After being designated as one of five towns accommodating the post-war population overspill of Glasgow, Cumbernauld was inaugurated as a New Town on June 28, 1957, with an official ceremony by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Viscount Muirshiel.
While sometimes associated with the negative attention its town centre has received, Cumbernauld has won many awards for its innovative designs, biodiversity and for being the best ‘small city’.
Although the New Town is only 65 years old, the area has a vast history stretching back thousands of years, some surprisingly famous locals, and is home to our country’s favourite soft drink.
Ancient Times
Long before it was a New Town, Cumbernauld was home to a Roman fort on the Antonine Wall, the northernmost part of the Roman Empire.
The impressive structure and its connection to this little town inspired the name for the Antonine Shopping Centre, which opened as an extension to the Town Centre in 2006.
Digging deep into Cumbernauld’s history uncovers even more ancient connections, as a sandstone slab depicting Triton, a Greek god of the sea and son of Poseidon, was unearthed somewhere between the Roman fort at Westerwood and what is now the runway of Cumbernauld Airport.
It is now on display in Glasgow University’s Hunterian Museum.
Famous Faces
While he may have departed his hometown for a warmer climate, comedian, actor and Late, Late Show host Craig Ferguson grew up in Cumbernauld.
Fratellis frontman Jon Fratelli also spent his ‘bored’ teenage years in Cumbernauld before moving to Glasgow to pursue music. He would eventually go on to pen the noughties hit Chelsea Dagger and more.
Home to Irn Bru
Move over, whisky – Scotland’s ‘other’ national drink Irn Bru is produced in a factory in Westfield, Cumbernauld after Barrs left their Parkhead factory.
Produced since 1901, the bright orange fizzy drink has consistently outsold global drinks giant Coca-Cola in Scotland.
It is also revered as having the magic ability to cure hangovers, and Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly thanked Barrs for “saving my life on so many Sunday mornings”.
The iconic clock
While the Queen has just celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, she granted Cumbernauld a special gift as part of her Silver Jubilee years before.
Her Majesty unveiled the St Enoch’s station clock at the Town Centre in 1977 and started the pendulum motion. It has since become synonymous with the centre and features in 1980 film Gregory’s Girl.
Gregory’s Girl
Speaking of which, it’s a given that when looking at the history of Cumbernauld, this coming-of-age classic has to get a mention.
John Gordon Sinclair stars alongside Dee Hepburn, Clare Grogan and Alex Norton as the titular character who deals with young love, mad pals and being an awkward teenager against the backdrop of Abronhill.
Mostly filmed in the local high school, other recognisable spots include the Town Centre, Cumbernauld House Park and Abronhill shopping centre.
Will we ever know what the kid in the penguin costume was doing? Probably not. But the film remains a classic, and one of the first things anyone from Cumbernauld mentions about their town.
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