Undiscovered Scotland

 

Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire has a lot going for it. It is within easy commuting distance of Scotland's largest city, Glasgow, and has excellent road and rail links. It is only seven miles from the beautiful Campsie Fells; just over 20 miles from Loch Lomond; and lies within two miles of the line of an ancient Roman monument that is also a World Heritage Site, the Antonine Wall. Add to this a recorded history that saw it feature on maps from as early as 1250; a name that can trace its origin to the Gaelic comar nan allt, meaning "the meeting of the waters"; and a huge investment in modern housing, especially by private sector developers who are building exactly the sorts of highly successful properties they are building across much of central Scotland. Yet despite its growth and success, Cumbernauld has also suffered from an image problem over the years.

"Cumbernauld From Old Photographs" by Adam Smith gives a fascinating insight into the paradox the town represents. Drawing on old postcards, and photographs from a variety of other sources, it helps give an understanding of what Cumbernauld was before its designation as a New Town in 1955; and how it changed during the early decades of its subsequent development. The images are well chosen and really do give a sense of how what went before became what you can see on the ground today. This is a book we'd wholeheartedly recommend for anyone with an interest in Cumbernauld, the wider area, or the story of Scotland's New Towns.

You get a good sense of the content from the publisher's description: "Cumbernauld in North Lanarkshire has seen huge changes over the years. Originally a village built around Cumbernauld Castle and Cumbernauld House, it was designated a New Town in 1955 to house people living in poor conditions and war-damaged areas in Glasgow and elsewhere. Its population grew rapidly as construction started and by 1967, when the town centre was opened by Princess Margaret, Cumbernauld was winning awards for its innovative modernist architecture. Construction and expansion has continued in the ensuing years, with some of its original architecture being modified and even rebuilt for the changing requirements of people living in present-day Scotland."

"In Cumbernauld From Old Photographs author Adam Smith has drawn on a remarkable selection of images to give a pictorial record of how much the town and the community has changed over the years. Although many of landmarks have remained the same, the photographs show the town adapting and evolving, with many other buildings being replaced and the pattern of life in the town changing for many too. This fascinating collection of images will be of interest to those who have lived in Cumbernauld or know it well."