Laid out below is an extract from the Third Statistical Account of Scotland. This excerpt, written in 1952 and revised in 1961, was published in 1966 for volume 18 of the accounts, this volume entitled "County of Stirling and County of Clackmannan". Tillicoultry, located within the County of Clackmannan, comes under the editorship of The Rev. T. Crouther Gordon, with overall organisation being carried out via Glasgow University.
The Third Statistical Account of Scotland – Volume 18, (1966)
Chapter 20
PARISH OF TILLICOULTRY
(County of Clackmannan.)
by the Late REV. GEORGE LYALL.
Boundaries.
The eastern boundary is that of Dollar, and the western is Alva. Blackford parish lies on the north and Clackmannan on the south. The boundaries form the shape of an oblong figure with the east and west sides extending about six miles, the north one mile and the south two and a quarter miles. The town itself is pleasantly situated at the foot of the Ochil Hills. The old town and part of the newly-built area rest on the lower slopes of the hills and extend with the modernly built houses on the south, as far as the river Devon.
Origin of the Name.
There is some ambiguity about the origin of the name Tillicoultry. To begin with it has several renderings in spelling. The ancient Cartulary of Cambuskenneth in the many documents referring to Tillicoultry gives the spellings: 'Tulycoultry,' 'Tulicultry,' 'Tulycultraine,' 'Tulycultri,' 'Tullicultre.' Two explanations of the name are offered -
Celtic. Tullich-cut-tir, or Tullich-cul-tir. This derivation means 'The hill at the back of the country,' this being the rising ground beginning at Tillicoultry House, (in ruins since about 1937), and running in a south-easterly direction to the river Devon.
Latin. Tellus culta - a place in a high state of cultivation, and tellus cultorum dei - the land of the worshippers of God. Part of the rising ground above mentioned was certainly in the proximity of a church, and a druid circle.
History.
As is commonly the case, much of the history, in the early stages, has a religious significance. In the ancient Chronicle of Picts and Scots mention is made of one Servanus or St. Serf, who is said to have had an eastern origin. He was the son of Obeth, son of a king in the land of Canaan. The story goes that after many journeys in Jerusalem, Egypt and Constantinople, he crossed the Alps, accompanied by a number of clerics and other people, men and women, arriving at the Ictian Sea (English Channel). The company made their way to the River Forth, and at the island of Inchkeith met Adamnan, an abbot in Scotland.
Adamnan gave St. Serf instructions to inhabit Fife 'as far as the Ochil Hills.' This chronicle speaks of St. Serf visiting the places of Tillibothy, Tillicoultry and Alva. It is also known that an eighth century church was erected near where the ruined House of Tillicoultry stands, and that it was dedicated to St. Serf. Odd stones still to be seen in the old churchyard must have belonged to an ecclesiastical building in close proximity. A few years ago excavations by Major A. B. Wardlaw Ramsay revealed the foundations of an old church.
Antiquities.
Among the antiquities may be mentioned an enclosure and ditch, being all that remains of Castle Craig, the cist cover near Tillicoultry House from the 'Druid Circle' mentioned in the previous Statistical Accounts, and some interesting tombstones in the graveyard behind Tillicoultry House. These are described in the report on the counties of Fife, Kinross and Clackmannan (1933) of the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments of Scotland.
The Local Community.
Since the publication of the second or New Statistical Account (1841) great changes have taken place in this community. The first change was the formation of the Burgh of Tillicoultry.
On 29 December 1870 an application was made to the Sheriff of Clackmannan by ten petitioners who were mostly engaged in the woollen industry, and were occupiers of property to the value of £4 sterling or upwards. Their petition, stating that the village was a populous place with about 700 inhabitants, was granted and the first commissioners, nine in number, were proposed on 25 February 1871. The Clerk to the Commissioners received a salary of £10 per annum and the Treasurer and Collector of rates, £20 per annum.
