The Glengarnock steelworks closure marked a significant loss for the community, impacting jobs and local families for decades.
Glengarnock: Back in December 1984, British Steel dropped the bombshell that the plant would shut down by March 1985.
Despite a fierce fight from workers and locals, even taking their case to Westminster, they ultimately lost the battle.
Many folks still feel that losing the steelworks left a big hole in the Garnock Valley communities.
For some families, it was a place where generations had worked. Many had to leave the area to find jobs elsewhere, if they could even find work.
The Glengarnock Iron Works, which opened its blast furnace in 1841, changed hands a few times over the years. It was first owned by Merry & Cunninghame, then by David Colville & Sons.
In 1951, the government took it into public ownership, but just four years later, it was back in private hands.
Things looked up for a bit when it was nationalized again in 1967, and the steel produced there started making its way around the globe.
But by the 1980s, with Margaret Thatcher in charge, the steel industry was in trouble. Glengarnock was one of the first plants to close.
After the closure announcement, local politicians and union members rallied to save the steelworks.
In January 1985, Labour MP David Lambie urged the Secretary of State to meet with the British Steel Corporation to discuss keeping the plant open.
He argued that the steelworks could be viable and profitable if given a chance.
Another MP, John Corrie, pointed out that closing the plant would cost more than keeping it open and suggested giving a private buyer a shot.
However, the Scottish Secretary said the decision was up to the British Steel Corporation, despite the workforce’s commitment.
Sadly, a few months later, the steelworks closed, followed by Ravenscraig seven years later.
Today, much of the old steelworks site is now Lochshore Park, a lovely parkland area created by North Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.
They’ve opened a new Visitor and Community Hub to promote outdoor activities, with new leisure routes, habitat improvements, and play facilities.
What are your memories of the old steelworks? Let us know in the comments below.
