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Here are 10 signs you grew up in Lochee

Picture: Spodzone / Flickr
Picture: Spodzone / Flickr

Lochee isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling. Whether you remember it from decades past or you’ve grown up more recently, this corner of Dundee has left its mark on generations of locals.


From iconic landmarks to memories of nights out (or a kick about in the park), here’s a trip down memory lane with 10 telltale signs you grew up in Lochee.


 

1. You went to the Megabowl and it was your second home (and grabbed a Wimpy too!): If you were a child or teen in the 90s, or early 2000s, Megabowl was the place to be. Hours were spent perfecting your bowling skills, playing arcade games, and topping it off with a burger and chips from Wimpy — a treat in itself!


2. You went to the Megabowl before partying at the Venue nightclub next door: For the older crowd, a Friday or Saturday night often started with a few frames at Megabowl, before heading next door to the Venue nightclub for a proper night out. The dance floor, the tunes, and the buzz — it was a rite of passage. You might even have taken advantage of the drinks deal between the Venue and Megabowl!


3. You visited Tesco at the Stack for your weekly shop: Before the big out-of-town superstores took over, Tesco at the Stack was the lifeline for many families in Lochee. It was the go-to spot for the weekly shop, and you’d always bump into a familiar face down the aisles.


4. You shopped at the Highgate Shopping Centre: The Highgate Shopping Centre was once the hub of Lochee’s retail life. From bargain buys to everyday essentials, it had a bit of everything, and you’d always run into someone you knew. Even after it was demolished in 2012, the memories of wandering its corridors still linger for many locals..


5. You went to the dry cleaners on the High Street: A staple of the community, the dry cleaners on the High Street kept everything looking sharp for weddings, school dances, or Sunday best. Dropping off or picking up your clothes felt like part of the weekly routine.


6. You wondered if Santa could ride his sleigh down the Cox’s Stack chimney: Every Christmas, imaginations ran wild as kids wondered if Santa could squeeze his sleigh down the mighty Cox’s Stack. The towering chimney has always been part of Lochee’s skyline, sparking festive curiosity generation after generation.


7. You got the time from the Lochee High Street clock before it vanished out of thin air: For years, the clock on Lochee High Street was how many locals kept track of the day. Then one day, as if by magic (or mystery), it disappeared – and Lochee folk have been talking about it ever since – even after the new one was installed.


8. You took the trams for the last time to Lochee in 1956: If you’re of an older generation, you might just remember catching the tram into Lochee before the lines closed in 1956. It was an elegant way to travel, and the clatter of the tracks is a sound that lingers in memory.


9. You played kick about at Lochee Park: No matter your age, Lochee Park has been the backdrop for countless kickabouts, games of hide and seek, and sunny afternoons with pals. It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs to everyone.


10. You knew Lochee was a special place despite its flaws: Lochee has always had its ups and downs, but no matter what, there’s a deep-rooted pride that runs through the community. Whether you moved away or still live round the corner, you’ll always carry a bit of Lochee with you.

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