Nostalgic memories of Gretna's local history

Share your own memories of Gretna and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying all 4 Memories

How lovely to read these memories of childhoods in Gretna. We (the Cains) lived in Douglas Place and then moved to Victory Avenue. That was in the fifties. The circus used to be held in Mackie's field behind us. My mother would collect the elephant droppings for the garden which embarrassed me. I remember the school. Wasn't Mr Munro known as Killer Munro? Apart from the belt at school, Gretna was a good place to be as a child. ...see more
I was born at Kirktpatrick Fleming on April 29th 1936 at the old transport cafe where there was a cottage and petrol filling pumps on the site, a butchers shop was next door, a barbers shop was on the opposite side of the road - my mother was the owner of the cafe - this is still standing but is now a residence - at one time they sold cb equipment there. I remember as a boy staying at Eastriggs with my Aunt - ...see more
I remember all of the things written about Gretna in the 1950s already published. The sweet shop also sold wonderful red ice lollies. My best friend was Linda McTravers. My uncle was drowned in the Solway Firth in 1917, long before my birth but the shadow of his death hung over our lives. My father and his other 5 siblings also went to Gretna school. My father was taught by Mr Glasspool as was I. I remember ...see more
I went to school in Gretna and we were well educated, we also got the strap if we even spelt something wrong, we respected everyone. Teachers were Mr and Mrs Glasspool, Miss Davidson (?), Mr Priestley (?), and maths was Mr Macdonald and the head - well, I never liked Mr Liddle. There was a shop by the school that sold halfpenny licorice and sherbet dippers. The picture house was where I saw my first film 'Love Me Tender' with ...see more