1973-1977
THE TRYST
AND WOOLCO
Cumbernauld’s swimming pool finally opened in early 1973, and would later be extended with the addition of sports facilities in 1975. The Tryst (as it was renamed) is still standing as of 2026. It’s not strictly part of the Town Centre - on the fringe rather than in the connected main complex, so I’ve included a selection of articles, photos and documents here in a section of its own.
CUMBERNAULD SWIMMING POOL (THE TRYST)
A brochure was printed for the opening of the swimming pool in 1973, and is reproduced below as a PDF. The original version can be viewed in Cumbernauld Library.
Swimming pool and sports hall charges in 1983.
Original version held in Cumbernauld Library.
Exterior of the Tryst in 2026. Photo is author's own.
Exterior of the Tryst in 2026. Photo is author's own.
Exterior of the Link in 2026. Photo is author's own.
IN THE NEWS 1973
BUILDING WOOLCO
Construction of the Woolco superstore continued through 1973. Here are a selection of photos illustrating the ongoing building work, and the eventual final result.
All photos are taken from the Cumbernauld Development Corporation collection, held by North Lanarkshire Council Archives.
IN THE NEWS 1974
RETAIL
MADNESS
A whistle-stop tour through four years of shopping in one go. Woolco opened, with lots of bargains to be had. Galbraiths got a refurbishment and became Presto. Unit 14 in Phase 1 finally became occupied as Mackays moved in, and Wrygges (later Goldbergs) opened their store. Plus two Chinese restaurants opened! Click on the larger articles to read them in more detail.
All adverts and articles in this section taken from the Cumbernauld News, archived at Britishnewspaperarchive.com
IN THE NEWS 1975-76
IN THE NEWS 1977
THE QUEEN COMES TO CUMBERNAULD
The Queen and Prince Philip came to Cumbernauld in May 1977 as part of the Silver Jubilee tour. As part of the visit, Her Majesty officially unveiled the legendary Town Clock, which was situated in the foyer area leading to Woolco (later named Clock Square). The clock was previously part of St. Enoch’s railway station in Glasgow and donated to the town. There will be more on the clock in later years. In this section is some of the Cumbernauld News footage of the royal visit, including photos.
Click the link on the right to read the programme produced to commemorate the visit of The Queen and Prince Philip.
Scanned from original document in Cumbernauld Development Corporation collection, held by North Lanarkshire Council’s Archives.