WHERE TO FIND US

GHS Introduction

www.greenhillhistoricalsociety.weebly.comor greenhillhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

MeetingsThe Society meets every Friday in

the Bonnybridge Library from 2pm till 4pm and all are welcome to join us.

GREENHILLHISTORICALSOCIETY

CONTENTS

GHS 10th Anniversary Front Cover

Introduction 2

Local Hero Mr George Anderson 3

Rediscovering the Antonine Wall 4

From B’bridge to Media success Chris Beattie 5

Bonnybridge Play Group 6

Wortlands Square, Bonnybridge 7

Recipe: War Time Carrot Cake 7

An interview with James Dyet 8 & 9

The Unremembered 10

It’s All Over 11

St. Joseph’s at War 12

A Bird’s-eye view of Bonnybridge - Fun Quiz 13

Let’s Cycle around Scotland 14 & 15

GHS Visitations Back Cover

Page

Contact InformationIrene Ryan 01324 810259 07733297768Phil Swierczek 01324 812097 07801058542

Greenhill Historical Society

2

Front Cover:GHS celebrating their 10th Anniversary

Back Cover:GHS on various excursions.

Welcome to the latest edition of Bonnyseen.

Sadly, our long and happy arrangement with the Library to host our launch nights, has come to an end. Falkirk Community Trust informed us that the only way we could use the library on an evening when it is not normally open would be for us to pay the salaries of the librarians in attendance.

As a self-financing group, reliant on the generosity of the people of Bonnybridge, and other groups offering us support, we are unable to pay amounts ranging from £84 to £124 per evening depending on the grades of the librarians willing to facilitate our launch nights. We greatly appreciate the librarians’ efforts on our behalf and thank them most sincerely for their support. We have been fortunate this time to use the Community Centre for the launch and hope that we will continue to do so in the future.

This brings me to what will be sad news for the readers of Bonnyseen. No we are not stopping, but for this year at least we will be reducing the number of editions from two to one. One reason for this is the amount of work we have to complete in order to bring the plans for the heritage wall to fruition. Thanks to Paul Cortopassi we have been awarded a grant from the Scottish Landfill Fund to cover approximately half the required amount and will be continuing with our bid to the Lottery Fund for the remainder.

We still need all your precious memories so keep up the supply of material as this is what makes our magazine such a success.

P. Swierczek

GHSLocal Hero Mr George AndersonBy Rae Wilson

3

The third of September 2019 will mark the eightieth anniversary of the start of the Second World War.

Greenhill Historical Society are grateful to one of our readers, Mrs Etta Eadie (nee Anderson), for this account of her father’s heroism in the conflict. Etta was three months old when her father joined the forces and seven years old when he came home.

Mr George (Dodie) Anderson was born on 22 June 1914, the youngest of a th

family of 12. On the 24 June 1938 he married Peggy Mackay of Glenyards at Haggs Parish Church. The couple lived in Allandale. He was employed as a brick moulder at J.G Stein & Co.

At the outbreak of the war Mr Anderson joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. In 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery during the Monte Cassino operations.

(Below is a copy of the Citation and a report in the Falkirk Herald of a social event held in his honour by the people of Glenyards.)

In the Railway Hall Greenhill on Wednesday evening, neighbours from Glenyards and friends met in a social capacity to honour Sergeant George Anderson D.C.M. of Allandale, who is at present on leave from the Middle East. Sergt. Anderson was accompanied by Mrs Anderson, better known as Peggy Mackay who, during her husband’s absence, has resided at Glenyards. Mrs St John spoke of Sergeant Anderson’s service to the Country since September 1939 to the present time. In asking Sergeant Anderson to accept a gift of money from the people of Glenyards, she said she was honoured by being asked to make the presentation. Sergeant Anderson suitably replied. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing and games. The music for the dancing being provided by the Ferguson Band with Mr Rollo as M.C. Mr Anderson was presented with his medal by King George V1 and was accompanied at the palace by his wife and his father.

After the war the family lived at Woodburn Crescent. Mr Anderson was employed at Griffiths Brickworks for a time and subsequently as a first aider at J.G. Stein till his retiral.

