FROM THE ARCHIVES

1996

A HIGHLY controversial entrance fee levied at once-free Palacerigg Country Park would be scrapped in a move that marked a victory for people power. The local beauty spot with its popular collection of animals had acted as a magnet for many new town dwellers who wanted to enjoy the fruits of nature – but the newly formed North Lanarkshire Council had started charging them in the hope of raising £65,000 in the process. A slump in visitor numbers was the result after a boycott started, forcing NLC decided to find other ways of raising the cash.

1986

CUMBERNAULD schools were shut after teachers went on strike over pay. Many would attend a rally in Edinburgh.

1976

CUMBERNAULD’S very own multi-million pound extension area was growing fast and the payoff would be homes for 20,000 people. It would bear the name Westfield and its very first houses were reaching their completion, with families scheduled to move in early 1977.

1971

JAPANESE town planners jetted in from Tokyo to see Cumbernauld’s unique layout.

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