FROM THE ARCHIVES

1996

A PLAN to gain Scottish Office funding to boost investment in Cumbernauld’s shopping scene was found to be a non-starter after MP Norman Hogg met with Scottish secretary George Kynoch in Whitehall. For it emerged that no cash would be forthcoming. Mr Hogg has spelled out that Cumbernauld shoppers were drifting away to other locations like Glasgow and Stirling – and that ideally, incentives could be made available to would-be investors. Mr Hogg then announced his attention to discuss the matter with councillors – given that the newly formed North Lanarkshire Council had taken responsibility for the malls.

1986

CUMBERNAULD was in line for another jobs boost after a leading technology firm announced it would invest in the town. Riva Turnkey Computer Systems Ltd was setting up shop in ten custom-built unit in Westfield – and would be creating 50 new posts in the process. The Bolton-based firm said it chose Cumbernauld as it was the only location that had offered them the premises they sought.

1976

PLANS to bring a £300,000 bingo and cinema complex to the town were finalised. Although the facilities had not been granted planning permission, they were being viewed as one of the most important leisure developments earmarked for Cumbernauld. The building- proposed by the County Bingo group would be located under the Post Office.

1971

RAVENSWOOD was no longer the only ‘dry’ area in Cumbernauld after residents saw its first public house open its doors. The Kingfisher in Dowanfield Road meant that residents no longer had to walk to Seafar or the town centre for a tipple. The unusually shaped building was the second venture in Cumbernauld by brewing giants Thomas Usher & Son Ltd which was already overseeing The Jack Snipe in Carbrain. In fact, popular Jack Snipe boss John Payne would be transferring to The Kingfisher to take care of business!

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