(22.06.1914 - 03.02.1992)

DistinquishedConduct Medal

Established on the th

4 December 1854 during the Crimean War, the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M) was a high-level award for bravery, second level military decoration to other ranks, and Non-Commissioned Personnel of the British Army and Commonwealth Countries eligible for this award.The Distinguished Conduct Medal was regarded as second only to the Victoria Cross in prestige.

4

The biggest, most awe-inspiring building project the people of Scotland had ever seen, the Roman Antonine Wall stretches right across the country, from the Clyde to the Forth – and of course passing through Bonnybridge at Rough Castle. Work is currently underway to rediscover the Antonine Wall and to provide a wide range of new and innovative ways for people to get involved in the fascinating history associated with the Wall.

An ambitious project to bring history to life to promote the Antonine Wall and its fascinating past has received initial support of over £1,000,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). If successful the project should receive further funding to put proposed improvements in place such as Roman-themed play spaces, replica stone slabs which marked distance points along the route and a community-led video tour of the Wall.

An outline of the project has already secured a first-round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund and they are currently involved in the detailed planning stage for a full grant application next year.

Greenhill Historical Society has been in discussion with the project’s coordinators and impressed them so much that they have decided to put in a bid for funding for a piece of sculpture to be located in Bonnybridge. If successful the sculpture may form a part of the proposed ‘Bonnybridge and District Heritage Park’ centred on the old St Helen’s Graveyard beside the library.

They also intend to recruit a ‘21st century Legion’ of volunteers to help promote the Antonine Wall in local areas. Why not be one of them?

Rediscovering The Antonine Wall

Representative Roman Soldier

Rough Castle from the Air

Liliae defense pits at Rough Castle

GHS

From Bonnybridge to Media Success

Chris Beattie

GHS

5

Christopher Beattie, known as Gus, was born in Bonnybridge and lived with his parents James & Judith at 3 Highland Dykes Drive before moving to Falkirk when he was 10. He has forged a career in the media as a comedy producer and set up his own production company, Gusman Productions, in 2016 based in Falkirk.

In the late 90s I was looking for a career change and keen to break into the creative industries, so I enrolled on a radio production course in Stirling as I felt that would be a good starting point. Around the same time I started writing sketch and sitcom scripts and through sheer persistence, eventually got my first sketch on ‘Only An Excuse?’ on BBC Scotland, which was huge for me.

I was then offered a job at local radio station Central FM as a commercial producer and presenter, so was starting to pick up lots of great creative experience in radio. I then got noticed at Indie, The Comedy Unit in Glasgow and had a sitcom in development with them as well as being on their roster of sketch writers. I got to know the then bosses Colin Gilbert and April Chamberlain, and when a job came up to front their radio operation they offered me the post. After 13 successful years there I felt it was time to have a go at setting up my own independent production company, and here we are with Gusman Productions! Been quite the journey.

In the last 15 years I’ve been lucky enough to produce a number of high profile shows, including Fags, Mags & Bags and The Absolutely Radio Show on BBC Radio 4. It’s a great pleasure to produce work for the network and especially on Radio 4 who have over 10 million listeners a week so your work is playing to huge audiences. I’ve also worked with some great comedy talent including Ford Kiernan, Karen Dunbar, Kayvan Novak, Greg Hemphill, Morwenna Banks, Greg McHugh, Alistair McGowan, Gordon Kennedy, Susan Calman, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle, Gavin Mitchell, Jonathan Watson, Jack Docherty, Moray Hunter, Miles Jupp, and AL Kennedy

My main focus when starting out was to become a comedy writer, but I don’t harbour the same writing ambitions I had - these days I only write material for a host script or if we need a gag on a certain subject. Legendary radio comedy producer Bill Dare had written an article where he pointed out that you could fit into his kitchen the number of people who made a living from comedy writing in the UK so I felt the smart money was on being a producer! When you’re a comedy producer the ability to write gags is a vital skill to call upon, but these days I’d definitely call myself a producer rather than a writer.

If I were to give advice on to anyone interested in this line of work I would definitely say starting out as a joke writer helped me a lot. Keep looking online for new writing initiatives and things that you can get involved with. BBC Writersroom now have a dedicated team based in Glasgow and have been very proactive in getting opportunities out there so, get in contact with them and let yourself and your passion be known. Also look at creating content yourself, there’s platforms out there so get in touch with the social media team at BBC Scotland - it's a great place for new talent to get their work out to big audiences.