There was handed over to the Commissioners the stock of the village:
67 gas lamps, 18 1/2 dozen birch besoms, 1 wheel barrow, 2 picks, 3 Shovels, 1 barrel, 2 pieces of wooden rhone, 2 ladders, 2 hand lamps, 1 pail, 1 pair pliers.
The wages of the first scavengers were 15s and 12s a week. The rates were 1s. in the £.
In 1871 a quantity of chloride or lime was kept in stock as a precaution against cholera.
Population.
During the past 150 years the population of the parish has shown the following variations :- (1801), 916; (1851), 4,686; (1891), 5,695; (1901), 4,987; (1911), 4,694; (1921), 4,645; (1931), 4,461; (1951), 5,527.*
* The 1961 census revealed that the population has now fallen to 3,963.
Included in the 1951 figure is the population (about 1,000) of the mining village of Coalsnaughton situated to the south of Tillicoultry. The rapid rise from 1801 to 1851 was due to the flourishing trade in the mills. A great many came from outside to share in this prosperity. The mystery is where the people lived, since most of the houses were of the ‘single end’ variety.
Between 1891 and 1931 the numbers fell by 1,234 owing to periods of trade depression. The increase of 1,066 during the twenty years from 1931 to 1951 is largely accounted for by the change-over in the parish from one main industry - woollen manufacture - to a considerable variety of industries. The present trend indicates a still increasing population and a further building of houses for incoming people such as colliers' families, who have been gradually drifting eastwards from the worked-out pits in the west. Within the past year (1952) over 70 families have come to houses specially built for them by the National Coal Board. The native population has become mixed with families from the other parts of Scotland, and this has been good for the town as there was a considerable amount of intermarriage between families in earlier days. But the greatest change in the people has come since about 1930 from two main causes.
First of all there was the change of industry when key workers came to the new firms mentioned later. Then there was the change brought about through the second world war, when young men and women left this town and many married and brought their wives or husbands back to this district. Not a few soldiers who were billeted in Tillicoultry married into families living here.
Quite a number have since settled down in the town. Some of the men of Polish origin (soldiers in the Polish Army), who for political reasons had no desire to return to their native land, have settled also, many of them marrying Tillicoultry women. The economic situation, and aftermath of the two world wars, resulted in many going abroad, to Australia, the United States, but chiefly to Canada.
Housing.
As mentioned elsewhere in this Account many of the older houses were of the ‘single end’ type. When water supply became available within the houses people began to make certain additions to their property, where possible, and bathrooms and sculleries were built. Quite a number of houses still have not only outside lavatory accommodation, but one lavatory for more than one family.
The number of houses built within the burgh during the past 50 years is about 500, and in the landward area about 250. Since 1918, 32 houses within the burgh and 10 in the landward area have been built privately. The districts in which these new houses have been built are, within the burgh, Walker Terrace, Hill Street, Ann Street, Stoneyacre and Hareburn. Then came the section known as Jamieson Gardens. Adjoining that scheme is the area covered by the pre-fabricated houses of North Hill Street, etc., and the last area to be built to date is that of Stalker Avenue, Church Grove, etc.
In addition there are the houses in the Moss Road, erected by Messrs. Samuel Jones and Company (Devonvale) Limited, and the council houses in Balcarres Street. Altogether there are 1,354 houses in Tillicoultry burgh (1951).
This building of new houses, with gardens and conveniences, is having a marked effect on the outlook of the people. When we compare present conditions with those existing prior to 1914 it amazes us how and where the people lived in the earlier part of the century.
Public Services: Roads and Streets.
One of the most significant changes has been in the maintenance of the roads and streets. Owing to the advent of mechanical transport there was a great improvement in road surfaces.
The old fashioned road metal, and the stone breaker by the wayside with his neat pile of stones, are now only a memory. The main thoroughfares are well kept, clean and tidy, and are well lit.
Water Supply.
In the latter part of the nineteenth century the population had to rely on the various street wells. Many can still remember them.
