Fond memories of Gracemount

Margaret looks back on 37 years of high-rise life

Grandmother Margaret Jeffrey helped set off the explosives which demolished the three high flats at Gracemount on 25 October.

It was a poignant moment for Margaret, 60, as she was a resident at Fala Court for 37 years.

She was born and brought up in Galashiels. The highlight for most teenagers in the quiet Borders town was the Saturday night dances at Fountain Hall where she met husband-to-be, Alex.

They married in 1966 and when Alex came out of the Army they moved into Fala Court with their two young daughters in 1971. Alex worked as a railway guard at Millerhill while Margaret devoted herself to being a full-time housewife.

She has fond memories of her years in their flat. “It was a brilliant time as all the families got on great,” she said.

“The children would go out with their pals and play down by the riverbank or wee burn. You wouldn’t see them all day.”

Margaret was also full of praise for the concierges. “They were brilliant,” she said.

“If you wanted anything done you would just phone and they would come and do it for you – no questions asked.

“Sometimes the lift might not be working and they would help you up with your shopping.”

While living in the flats Margaret became an active member of the Gracemount Action and Residents’ Association which operated out of the community flat in Fala Court. A wide range of services were on offer to residents including health and dental advice, keep fit, financial advice and children’s clubs.

Although looking forward to the new development in Gracemount, Margaret also feels a twinge of sadness. She said: “I walked past the empty flats and it brought a lump to my throat seeing them with no windows and walls.

“But now they’ve gone the new homes will be good for the area.”