Christopher (Gus) Beattie – MD at Gusman Productions. Twitter: @gusman

GHSBonnybridge Play GroupBy Judy Beattie

6

During the early 70s a group of young mothers,

under the guidance of the wife of local Minister the

Rev. James Millar, formed the Bonnybridge Parish

Church pre-school play group to be held in the Church

Hall. A committee was formed and the supervisors

were handpicked. Because we needed funds for toys etc., various

fund raising events were considered one of which was a fun football match, women against men. None of us knew the rules (maybe one or two of the men!). There were, however, no rules in this game which meant the girls won 2-1. Who says you cannot pick up a ball and run. Much fun was had by everyone and hopefully the word had circulated about our group. There was an open invitation for parents to come along and see what was taking place. It progressed to be a very useful addition to village life. The match was obviously successful as we repeated the exercise all over again the following year.

I was the treasurer of the group so therefore met all the parents which meant the parents benefitted in the form of new friendships which in my case was good as I was a newcomer to the village. Decimalisation came into our lives in the early 70s so that meant I had to learn the difference between pennies and pence very quickly. A very good lesson!

People recognised were:

From left to right---James Allan (son of Butcher Malcolm) –Jimmy Beattie—Dorothy Sutherland—next 4

not known--- Main St. Fruit and veg shop owner--- Raymond? Future councillor.---post man’s wife---not

known--- wife of Lockhart’s garage owner---next 2 not known---Billy McKee---wife of Rev. James Millar---

Anna McKee (emigrated to Australia)---not known.

Kneeling---Judy Beattie---Val Harvey---Christine?---Steve Harvey( neighbours of mine)

GHS Wortlands Square, Bonnybridge in the late 1940s and 1950s

Some of our older readers may remember a place called Wortlands Square. “The Square” as it

was generally known was at the back of Smith & Wellstood up “Foodry Brae” from the Pend and

Bonnyside Road. There was a small shop called Mrs Izatt’s at the start of Bonnymuir place before you

went up an incline to arrive at the square. The name, The Square, came from the fact that the houses

were built in a square round a large drying green. In the drying green was a wash house with a large wash

tub called a boiler which was coal fired to heat enough water to do the weekly washing. Each family was

allocated a specific day and time for using the wash house and my family’s day was a Monday morning

every week. I can remember most of the residents of the Square and I am hoping somebody will be able

to help to fill in the rest of the names.

Top Row of Square residents - Young, Cullen, Hope, Fotheringham

Side Row of Square residents - Dalgety, Dow, Pacitti

Bottom Row of Square residents - Harkins, Moffat, Douglas, White, Davie, Traynor

Near Side Row of Square residents of the Square - Morrison, Baxter, J Pacitti (my family), Lothian

The Square was a wonderful place to live. There was a great sense of community and neighbourliness.

For us children it was a haven of fun and adventure. We loved playing Cowboys and Indians; sledging on

coup hill and putting on concerts. We used old curtains to form a stage and made our parents sit through

every performance! Happy days!

The photograph below was taken in Wortlands Square on the day of the Coronation in 1953. Most

of us had been to the public hall on the Main Street, (demolished a long time ago) watching it on

television. The residents and children living in the Square had our coronation tea in the wash house! All

the children were given a rare treat of fancy hats and balloons!

Back Row-

Duncan White, Martin? Janice Kerr,

Helen Pacitti, John Douglas, William

Davie

Middle Row-

Graeme Dow, Jennifer Harkins, Jill

Dow

Front Row-

? ? Keith Dow, Elizabeth Douglas,

Margaret Davie

Please get in touch if you can

remember any of the names I have

missed.