The water was drawn from the hills which lie immediately above the town, the supply for Coalsnaughton being led across the valley to a water house on the Sheardale road. The parish church and manse used to draw water from this source, but the supply for the manse was previously obtained from a draw well, which still exists, in the glebe. Gradually water was led into the houses, with great advantage to the people.
There are still too many outside privies, some with water, and some without, although the erection of new housing within the parish is making great change by giving people all inside conveniences. The demands on the water supply have caused the reservoirs to be greatly enlarged and this in turn has meant increasing the size of the water pipes, and the building of drainage systems. Disposal of sewage is carried out by means of septic tanks.
Gas.
Tillicoultry Gas Company undertook to supply practically the whole town with gas for lighting purposes in the first instance, the people using the Bray Burner. With the coming of the Gas Cooker, gas fires, and the incandescent light, the quality of gas was altered to suit these purposes. Much of the heating of houses is still by gas.
Electricity.
All the new houses erected in the paridh have both gas and electricity, and many other houses have had electricity installed, discarding gas for lighting purposes. Electric lighting and power is used in all the factories.
Health Services.
In common with the population throughout the country all are given the opportunity of health care from birth to old age, but before the National Health Scheme came into force this parish had an excellent Nursing Association. This was generously supported by the townspeople and by the various works in the district. People who require hospital treatment are sent to the accident hospital or the infectious diseases hospital, Alloa, or to Stirling or Edinburgh.
Land Owners and Heritors.
Several changes have taken place within the past hundred years as to ownership of land in the parish. Tillicoultry Estate. This came into the possession of the ancestors of Lord Colville of Culross, in the reign of James III. In the seventeenth century it was in the hands of the poet and statesman, William Alexander of Menstrie, afterwards created Earl of Stirling. A later proprietor was Lord Tillicoultry, a senator of Justice and a baronet. Within the present century the estate has been much divided. Tillicoultry House, prior to the second world war, was reduced to a state of ruin, and a great part of the estate has now been sold to the burgh for building purposes.
Harviestoun Estate.
This estate used to belong to the family of Archbishop Tait, Archbishop of Canterbury. His father was the last proprietor of that name. The Archbishop with his brothers was brought up there, and the name is perpetuated in the burial ground known as 'Tait's Tomb' situated on the road between Tillicoultry and Dollar. The Archbishop's paternal grandmother, Mrs. Tait of Harviestoun, was a sister of Mrs. Hamilton, stepmother of Burns’s great Crony, Gavin Hamilton of Mauchline. Burns visited this place more than once, and in 1787 celebrated the charms of both Charlotte Hamilton, Gavin's stepmother, and the stream by whose banks she dwelt, in 'How Pleasant the Banks of Clear Winding Devon.' The poet’s very last Song 'Fairest Maid on Devon's Banks.' written at the Brow Well on the Solway, refers to Charlotte Hamilton.
The owner of the estate was until 1960 the late J. E. Kerr, who resided at Harviestoun Castle. During the past fifty years Mr. Kerr raised a very important pedigree stock, having bred six winners of the Cawdor Cup, the most important Clydesdale award. In the Classes of hackneys and hackney ponies, many London and Olympia winners came from Harviestoun. The coming of the motor finished the hackneys, and the tractor is doing the same to the Clydesdales. Shetland ponies have been bred for many years and won prizes at all the leading Shows. They have been exported to many parts of the world. Perhaps the most important stock has been the herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. Very few important herds in Britain have not used Harviestoun bulls.
The Castle, used temporarily for the younger classes of Dollar Academy, which suffered by serious fire on 24 February 1961, will be demolished.
Industries.
Tillicoultry has altered very much because of the introduction of new industries. At one time Tillicoultry Burn, which is formed by the confluence of the Daiglen and Gannel burns, used to drive as many as eight woollen mills, but gradually these mills ceased to operate. In addition it was quite common for householders to have private looms on their own premises. Several of the old weaving sheds can still be seen. Power looms, worked by women, were introduced to Tillicoultry in 1860, the ratio of women to men employed in the mills being two to one. Women are still predominant in this industry to-day. The unfortunate thing about such a one-industry town was that when dull times came, all suffered badly.
