Our cover image shows the staff of Barbour’s department store in Dumfries posing for the camera before a staff outing in the 1950s. Do you recognise anyone in this picture, if so, be sure to let us know!

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

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Consultant Editor: George Forbes Contributors: G Barclay Robertson, Myra Douglas, Ian Rose, Jean Brittain, James Hendrie, Aileen Torrance Landscape photography: Dennis Hardley (details on page 54)

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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.

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SCOTTISH

M m i

Welcome to These days the newspapers seem to be full of terms such as ‘double dip’, ‘credit crunch’ and ‘deficit reduction’. It’s a far cry from the opulent days of the first department stores, which sprung up in Edinburgh and Glasgow more than 100 years ago (see our feature on page 10).

opening up for business, but the recent economic gloom is nothing new. Just take a look

Right now there’s not much likelihood of any large, luxurious shops opening up for business, but the recent economic gloom is nothing new. Just take a look at the wonderful memories readers have shared with us this month (page 40) and you’re quickly reminded that money isn’t everything. Tales of life in the backcourts, childhood adventures on the river, and Halloween guisin’ show us that the happiest times often have little to do with money. A sentiment expressed in a multitude of songs over the years.

Of course, a good bargain here and there should never be sniffed at, and this month we’re pleased to be offering a range of books at a special discount in the Scottish Memories Book Club. Bargain hunters will also be keen to take advantage of our fantastic subscription offer on page 23, which offers a free Para Handy book and thirteen issues for the price of twelve. What better way to ‘reduce your deficit’ and get a treasure trove of memories delivered to your door every month?

C t ts 5 Then and Now News and events, headlines from the past, and interesting facts

Matt Hill, Editor

34 Beatrix Potter in Scotland How Beatrix Potter’s childhood Perthshire holidays inspired her famous tales

10 Scotland’s department stores We explore the history of Scotland’d most luxurious department stores

36 The Vital Spark The story of author Neil Munro’s most famous creation, the Para Handy tales

14 Dunnottar Castle Myra Douglas visits Dunnottar Castle, an imposing fortress with a chequered history 16 Memories Mailbox Readers’ letters. Plus, George Forbes’ popular Writing to Remember column

18 Vintage brewery memorabilia Meet the man who’s created a fascinating archive of brewery memorabilia

20 Scotland’s shining lights The story of how lighthouses developed and what it was like to work as a lighthouse keeper in isolated and harsh conditions

22 Movie Memories Iain Gray on why Brigadoon arouses such conflicting emotions, and the day Cary Grant brought Govan Cross to a standstill

38 Scotland’s fairgrounds The story of the Codona fairground family who have entertained the public for eight generations 40 Reader memories Reader memories of street singers, Glasgow backcourts and Halloween in the blackout. Plus, Looking Back with Aileen Torrance

44 Dae it yersel Aileen Torrance fondly recalls a time when DIY was a necessity rather than a hobby 46 Wee Harry Wee Harry experiences the joys of a trip to Portobello fairground

47 My Scotland: Iain Stewart The popular TV presenter shares his passion for Scotland’s unique landscapes

24 Year to remember: 1984 A nostalgic look at the films, news and music of 1984

27 Destination Dundee Our comprehensive guide to planning your perfect city break in Dundee, including View of the Month including

48 Sights and sounds of Scotland Recently released books and CDs with a Scottish flavour

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

S sc today n v t FREE P r H ndy . S ag 23 r d s…