Paton’s Lane or Patons Lane? #dundeewestend


Further to the recent discussion about the spelling of Strawberrybank (or is that Strawberry Bank?), residents have queried the spelling of Paton’s Lane or  is that Patons Lane, without the apostrophe?

I sought the advice of the City Archivist who has helpfully responded as follows :

“The Dundee directories, electoral registers and Ordnance Survey maps include the apostrophe whilst the valuation rolls do not. Curiously the street name appears to be listed both with and without the apostrophe on the One Scotland Gazetteer of addresses.

According to Gillian Molloy’s ‘Street Names of Old Dundee’ the street is thought to be named after James Paton, a manufacturer in Hawkhill who took possession of land in the Seafield area of the Estate of Blackness in 1815.”

The photo above is of the lane in the past.   The first door on the right of the photo is numbered 19 and the one next to that 21.   The industrial building is number 23 and according to the 1965 Dundee Directory was occupied by the joinery company McTavish, McAinsh & Sons.


Dundee’s virtual Flower and Food Show 2020

The 32nd Dundee Flower and Food Show will take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September virtually, due to the COVID-19 health emergency.


The event, which is usually a popular gathering at Camperdown Country Park, attracting in the region of 18,000 visitors, will this year take place exclusively online.

Many of the Show’s traditional exhibitions will continue, including cut flowers, pot plants, fruit and vegetables, which will now be on display via photographs and videos.

Various other familiar sections will be present, as committee members, along with their societies, plant nurseries, chefs, and community groups will be involved.

In addition, there will be some unique inclusions for the festival’s first ever virtual occasion.

More information about this year’s Dundee Virtual Flower and Food Show is available at www.dundeeflowerandfoodfestival.com


Getting things done – Hillside Drive #dundeewestend

I am grateful to residents who highlighted blocked drains in Hillside Drive at its south end.

I contacted the City Council’s Roads Maintenance Partnership regarding this and have received the following positive response :

“An order has been raised to clean two gullies in Hillside Drive.”



Face covering exemption scheme

Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action is working in partnership with Dundee City Council to provide an exemption letter to people who have a health condition or disability who are unable to wear a face covering safely in order to support any difficulties they may be having. 

People may have an acceptable reason not to wear a face covering if:

• They have a health condition where a face covering would be inappropriate because it would cause pain, severe distress or anxiety

• They cannot apply a covering and wear it in the proper manner safely and consistently

• They need to take medication

• They need to communicate with another who relies on lip reading

• They need to eat or drink

• They are a child under the age of five

You can contact the council’s Customer Services on 433558 for more information or complete the online form at https://my.dundeecity.gov.uk/MyServices to request a letter.



Rail station and Riverside of old #dundeewestend

With thanks to Maggie Brown and ‎Dundee Westenders, a fabulous old view of the rail station and Riverside!