As there was no financial aid available, such as exists to-day through the medium of the Labour Exchange, and Unemployment Insurance, the suffering and hardship were severe. This had a marked effect on the way of life of the inhabitants, an effect which has not quite disappeared: it made them thrifty, for fear of bad days ahead.
In Tillicoultry in 1862 there were as many as ten woollen factories containing 40 sets of carding machines with the necessary self-acting mules. The hand-loom weaving industry died out towards the end of last century, and in the early part of this century the town was very badly hit owing to a depression and collapse of the woollen trade in 1921. Until this collapse Tillicoultry was well known for the manufacture of shawls, blankets, rugs and tweeds. Many families left the district during this depression, some settling down in other parts of the country where trade was available. The border towns have several families who settled in this way. Others went abroad.
The outlook of the whole town has changed very much of late years, as will be seen in the following details and industries. To-day the only long-established mill that remains is that of Messrs. J. & D. Paton and Company. It is mentioned in 1860 as having the largest manufactory in Scotland. This firm has long been known as manufacturers of first class quality materials, especially tartans and scarves. These are sent all over the country, and are also exported to all parts of the world. When normally working the Mill employs about 200 workers. In former days the power used was water, but now the Mill uses both Steam and electricity.
What was formerly the Devonpark Mill, a spinning mill, is now occupied by Messrs. J. Hewitt and Company, manufacturing various kinds of knitwear. The employees normally number 120, and the firm, which has been in existence for about 30 years, has a big home and export trade.
The mill commonly known as the Clock Mill was formerly a water-driven mill. In 1947 it was converted by Messrs. Campbell Brothers for the making of tartan kilts, in which there is a growing export trade. The firm also manufactures women's and children's night wear, various tartans, skirts, etc. There are about 30 people employed and there is ample room for expansion in this trade.
During the second world war the firm of Messrs. White and Company came to this town, and ultimately acquired the old Free Church, in Stirling Street, and converted it into a factory. The firm was a subsidiary company of the well-known Jaeger Company. They were Wholesale clothing manufacturers of ladies coats, sending all over the world woollen cloths of several varieties, and work in special fibres, such as camel hair and alpaca. The normal employment was about 100, with a predominance of women. The company had an excellent welfare scheme for its workers, with a superannuation fund. It had also a pension fund, and a bonus and savings scheme to which the firm added four-fifths to the savings of the workers. It is unfortunate that this factory has now re-emigrated to England.
A building, formerly a wool store, and known as Craigfoot Mill, has been used for the past five years by Mr. Duncan Sinclair as a one-man business, making various kinds of Tartans. It has two power looms. The present high price of wool and the purchase tax make this class of production scarcely profitable all the year round.
In 1921 the mill which formerly belonged to J. and R. Archibald (for long engagred in the woollen industry) was taken over by Messrs. Samuel Jones and Company (Devonvale) Limited. It was a fortunate day for Tillicoultry when this new industry started. The firm supplies coated papers for high class colour printers. It specialises in colours, having between 400 and 500 special registered colours of different types of coated paper. It also coats and pastes paper for the making of playing cards. Papers embossed in various designs to give a leatherette finish are used extensively for fancy box coverings. Another department manufactures the cork tipping for cigarettes. This production is a very large one. About half the output of the firm is exported to all parts of the world. This is a Scottish public limited company, registered in Scotland. Although most of the capital is English, those working in the firm are given an opportunity of becoming shareholders. 10 per cent. of the nett profit is distributed every year, in proportion to individual weekly wage earnings, among the workers, who can in this way earn a bonus which is equal roughly to three weeks’ wages. The number employed is 400 in about equal proportions of men and women, the men working three shifts and the women two.
