Changing Recreation
The inland waters of the Seven Lochs Wetland park have always played an important role in the recreation of residents and visitors. From the late 19th century to mid-20th century, walking, boating, skating and curling were popular seasonal activities. Today, fishing, jogging, bird and nature watching have become a favourite pastimes as people escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here we explore residents memories of days out at Hogganfield Park.
Members of the local community worked with oral historian Dr Sue Morrison to capture and share their memories of Hogganfield Park and around. It was part of Seven Lochs: A History Shaped by Water, supported by Historic Environment Scotland as part of the Year of Coast and Waters 2021.
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Fun & Games
Bluebell Mullen talks about giving backies on a bike and ending up in a ditch and lunches of sandwiches and diluting juice.
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Grand Days Out
Mandy Morgan shares her earliest memories of the Loch and the excitement of a whole day out there.
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People & Places
Gerry Wallace remembers local footballing legend Edna Nellis……and sticklebacks.
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Grand Days Out
Janet MacDermott remembers the Sunday, after chapel reward at the Loch with Lorraine, Tracy and Donna.
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Changing Vistas
Gerry Wallace talks about wandering waterfowl and nearly duck soup.
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Changing Vistas
Bluebell Mullens talks about the rhubarb fields, ‘acquiring the rhubarb and the resulting Sunday crumble.
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Fun & Games
Brian Tollett remembers the park in winter and sliding down the hill on a board, across the path but not, if you were lucky into the loch!
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Fun & Games
Gerry Wallace on toboggans, badly fitting ice-skates and winter in the park.
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Fun & Games
Brian Tollett on rounders, tig, hide and seek and tiddlers in jars.
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Grand Days Out
Margaret Carberry on summer days and galas at the loch and returning today with her grandchildren.
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Grand Days Out
Bluebell Mullins talks about the big boat, the rowing boats and squeezing as many of your friends on as possible without anyone knowing.
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Grand Days Out
Mandy Morgan remembers making sandcastles on the beach.
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Changing Vistas
Margaret Carberry tells the tale of the lovesick swan.
