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An act of industrial vandalism
CONRAD LANDIN reports on the closure of the Caley rail works – which will have repercussions for generations to come
Emotional scenes as the last train prepares to leave the Caley railway works in Springburn ahead of its closure today
After years hidden away, Oldham’s memorial to six local volunteers who died fighting fascism in the Spanish civil war has been restored to public view, marking both a victory for campaigners and a renewed tribute to the town’s proud International Brigade heritage, says ROB HARGREAVES
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IT WAS difficult not to shed a tear as the workers of the St Rollox railway works in Springburn — known as the “Caley” thanks to its foundation by the Caledonian Railway in 1856 — left their workshops for the last time.
From the fitters to the caretakers and the woman running the canteen — still dishing up cups of tea as workers and their supporters gathered for a rally — this was a workforce of pride and dignity.
Generations upon generations of the same families worked at the Caley. And the railways were not just in their own blood — they were the lifeblood of the whole community.
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