The company has always been keenly interested in the housing problem in the district and has built 31 houses. Well built, with all modern appliances, they are of the three, four and five roomed type, their white ‘snowcrete’ walls, and red tiled roofs, giving a pleasing effect. Apart from building new houses the firm has purchased others in various parts of the town, and has reconditioned these with the addition of bathrooms and other improvements. They are let to the employees at a very reasonable rent, and are not a revenue-paying proposition.
The recreational needs of Devonvale workers have not been forgotten. This interest by the employers in the recreations of the employed has been something quite new to the district.
In 1925 the firm purchased land to provide facilities for recreation, and to improve the amenities. The mill now looks on well-laid-out football and cricket pitches; an excellent bowling green and pavilion; and hard courts for tennis, with pavilion adjoining. At the entrance to these recreation grounds stands a fine War Memorial, designed by C. d’O. Pilkington. Jackson of Edinburgh, commemorating those connected with the mill who fell in the second world war.
In proximity to this large scheme of mills, recreation grounds and houses, a hall has been built with a seating capacity of 800 and facilities for dancing and dramatic performances. There is no hall to compare with Devonvale Hall in the whole surrounding district. Although the firm financed the building and it is chiefly for those employed in the mill, they allow any ratepayer in Tillicoultry to use it for functions such as concerts, in aid of local charities.
The former Middleton Mill, at one time a very busy textile mill, was taken over by the Dunedin Stationery Company. This firm manufactures fancy boxes, stationery, compendiums, envelopes, writing pads, exercise books and similar articles, but does not make the paper itself. It employs about 100 people, mostly women. Within the former Middleton Mill area, in what was previously known as the engineering shop, a new industry known as the Glenelg Metal Works has been in existence since 1949. This firm, which is gradually expanding, undertakes all kinds of metal work, using both acetylene and electric welding.
In premises previously owned by Messrs. Archibald, formerly No.2 Middleton Mill, is the tannery of the Middleton Leather Company, begun in 1941. It undertakes the rough tanning of skins, which are afterwards sold to the dressers. The firm employs about 10 men.
An industry that has existed under the name of Tillicoultry Quarrying Company, has replaced the once well-known stone breaker at the road side. The kenspeckle figure with his long hammer and his neatly arranged pile of stones ready for the roads has now quite disappeared. Modern Mechanical methodS of quarrying, as practiced by this company can supply concrete aggregate, tarred chips for the roads, and dressed stone materials for causeways and kerbs. This firm employs at present about 24 people.
The Tillicoultry Co-operative Society, which occupies a large place in the life of the local community, was formed on 12 November 1839. It has a present membership Of 2,475, with 17 branches (including 3 in Dollar) covering practically every requirement of the community, such as grocery, provisions, fish, bakery, drugs, drapery, furnishings and furniture, coal, electrical services, and purveying. It has also two branches of the Women's Guild, an Educational Committee, and the Devon Valley Co-operative Choir of 45 members. This Society has 80 employees, and had a sales turnover of about £252,000 per annum in 1951 but £332,226 in 1960.
Agriculture.
According to statistics furnished by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, 457 acres are devoted to tillage, 182 to rotation grass, 671 to permanent grass, and 6,082 to rough grazings.
There are 11 full-time farms and 2 part and spare-time. Most of the farms are engaged in milk and egg production, and are up-to-date, with the most modern machinery. With the extension of electrical power nearly every farm now has its own milking machine; some have their own threshing mill, while the byres and other places about the farms are well lit with electricity.
The Tractor too plays an important part in farm work. Some of the farms use both tractor and horse, but the latter is very much in the minority and in several farms is not now to be seen.
Much of the land south of the river Devon was until recently requisitioned by the Government for outcropping coal, thus causing great damage to the land, and it will be several years before it is in a condition for cropping again.
Collieries.
