This month’s dramatic cover photo shows ARP Warden John Stewart bearing a little boy to safety during the Clydebank Blitz of March 1941. See our feature on page 15

SCOTTISH

M m i is published by Warners Group Publications plc, 5th Floor, 31-32 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JD, UK website: www.scottish-memories.co.uk

PUBLISHER Janet Davison jand@warnersgroup.co.uk

EDITORIAL Editor: Matt Hill matthewh@warnersgroup.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2912

Deputy Editor: Rachel Bellerby rachelb@warnersgroup.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2922

Consultant Editor: George Forbes Contributors: David Barnes, Jean Brittain, Peter Burns, Myra Douglas, Bobby Harvey, James Hendrie, Steve Lillie, John MacLeod, G Barclay Robertson, Cameron Slater, Aileen Torrance. Landscape photography: Dennis Hardley (details on page 54)

PRODUCTION Senior Designer: Nathan Ward nathanw@warnersgroup.co.uk

Designer: Robert Lynch robertl@warnersgroup.co.uk

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales Representative: Alison Fraser scottishmemories@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 0141 946 8708

MARKETING Lauren Roberts laurenr@warnersgroup.co.uk Tel: 0113 200 2916

SUBSCRIPTIONS Collette Dimbleby Tel: 01778 392030 scottishmemoriessubs@warnersgroup.co.uk

PRINTED BY Warners (Midlands) plc, The Maltings, Manor Lane, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH

DISTRIBUTION BY Warners Group Publications plc West Street, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 9PH

ON SALE: April issue on sale: 24 March 2011 Receive your copy direct to your door by subscribing See page 19 for our fantastic subscription offer

BACK ISSUES Back issues are available from the Scottish Memories subscriptions department, tel: 01778 392030. ISSN 0968-7874 DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions, but will immediately investigate any written complaints.

COPYRIGHT No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher.

SCOTTISH

W lc m t Welcome to this special wartime edition of Scottish Memories, which coincides with the seventieth anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz.

M m i in March 1941 is just as dramatic, tragic and compelling as ever, as our feature on

Seven decades ago German bombers left many British cities, including Clydebank, in ruins, and the story of those horrifying nights in March 1941 is just as dramatic, tragic and compelling as ever, as our feature on page 15 reveals. As someone born after World War Two it is difficult to comprehend the determination, bravery and loss experienced during these attacks. Of course, documentaries and history lessons teach us much about the world at war, and it is vital that these continue so future generations are aware of what happened, but stories of military manoeuvres and political posturing somehow don’t have the same effect as the vivid personal memories of ordinary people. Thankfully there are many of these in this issue, covering everything from evacuation and life on the Home Front, to the wonderful celebrations when the war finally came to an end.

Whether they are about wartime life or another memorable event from the past, we love sharing your recollections, so please keep them coming in. It’s wonderful to see the Scottish Memories community growing, and what better way to keep our history alive, than by sharing, celebrating and remembering together?

C t ts 5 Then and Now Historic mill hosts topping out ceremony, and Phil Cunningham’s new Trad music TV series. Plus, reader of the month, reasons to be cheerful and much more

12 Memories Mailbox Readers’ letters. Plus, George Forbes’ popular Writing to Remember column 15 Remembering the Clydebank Blitz A former soldier caught up in the Clydebank Blitz recalls the heroism of his neighbours amidst chaos and devastation

18 The secrets of Cairnyan The top secret wartime role of a Scottish harbour

20 On the home front The tips and tricks used to make wartime rations stretch that little bit further

22 By moonlight Discover the travelling exhibition which tells the story of those who taught wartime survival skills in the Highlands 24 Year to remember: 1941 A nostalgic look at the films, music and news headlines of 1941

27 Destination Scottish Borders All the information you need to plan a Spring break in the Scottish Borders

Matt Hill, Editor

34 Keeping it clean Jean Brittain recalls the camaraderie of wash day in years gone by

36 Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Aileen Torrance humorously recalls her childhood encounters with a variety of much-loved family pets

38 Days of the Dividend In our fun fiction series set in a 1950s Co-op, Stan’s apprentices cause chaos

39 Reader memories Readers share their memories of dance classes, reluctant evacuees and the joy of VE day

44 The Second Slammers Members of Scotland’s talented 1984 Grand Slam Scottish Rugby team recall the excitement of their road to victory

48 Sights and sounds of Scotland We give you the lowdown on the latest books and CDs with a Scottish flavour

50 Movie Memories George Forbes remembers the excitement of Hollywood movie stars visiting Glasgow

51 Scottish Memories Book Club Don’t miss this month’s range of wonderful books, at fantastic prices!

52 Puzzles WIN! Put the kettle on, sit back and relax with our page of puzzles and competitions

S sc today n ch t FREE L C i . S ag 19 r d s… S sc today n ch t S sc today n ch t L C i . S sc today n ch t L C i . S sc today n ch t S sc today n ch t S sc today n ch t S sc today n ch t