Queen among those to wish Glenrothes a happy 70th birthday

Town’s milestone commemorated at Parliament event

The Queen and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon were among those who wished Glenrothes a happy 70th birthday.

A letter from the Queen was read out in the Scottish Parliament by Fife’s Lord Lieutenant Sir Robert Balfour at the start of a reception to mark the new town’s anniversary.

It read: “The Queen sends her best wishes to all concerned for a most successful and enjoyable event commemorating this milestone in the history of Glenrothes.”

Ms Sturgeon was the guest speaker at the event, co-hosted by Glenrothes and Area Heritage Centre and local MSP Jenny Gilruth.

People from across the town, including school children, were invited to celebrate and display their talents.

Youngsters from Collydean Primary helped cut the birthday cake.

Ian Nimmo-White performed a prizewinning poem written especially for the event and Glenwood High pupil Kirsten Fraser sang a song she wrote to mark the town’s birthday.

Among those celebrating with locals was Rwandan refugee Chantal Mrimi, who has made Glenrothes her home.

Ms Gilruth said: “It was a fantastic evening celebrating Glenrothes.”

Linda Ballingall, founder and chairwoman of Glenrothes and Area Heritage Centre, said she and fellow volunteers were indebted to the Kingdom Shopping Centre for sponsoring the event, including the transport for everyone attending.

She paid tribute to the “pioneers” past and present involved in the social and cultural organisations in the town since 1948 and said a permanent exhibition would be set up in the heritage centre as a lasting reminder of their dedication.

Linda added: “It was a very moving evening, meeting again those townspeople, many of whom are still working voluntarily on behalf of Glenrothes. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough room to accommodate all deserving of an invite but hopefully we can make it up to them later in the year when we host future events to mark the town’s 70th anniversary.”

Glenrothes became Scotland’s second post-war new town when it was created in 1948. Its planning, development and management was the responsibility of Glenrothes Development Corporation.

It grew to house an influx of miners who came from across Scotland to work at the doomed Rothes Colliery. The intention was to build a settlement for up to 35,000 people but today more than 50,000 live there.

It was a very moving evening, meeting again those townspeople, many of whom are still working voluntarily on behalf of Glenrothes. LINDA BALLINGALL

Picture: George Mcluskie. Glenrothes residents were invited to mark the special occasion at the Scottish Parliament.