Although Clackmannanshire has some very rich coal deposits, and several collieries adjoin the parish, there is only one working at present in the parish itself. A colliery was in operation in the vicinity at Sheriffyards within the past 100 years but is now out of use. The well-known Bessie Glen mine was closed in 1948. Quite near it is the modern Tillicoultry mine, with the date 1947 at the entrance.
The average daily output is 450 tons. It was estimated that at the present rate of output the mine can go on working for several years and it is still in active production. (Now closed 1963). The 229 workers mostly come from the parish, chiefly Tillicoultry and Coalsnaughton.
Education.
Since the second or New Statistical Account there has been a great advance in educational facilities. A century ago one or two privately-owned schools, such as Browning’s Academy, formed the principal means of education, but the formation of the School Board within the parish after 1872 was a great step forward. In the Burgh of Tillicoultry there is at present one school, and there is a provision for a second school in the near future. The school, known as the Tillicoultry Public School, has a primary department and a junior secondary department. There are 24 teachers on the permanent staff with 7 visiting teachers, and the number of pupils is about 600. Pupils belonging to Tillicoultry but having their education outwith the town number about 40.
The present school was built in 1938 and since then several temporary huts were built. The old school, which existed in the School Board days, was burned down in 1940. A splendid new school on the north side of the burgh has been planned.
Also within the parish is the Coalsnaughton school, which was built in 1877. This is a primary school, educating children to the age of 12. It has 180 pupils, 6 permanent teachers and 5 visiting teachers. Some 50 attend evening classes in arts and crafts, fly-tying, wood-work, dressmaking and cookery.
The Churches.
The present parish church, St. Serf’s, was erected in 1829. It has a membership of 915, being since 1956 under the Rev. P. D. G. Campbell (Woman’s Guild, 50; Sunday School, 220; Youth Organisations, apart from the Sunday School, 90). The West church (now under the Rev. J. Barclay) was formerly United Presbyterian. United with the Free Church in 1900, it became Church of Scotland as the result of the further union in 1929 (Membership 412; Woman’s Guild, 47; Sunday School, 155; Youth Organisation, 20), and became linked during the ministry of the Rev. George Ayre with the Coalsnaughton Church, formerly United Free, which had a membership of 464 (Woman’s Guild, 35; Sunday School, 98; Youth Organisations, 35). The Congregational Church, instituted in 1872, joined with the Evangelical Union and has 232 members (Woman’s Guild, 25; Sunday School, 50; Youth Organisations, 20). The Baptist Church membership is 44, with a Sunday School of 25, and a Woman’s Meeting of 30. Other denominations include the Roman Catholics, who have appreciably increased in recent years, and the Plymouth Brethren.
It is very difficult to compute the present-day attitude towards religion compared with 100 years ago. Taking into account the altered ways of the People due to radio and television, increased motor transport, etc., the statement contained in the New Statistical Account (1841) could vary well stand for to-day. 'There are many who are regular and exemplary in attending Divine Ordinances, although there is reason to lament that too many seem to consider the sabbath as merely a day of cessation from labour, and to spend it just as inclination or companionship dictate.' The Sabbath Day is not kept to-day as it was 100 years ago, since there are many who make Sunday a day of work. During the two world wars there was a break away from the traditional observance of the Sabbath. The chief causes were service with the forces, where life was totally different from conditions at home; and the introduction of Sunday working for the production of coal.
Recreational and Social Activities.
The following list indicates the variety of recreational and social activities in the parish:- the Walker Institute with its reading room and facilities for billiards and other games; Tillicoultry Town Hall, now used mostly as a cinema; Coalsnaughton Public Hall and Library; Coalsnaughton Miners' Recreation Rooms; the Devon Valley Recreation Club; Tillicoultry Young Men's Club; the Masonic Lodge; Eastern Star; Toc H.; Women's Rural Institute; the Woman's Guilds of the various churches; the Red Cross Society, two Scottish Country Dance Societies; the Devonvale Choir and the Co-operative Choir; the Tillicoultry Burns Club; and the Coalsnaughton Burns Club.