By Helen Wright

War Time Carrot CakeIngredients:8oz (200gms) self-raising flour3oz (75gms) margarine3oz (75gms) sugar5oz (125gms) finely grated carrot2oz (50gms) sultanas1 eggA little milk or water to mix

Method:1. Preheat the oven to Gas mark 7 or 200 Electric2. Sift flour into mixing bowl3. Rub in margarine4. Add all other ingredients and add enough milk or water to make a sticky mixture5. Pour into a lined, greased tin and cook for 40-45 minutes until golden in colour 7

GHS

8

Mr James Dyet was born in Dailly, Ayrshire on June 14 1908. The family moved to Bonnybridge when he was aged 3 years. James was the fifth child to be born in a large family extending to three brothers and four sisters. As a child he followed Falkirk Football Club and remembers walking from Bonnybridge to the games played at Brockville Park.

His first club was known as the Wellstood Welfare Club which was linked to the Smith and Wellstood Foundry in Bonnybridge. As the club was only available to those under 21 years of age James was compelled, on reaching this age, to find a new club. He joined Cowie Juveniles FC the season following their 1928-29 Scottish Cup victory. A playing member of the winning side was his older brother, Gilbert. His break into senior football came with the combined efforts of an injury to King’s Park FC’s centre-forward (Martin) on New Year’s Day 1930 and a visit from his brother Gilbert, who was now playing left-half for King’s Park, who stated that if James came along with him to Forthbank, he would start in the game against Forfar Athletic. Mr. Reginald Dawber (Secretary) had apparently been watching James playing for Cowie and was interested in securing his services for the King’s Park club.

ndOn January 2 1930, James made his debut for King’s Park and in the following ninety minutes

managed to score no less than 8 goals, thus equalling the League record of McGrory (Celtic), McNally (Arthurlie) and McBain (Queen’s Park). James stated that he didn’t think that it seemed such a great feat and added that he did not realise quite what had been achieved. King’s Park wasted no time in securing his services on a part-time basis for the grand sum of 25 shillings per week (£1.25). James was able to combine his new found status as a professional footballer with that of his trade as a moulder.

In July 1930, for a reported fee of £750, James was sold to Falkirk F.C. James recalls that he was sent a telegram stating that he should make his way immediately to the Royal Hotel in Stirling. He took no part in the negotiations as he was seated in a separate room and initially the offer only amounted to £4 per week. After some negotiation the offer was increased to £5 per week and James signed a full-time contract.

By Paul Docherty 27 August 2004

An Interview with James Dyet

GHSContinued

9

In season 1930/31, James played in 38 of Falkirk’s competitive league games, playing alongside the likes of Patsy Gallacher who played inside-left. James finished the season as Falkirk’s leading goal-scorer and received his only honour by being part of the team that won the Stirlingshire Cup. 1931 proved to be a memorable year for James as he married Annie Stewart in a ceremony conducted at Dennyloanhead Church. In the years to follow, the marriage would produce a total of seven children, three sons and four daughters.

The following season James spent almost entirely playing in Falkirk’s reserves until, in March 1932, he was transferred in a player exchange with Radcliffe to Dundee United. James signed a full-time contract at £3 per week and recalls that ex-Glasgow Rangers player Willie Reid was the manager. James states that they stayed in digs with Mrs Eagan in Dens Road and adds that he remembers clearly the players entrance along Tannadice Street. He also remembers the wooden Grandstand and the Pavillion and adds as a conclusion that the facilities as a whole were very poor.

In James’s last season at Tannadice Park he was able to revert to being part-time and find employment with Carmuirs Iron Company in Camelon, doing his football training at Forthbank Park and travelling to the weekend game. James says he can’t remember exactly how his time with the club ended but he does remember that he was not around when Jimmy Brownlee returned.

For the 1933/34 season James returned to play for King’s Park on a part-time basis. He is unable to remember if the wages had increased from the 25 shillings per week but added that if they had increased, it wasn’t by much. James made his returning league debut for King’s Park in a game against local rivals Stenhousemuir, scoring a hat-trick. At the end of

ththe season, with King’s Park finishing 7 position in the league, James was released. Unable to find a new club James decided that he’d hang up his boots,

James worked for Carmuirs Iron Company up to the outbreak of war. His employment classed as a reserved occupation, he spent his time in the Home Guard. James spent a total of 35 years with the firm, the latter 5 or 6 years as a Foreman. He moved on to Dobbie Ford’s (Iron Founders) working in the Inspection Department until his retirement at 65 years of age in 1973,

Since retiring some 31 years ago James can look back on a life which has been long and all too briefly lit up the world of Scottish football. He is, in my opinion, a living legend and I feel very honoured to have met him. Thank you Mr Dyet for allowing me the privilege.

