How did you spend your childhood summer holidays and do you still have pictures from them?
These black and white images have been newly colourised and provide a treasure trove of memories of the long summer break in the 1970s and 1980s.
The days were endless, bathed in golden sunshine and packed with beach visits.
Families headed for places like Arbroath, Broughty Ferry, Burntisland, Monifieth and St Andrews, which were far superior to adventures further afield.
These photos encapsulate fuzzy memories of summer days spent splashing in the paddling pool, building sandcastles and collecting shells on the beach.
When a busy day was finished off by tucking into fish and chips soaked in vinegar.
With no routine, it was sometimes easy to forget what day it was.
Pictures of summer holidays given new life
Maybe you spent the summer break running free in your housing scheme?
Perhaps you soaked up the sun in the back garden?
Or got together for a street party with ham sandwiches and sausage rolls?
Some traditions never change.
Was life really better in the good old days?
Grab your aluminium suitcase, bottle of Bergasol lotion and throw on your socks and sandals to find out as we head back to the holidays of summer past.
1970
The crowds gathered at the paddling pool in Burntisland in August 1970.
In the background was the 18-hole putting green.
Burntisland institution Macari’s was serving up the ice cream.
1971
A group of boys cool off in Broughty Ferry harbour in July 1971.
The summer got off to a great start and temperatures reached 23 degrees.
1971
The mini-heatwave meant that the beaches around Dundee were unusually busy.
Office and shop workers made a beeline for the open spaces during the lunchtime break in the usual battle to make the best of the welcome sunshine.
1972
Children enjoying the sunshine at Monifieth playpark in August 1972.
Most of the equipment was built on concrete.
These days, playgrounds are much safer, though perhaps a little less exciting.
1972
Whizzing around the kiddie car track at Broughty Ferry in August 1972.
Castle Green drew large crowds in the summer with attractions including the children’s playground, crazy golf, the kiddie cars, paddling pool and picnic area.
1974
The Dutch Village was the subject of many pictures taken by visitors to Craigtoun Country Park in St Andrews in the summer holidays of 1974.
The park has been a landmark for generations of families since 1948.
1977
A holiday scene at the boating pond on the South Inch in Perth in July 1977.
There were also trampolines and a putting green.
The boating pond has been a source of entertainment for generations of children.
1977
Broughty Ferry was once named the Brighton of the North.
In July 1977 the children’s entertainment during the summer break included Clown Blowey, a Punch and Judy show, “comedy magic” and a ventriloquist.
1977
The go-kart circuit in Monifieth opened in June 1977.
It was sited just behind the beach at Riverview Caravan Park.
The go-kart track was perfectly placed for holidaymakers who were staying there.
1978
The gardens at Dundee City Churches during a warm day in summer 1978.
Some brought a deckchair to sunbathe.
Little has changed in this scene.
1979
The Howff was a favourite spot for sunbathing in June 1979.
Some of these office girls appeared to be partaking in the timeless tradition of “taps aff” and ditched their blouses during the mini-heatwave.
1980
These youngsters were having fun in the paddling pool at Leven in July 1980.
Children would participate in the “funtime competitions”, which included prizes for Mr Muscles and Miss Paddling Pool.
1980
A group of children playing in the water on a sunny day at Clatto Park in 1980.
The reservoir itself was created as part of improvements to Dundee’s public water supply in 1874, but is no longer connected to the supply network.
1981
Holidaymakers enjoying the good weather at Arbroath paddling pool in July 1981.
Family contests taking place at the West Links attraction in 1981 included bonnie babies, Mr Muscles, Princess and Junior Miss with “cash prizes”.
There was also a puppet show.
1984
The Swannie Ponds in Dundee were popular for boating in July 1984.
There was no such thing as a lifejacket or health and safety back in those days.
The rowing boats are, sadly, no more.
1985
Youngsters enjoying a splash in the water at Broughty Ferry in July 1985.
The summer sunshine attracted many families during the Dundee holiday fortnight.
1986
Burntisland Highland Games took place in July 1986.
These runners were competing for the annual Burntisland Binn Race Cup.
The route takes them up Binn Hill.
1989
Sometimes you do not need to travel far to enjoy the sunshine.
Dundee sweltered in temperatures that reached 28 degrees in July 1989.
Enjoying the sun at Carmichael Street were James Bennett with daughter Leigh, cousin Ryan Harper, friend Carrie Stewart and niece Karen Harper.
1989
Enjoying a drink in the Dundee sunshine in July 1989 were the Hutcheson, Skelly, Stewart and Burgess families from Girvan Gardens in Whitfield.
The Courier said the scene at some of the perimeter housing estates “was reminiscent of Wimbledon with afternoon tea – and in some cases strawberries and ice cream taken on the grassed and landscaped area”.
It’s the final image in our summer gallery.
Did they awaken any bygone holiday memories for you?
Let us know.
ALL IMAGES IN THIS ARTICLE ARE COPYRIGHT OF DC THOMSON AND HAVE BEEN COLOURED USING ADVANCED AI. COLOUR REPRODUCTION MAY NOT BE 100% AUTHENTIC. UNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION IS NOT PERMITTED.
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