The Field Club and the Literary Society no longer exist.
Both Tillicoultry and Coalsnaughton have public parks with facilities for sport and children’s games. There are two golf courses, a curling club (since 1847), a bowling club (1852), and a tennis club (1922). Quoiting was for long a popular pastime in Coalsnaughton.
Folklore.
Perhaps the oldest of the folklore stories comes from the time of St. Serf. A thief had stolen from a poor man his pet ram. The culprit, on being asked by St. Serf if he was guilty, offered to swear on the saint's staff that he was innocent; whereupon the animal bleated in his stomach, and by this incontestable proof the thief was forced to confess his guilt. (Chronicle of the Picts and Scots).
The legend of the clenched fist is one that is well known in the district.
The laird of Tillicoultry had quarrelled with a monk of Cambuskenneth about the payment of certain dues, and the argument ended in a broil when the laird 'fairly knocked the holy father down.'
Soon afterwards the laird died and was buried in the churchyard, but one part of him refused to have burial, his right hand. That sacrilegious hand remained clenched and above ground for a week.
The sextonwas forced to re-bury the laird, but this time a heavy stone was placed over the grave to keep the wicked hand where it ought to be. The legend goes on to say that if anyone cares to visit the place at the dead of night he will see devils dressed like monks, who undo the work of sepulture, roll away the stone and leave the hand exposed.
Words and Phrases.
'Yer haund will wag abune the grund for that ma man.'
This saying has its origin in the story of the wicked laird, already mentioned.
'To wire in.'
The common thing was for a weaver to have a boy or a girl at the end of the loom to push a wire through the loops (weft) while he was at work on his various materials.
'A raivelled hesp' means a tangled skein.
'Take an inch and want an ell' is quite common here as it will be in other Scottish mill centres where the weaving of materials gives room for many such sayings in common life.
'Pey the day and trust the morn' was at one time the slogan over the old Bush Inn. which was a resting place for people and horses in the days of the stage coach.
This Inn, which used to be at the spot where Frederick Street and Mill Street meet, is now no more.
'High on that,' in favour of that.
'Fornent,' in exchange for, in place of or opposite.
'Cutie kits,' hot ankles.
'The lave o’ the things,' the others.
Way of Life.
The coming of new industries to Tillicoultry has, within recent years especially, caused a marked difference in the outlook of the people. As this was hitherto practically a one industry town, when the mills were slack there was much poverty and real hardship. The small incomes made many of the people remarkably thrifty, and this characteristic is still to be seen amongst the elderly.
Nowadays there is little likelihood of all the town being idle at one and the same time, through the present variety of industries. The rise in the standard of living, shorter working hours, and better housing conditions, are making changes in the lives of the people. It is perhaps too soon to assess the true value of these influences; but putting aside the present-day abnormal rise in prices, there appears to be a trend towards a happier outlook. Certainly the people are getting more money through their fingers than formerly, but there are so many more ways of spending it.
One hundred years ago there was no Picture House. Now the people go not only to their own local cinema but have the attractions of others in every surrounding town, although television has recently reduced these in number. Then, whereas the transport in this area was mostly by the penny bus to Alva, Tillicoultry to-day is an important centre of travel by bus, there being a frequent service to almost any part of the county, and beyond. People whose forebears never left Tillicoultry except on an important occasion travel daily to their various occupations in Alloa, Alva, Stirling and other places. The train services have also considerably opened the town to wider horizons and greater opportunities, but buses and private cars have greatly reduced the railway passengers. The railway line is now threatened with closure.
In other respects the ways of the people have changed. Previously, because of the lack of transport, they had to find their own amusements at home. Great interest was taken in home life generally, and musical societies and literary and debating societies were well attended. Choral organisations are still popular, but the literary and debating societies dwindled until the local association, which had existed for many years, had finally to close down.
Written, May, 1952.
Revised, May, 1961.