1978 Planting Trees at Larkfield Bing

On the evening of 5th May 1978, youths ran amock around the Larkfield Bing under the cover of darkness and uprooted the newly planted trees, that local schoolchildren had planted just 3 weeks earlier.

Nearly 60 trees were destroyed and despite residents telephoning police, officers failed to respond that evening, prompting a later investigation. Police were accused of no response on that evening following many complaints. The damage was around £530, which was to be paid for by the ratepayer.

Director of Leisure and Recreation, Mr James Murdie commented, “Councillor McInally knows of 3 people who contacted police when the incident was actually happening. I am worried that these people were carrying out their civic duty in reporting the event, and may not be inclined to do so again.”

Councillor James Swinburne added, “I am disgusted on two counts. One, at the vandals who did this and two, at the police for not responding.”

Councillor John Ross added that people could report names to the police without fear of their name being published.

The trees were eventually replanted, and as we know are quite sizeable today.

Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said,

Marian Maguire I love these trees pass them every day, but still a lot have gone missing since, the bing is a nice open space for walking and should be looked after, sadly I think the ground around the new carrigans is not looked after as it could be, it could be lovely It’s the surroundings as well as everything else that draws people in.

The Blantyre Project trees are actually a lot bigger now than even that modern picture. It would be difficult to put your arms around the trunks now.