In September 1977, residents were told that the site of the Blantyre Mining Disaster and former Dixon’s Pits at High Blantyre will likely be the location of a new, industrial development in the town.
Negotiations were ongoing to bring a jobs boost to the town… and by Autumn 1977, those negotiations were nearing completion. The site we’re talking about is the Priestfield Industrial Estate.
The former Bing area had been cleared a few months earlier that year, clearing away the remnants of coal mining, paving the way for the future. Two firms were interested in moving into the area and with the help of Common Market and Scottish Development Department cash planned on building two factories which was hoped would ease unemployment in the area.
The site had been cleared in the hope that many Glasgow Road traders under threat of displacement would relocate to High Blantyre and a new area of commerce would be created. Councillor Malcolm Waugh had been discussing the opportunities with these firms and the big attraction being the proximity to the new East Kilbride Expressway, direct links to the M74 and the South.
Pictured in September 1977 is the area at High Blantyre which would eventually become Priestifield Industrial Estate, Raeburn Brick and Redburn Farm Inn. In the background, Blantyre Industrial Estate.
