Honouring the Folk Who Made The Plean
New housing developments are taking shape in The Plean as developers expand the village.
It made me stop and think. What will the new streets be called? Will they reflect the place and the people who came before?
For too long, new developments across Scotland have been given generic names with no real connection to the communities they now stand in. But The Plean has a rich history, not just in its pits and industry, but in its people. Ordinary folk who did extraordinary things quietly, day after day.
People like Peter Laughlin McLaughlin Gordon, my great grandfather. Foreman of the Plean Pit and Coke Ovens and Band Master of the Plean Miners Brass Band. Mrs Hastie, the district nurse who was always there when families needed her. Mr Gibson, the lollipop man who stood come rain or shine to get us safely across the road to school.
There was Geordie Hastie, the cobbler on Main Street, who could fix anything. His shop smelt divine, leather and polish, in the days when things were repaired, not thrown away. Grace Mitchell, who drove the school taxis. Gracie helped establish both The Clansman pub and the first bus service into the schemes. And teachers like Mrs Farquharson, Miss Wallace, and Mrs Hamilton of West Plean Primary, who gave generations of weans their start in life.
Honouring the Folk Who Made The Plean let’s make it happen
These folk may not appear in history books, but they live on in our memories. They shaped lives. They shaped this village.
As The Plean grows, this is our opportunity to honour them in a lasting and meaningful way. Give their names to the streets of the future.
I am now compiling a list of names and stories and will submit them for formal consideration.
If you know someone who should be remembered, please contact me through Wee Wild Adventures. Or add their name and story on our social channels we can include them.
Together, we can help ensure that the story of The Plean continues to be told through its people.
