ONE of Dunfermline's most established housing estates is set to celebrate its 50th birthday this month with a trip down memory lane.

The first occupants of Pitcorthie moved into the then brand-new estate in April 1966, the first of an estimated 1,000 families expected to move into the development.

The occasion was reported in the Press of April 16 that year, with the area described as “an ideal setting for a dormitory development”, and the new community expected to “ultimately bring new blood to Dunfermline”.

Now current and former residents are being invited to enjoy a blast from the past at an exhibition about the estate on April 24.

It's hoped the afternoon, organised by South Dunfermline Community Council, will be the first event marking the golden anniversary celebrations.

Community council member Morag Ure, who has lived in the estate for 32 years, recalled: “Pitcorthie was one of the first big estates.

“It took a bit of time for it to become an estate – it was like the eastern expansion now. The first houses were in Cedar Grove but it took years to develop into what it is.

“A lot of people have moved in and out of it in the last 50 years. There are quite a few original owners still living in the estate but not many.

“Several generations grew up here and most of the houses have been sold several times.

“When it was built in the 1960s, the builders didn't put in any shops – it took a long time to get that. The council didn't have as many demands as there are on planning applications now.”

Among the first occupants featured were Fitzgerald and Wendy Cavanagh and baby Sean, of 19 Beech Grove; John and Margaret Davies and daughters Sharon and Lynne, of 29 Cedar Grove; Mr and Mrs Charles Paton and children Elizabeth and Grant, of 11 Beech Grove; and John and Irene Hawkins and sons John, Stephen and Michael, of 25 Cedar Grove.

House prices in Pitcorthie at the time ranged from £3,395 for a three-bedroom semi-detached villa, to £4,475 for a four-bedroom detached bungalow.

Morag smiled: “In the 1960s and 1970s, Pitcorthie was affectionately known as Spam Valley – it was quite expensive to buy houses and you couldn't afford to pay your mortgage and eat!

“We have the history of the area in the exhibition and a few photos that people have donated.

“We're trying to get pictures of how the area looked like prior to being built and if we could trace the original occupants, that would be great.

“If anybody has pictures or stories from way back in 1966, their contributions would be very welcome.”

The exhibition will be held from 2-4pm on April 24 at the John Marshall Community Centre. If you'd like to contribute to the exhibition, call Morag on 01383 736651 or email sdcc2014@outlook.com.