During the 60s there was a huge rise in the standard of living. Around 20% of Scots moved into a new house and for many it was the first time they had a toilet inside!
New high rise flats in the Gorbals area, Glasgow.
Hurriedly constructed tower blocks may have offered new facilities like fixed baths and individual bedrooms but they were also often poorly designed, damp and problematic. The new housing was built using concrete, like the buildings found in sunny Mediterranean countries. Concrete looked fine against the clear blue skies of Spain or Greece but against Scotland’s grey sky it just looked dull.
The government’s plans to clear city slum housing were rapidly implemented and changed the way families interacted with each other. As people moved into new housing they lost the closeness they had with their neighbours of old. Gone were the days when you would just walk into your neighbour ’s home uninvited and be welcomed. A feeling of community was lost and many people today still miss it.
Joan talks about moving into a new house.