Record goalscorer dies

GHSThe Unremembered

By P. Swierczek

As a student of higher history circa 1966, I studied the ‘Great War’ as it was one of the prescribed topics. We dealt in depth with the events that lead to the war, the horrors of the trenches and the battles such as those at Ypres, The Somme, Passchendaele and many more. We knew that the human death toll was an appalling 30 million souls, many of whom were civilians caught up in the cataclysm. But I have no recollection whatsoever of any mention of the Labour Corps which have been renamed ‘The Unremembered’.

Greenhill Historical Society recently applied to participate in a ‘Big Ideas’ project which is dedicated to righting this wrong and making sure, that as the commemorations accelerate towards the cessation of hostilities, that this essential group are at last ‘remembered’ for their invaluable contribution to the war effort.

The Labour Corps was established in 1917 when it became clear that the ‘over by Christmas’ prediction was completely wrong and that the number of fronts opened up across the globe stretched resources well beyond the capabilities of the existing available man-power. There were recruitment drives set up throughout the Empire as it was then but many millions of men were simply conscripted into serving ‘King and Country’. As a rule, these were men who did not reach the A1 standard required of fighting men either because of their age, existing medical conditions or having been previously wounded and failing to reach the highest grade of fitness. Conscientious objectors were also conscripted to the Labour Corps. It seems from records of the time that these men were regarded as second class service men and therefore have been erased from the collective memory. The list of countries whose men were conscripted to the Labour Corps is too numerous to mention as they stretch from Canada, to Africa, Fiji China, India and many, many more.

The duties of the ‘Unremembered’ included digging trenches, filling millions of sandbags, transporting men and supplies, removing the dead and injured from the battle fields, cooking, laundry, delousing, guarding prisoners, farming and forestry work to name but a few. Most of these men were unarmed, with the exception of those on guard duty or co-opted as reserve infantry men. The death toll among them was huge as they were in the firing line a great deal of the time and often died of disease and exhaustion. Their service and sacrifices deserve to acknowledged with as much reverence and gratitude as we accord to the soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought in World War 1.

As a tribute to The Unremembered, a group of our members has been involved in hand making special wreaths (illustration on back cover), one of which will be placed on the Bonnybridge War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday every year and the other will hopefully be accepted by one of the War Museums in Scotland. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to A. Burns, P. Ferguson and S. Lambie for producing these magnificent memorials.

Chinese Labour Corps.

Colonial Troups digging trenches

Unremembered

10

GHS It’s All OverBy Irene M Ryan

Rumours had been circulating for days in November 1918 that the end of the War was near. Most remembered that at the start of the WW1 everyone said it would be over by Christmas, so in 1914 the people were holding their breath and crossing their fingers.

The newspapers had been reporting a “Great German Retreat” and there were stories of the “starving and killing” of British Prisoners of War. The Black Watch were in a “hand to hand” battle and there was bitter fighting at Lille in France.

The buzz went around Bonnybridge just after 10am on Monday 11 November 1918 that the Armistice had been signed and the war was all over.

As the news spread, all the church bells rang and in every industry the works buzzers were sounded and all the workers downed tools and joined a procession of villagers on a march to the toll. The children in school sang God Save the King then joined rejoicing in the streets. The churches held services of thanksgiving and remembrance. There was the infinite relief that the long drawn out agony of war and loss was over.

Most of the houses and buildings had flags and bunting hanging from them. A large bonfire was built on Cowden Hill and lit at night. The people brought what food they had and shared it around. The Dennyloanhead and Banknock Pipe Band came to the toll and played many exhilarating tunes and the festivities went on well into the night.

Tuesday the 12th November was observed as a holiday.

On 21st December 1918, The War Relief Committee arranged an enjoyable evening for the families of local soldiers and sailors. A memorable entertainment programme and dinner was held in the cooperative hall. Smith & Wellstood gave a £25 donation to this celebration and other works were expected to follow.

