memories

I was born in Glentrium Terrace in 1949, but although I don't remember it, mum and dad couldn't afford the house, so we moved in with grandma and grandad. They had a huge house in Commercial Street and I remember grandma used to take in policemen as lodgers! Dad had the fruit shop at the top of the Hilltown. I wonder if anyone remembers it? Read more......

Submitted by Dundeelass

Belmont Summer Camp

I went twice to the camp first time with St Columba's primary in 1963 and then again with St John's in 1967. Read more......

Submitted by Ceejay

Living in 'Tipperary'

My memories go back as far as when I was about 3 years old. I lived with my parents and my little sister who was born would you believe it, the day before my first birthday. We lived in Atholl Street in Lochee, as did most of my nuclear family, which was widely known as 'Tipperary' due to the large Irish immigrant influence. I have many happy memories living in 'Tipperary'. One day I hope to have the time to be able to write a full account of my memories spent living there and how after almost 45 years my mother ended back living in almost the exact spot of our old house. Read more......

Submitted by Lou

Brought up in Stobswell

I have lots of happy memories of Dundee in the 50's and 60's. I was brought up in the Stobswell area in Morgan Street. My gran lived in Baldovan Terrace and my aunt in Raglan Street. I spent a lot of my time at dancing class after school. Jean Pringle was my first ballet teacher. She had a studio at the corner of the King's Theatre (Gaumont Cinema) then moved to King Street. Read more......

Submitted by Dandy