Introduction

Since publication in December 1995, "Short Trousers and
Pixie Hoods" has attracted an encouraging response from
readers, both at home and overseas.
Persuaded to write a sequel, Shotts Local History Group
has compiled "Long Trousers and Leg Tan" - a portrait
of life in Shotts as it was over fifty years ago.

Regal Cinema, Shotts

Calderhead Church

Covering the period from when we left school to when we
set up our own homes, the book gives an insight into
the traditional way of life through to post-war change
and modernisation - a time of high expectation viewed
from the young person's perspective.
Because of our different ages, there is a fourteen year
span in which each of us commenced work.
Our experiences range from those in common, for example,
of the Miners' welfare to the individual search for work;
as we recall memories of our first jobs, social and
leisure activities, courtship and early years of marriage.