In January 1919 Griffith’s brick and silica works held a Victory Ball for all their workers.

By January 1919 only a few service men had returned home and those who were home had returned to work. On Saturday January 11th there was a homecoming party held in the Co-operative Hall, Sapper George Forrester gave a solo performance and Misses Janice and Agnes Henderson sang a duet. There were many others there that night who sang and entertained the people. A great time was had by all and the night ended with ‘Auld Lang Syne’.There were a large number of troops abroad which meant it took time for most of them to get home, and many found it difficult to adjust to civilian life.

Pictures depict Armistice Celebrations

GHS

During WW2 churches were often the centre of support to both those at the Front and those left behind. This collection of notices (as written) announced during Mass in St Joseph’s chapel gives a fascinating insight into how the ‘Home Front’ offered support both during the fighting and in the aftermath of war.

November 12th 1939. “There is a box at the door to enable socks to be knitted (for men at the Front) – hope women will show a little more enthusiasm.”

thNovember 19 1939

“We are grateful for the number of socks and mitts that have been knitted for the men of the Parish.”

rd3 December 1939

“Proceeds from tonight’s Cinema in the church hall will go to the Red Cross.”th

18 Feb 1940“Lecture in Falkirk Town Hall – “Nazism vs Catholicism”

th9 June 1940

“Mass next Saturday in Falkirk at 9.30am for former pupils of St Modan’s who are in the Forces.”th

24 November 1940“Friday – tea for soldiers in the hall – dance 6.00pm after tea.”

th26 January 1941

“Special collection for Red Cross prisoners’ fund.”th

14 September 1941“Comfort fund – all asked to give one penny (men/women, boys/girls working). More women required to knit otherwise there may be no comfort parcels for men who are away. Wool given out after service.”

th19 Oct 1941

“All who are knitting for men in the forces might please hand in the articles as soon as possible.”nd

22 Dec 1942“Dance for Comfort Fund in the school on Friday – hopes for a good response.”

st21 March 1943

“Lately dead – Matthew McVicar – killed in air raid in Tripoli.”rd

23 May 1943“Special collection today for the Red Cross.”

th14 November 1943

“Mass at 9 Friday for all killed in war.”th

30 Jan 1944th

“On Feb 18 there will be a tea for Polish soldiers – all invited to give a little help re food.”th

15 Oct 1944“William Kelly, Denny, killed in action.”

th15 Oct 1944

th “Whist drive and dance for Red Cross Fri 10 November - £30 has been raised recently for the Comfort Fund.”

th25 April 1945

“Letter re aftermath of War from Archbishop Andrew Joseph OSB”th

7 October 1945“Comfort Fund is now closed.”

th16 December 1945

“Special Collection for starving Children of Europe”th

13 Jan 1946“Collection for starving children of Europe.”

st1 December 1946

“Thanks to all who helped with Welcome Home Social on Friday.”th

4 November 1950“Requiem Mass for those killed in the two World Wars.”

St.Joseph’s at WarWorld War 11 Notices from the Pulpit

12

GHS

A Bird’s Eye-view of

Bonnybridge

Can you identify these areas?

No right or wrong answers.13

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

FUN

QUIZ

GHS

14

It was the year 1950. We were six Bonnybridge boyhood pals aged just fifteen to sixteen and all of us serving apprenticeships in the various trades of the local foundries and businesses in the village of Bonnybridge. Our group was made up of brothers Arthur and Jack Ferguson, Stewart Beattie, Jim Ayton, Jim Scott and myself Alex Burns. For our first weeks holiday from work we decided to go on a cycling and camping tour. Innocently my suggestion was “Let’s cycle around Scotland”.

Friday afternoon we excitedly gathered with bags packed, three two man tents, Primus stoves blankets, as much food and sweets as we could carry and an old map. Off we cycled on a journey never to be forgotten.

First stop was Lochearnhead to mend a punctured tyre on Jim Scott’s Bike. This we quickly patched up, a fix that amazingly lasted throughout the trip, then up through Glen Ogle we raced to Crianlarich to set up camp for the first night.

