Dundee’s City Arcade

“The quiz query relating to the indoor market below Dundee’s Caird Hall has brought requests for more details about what was one of the city’s most popular shopping venues,” writes Fraser Elder.

“The City Arcade was created as an indoor version of the Greenmarket and became an institution for shoppers especially when buses were allocated a starting point in Shore Terrace.

“With two entrances facing the transport stances and underground entry also available from the City Square, this veritable Aladdin’s cave, complete with amusement arcade, was a haven for school children heading to and from the Central Swimming Baths through the nearby Royal Arch.

“Next door, Dundee Corporation Transport had their own HQ where the bus crews tallied up their way-bills and counted piles of loose change.

“Some of the names which graced the arcade include the Radiant Health Centre, which was thought to be the first of its kind in the UK; displays of fresh fish, meat, game, fruit and flowers were purveyed by Sam McLeish, George Ray, Joseph Mitchell of Letham, Cantrell’s, Phil Soave, John Roy and Imrie’s.

“A huge variety of fancy goods was the speciality of Puckel’s, run by the Stern family, and local musician Cathie McCabe was a dealer in pop records and albums. Other notable businesses were The Arcadian Cafe, Joe Miller’s Lino Co, Preston’s Bookstall, Forbes China and Campbell’s Children’s Wear.

The City Arcade in Dundee as it looked in 1973. See story on left.