Saturday saw an early start to the day as we headed for Oban. On arrival we made for Ganavan sands and thought we were in paradise. A beautiful remote sandy bay, with a large raft anchored in the water, left over from the RAF’s flying boat base station. In unison we jumped in and swam out to the landing. After setting up camp we cycled into town and by chance met two local girls, one whose father owned the local Picture house, so “free tickets and free ice cream all round“.

The following day we rolled our way further up the winding west coast past Ballachulish. There was no Ballachulish Bridge back then so it was the long way around by Kinlochleven, a 20-mile detour, to reach our destination of Fort William and Glen Nevis for our third night under the canvas.

Next day, after a longer rest, we headed on northwards to Spean Bridge where we pitched our tents as darkness fell. Away from the camp, while visiting the needs of nature, Stewart and I were startled when we discovered staring down at us, a large horned, stuffed and mounted wild goat’s head nailed to a tree. Most bizarre! We had never seen such an ugly looking thing. Saying nothing, we all

settled to sleep, that is except Stewart and me. Later that night when all was quiet, the two accomplices’ sneaked back to the, tree removed the head and stuck it in through the open flaps of the Ferguson brother’s tent screaming aloud, “WOW THERES A WILD BEAST OUTSIDE”. On jumping up, turning on their torches and seeing the big head bearing down on them Arthur and Jack yelled in fright and dived backwards out under the rear of the tent. A stupid joke I admit but everyone saw the fun side eventually and no friendships were broken.

Next morning on leaving Spean Bridge, we visited the brand new commando monument, which was under construction. The inscription on the front reading “United We Conquer” was very apt with regard to the teamwork we used on the road with each member taking a turn in the lead position.

“Let’s Cycle Around Scotland”

By Alex Burns

Ganavan Sands

Alex and his trusty cycle

Some of the intrepid cyclists

Saturday and a week had passed. Finally, a day of rest with no cycling! We all had a wonderful day walking round Aberdeen with the two girls, Stewart’s cousins, as our personal guides then on to the beach and a swim in the freezing water. We received a round of applause when we jumped for joy in the icy waves then ran back out faster than we had run in! That evening we spent packing all our gear, making ready for the long road home the next day. To ensure an early start we all gladly accepted the chance to sleep on Stewart’s aunt and uncle’s living room floor. We could not thank Stewart’s family enough for the time, kindness and generosity they gave us all.

Sunday saw us homeward bound and leaving Aberdeen very early. We realised we had set ourselves a daunting task to cover around 140 miles to make it home, well we all had to start back at work on Monday! We worked hard as a team to cope with the wind and the miles, finally reaching Auchterarder. We were very tired so we stopped for some welcome respite. It was touch and go! ‘Do we give in and camp an extra night or push on’? The decision was unanimous, “we go for it”. On and on we pushed until finally we reached Bonnybridge We had all made it safely home, exhausted but exhilarated with the memories. “Yes and we all made it to our work on Monday morning” ….” On our bikes”!!

Epilogue There are many other little tales to tell of this journey but important to note is that word back to our parents was by postcard. One card only by us all to a different set of parents each time, from a different location, with each set of parents instructed to inform all the others of our progress.

In addition, it is of great significance to say we all remained friends for life, and sadly, at this time only Jack and I can tell the tale.

Inverness Castle

Mariscahl College, Aberdeen

continued

Great Glen

On this trip it was all for one and one for all. Pushing on North again we cycled up the great glen, along Loch Ness and up to Inverness, then on to Nairn where camp was set on the beach with very tired legs.

Wednesday morning, refreshed and with no time to linger, the party headed along the beautiful Moray Firth coast road before finally turning south at Fochabers and continuing down to Huntly to make Camp on the Thursday night.

Friday now and our goal was to reach Aberdeen and refuge. Stewart Beattie’s aunt, uncle, and two lovely cousins lived there and our supplies were running low. We arrived late but they were most welcoming, allowing us to pitch the tents in their garden.

Designed and Printed by m 07969 812680 e slig@blueyonder.co.uk

prin

t serv

ice

s

maddison

GHSGHS

Bo’ness Motor Museum

Scottish Parliament

Summerlee

The Poppy Factory

Clydebank Museum

VISITATIONS

Sail on the F & C Canal on a Wooden Spoon Barge

Greenhill’s handmade Wreaths