Pictures show the changing face of Dundee’s Hilltown in the 1990s.

We dredged up a diverse collection of photographs that show people and locations on a whistle-stop tour of Hilltown in the 1990s.

Graeme Strachan These photos transport us back to Dundee’s Hilltown in the 1990s. The scenery at the foot of the hill changed considerably with the demolition of historic buildings and the construction of a new £13 million ring road.

While the community faced hardships such as unemployment, crime, and substance misuse, the spirit of solidarity remained strong as ever.

Before the wrecking ball arrived, forgotten monuments such as the Alexander Street multis and the Windmill Bar, once visited by Robin Williams, stood tall. Some of these photographs had not been seen in years. Will they trigger any memories for you?

---

Wellington Garage

Morris Parr, the sales director, stands alongside two automobiles at Wellington Garage in June 1990.

The company was located between Hilltown and Constitution Street and promoted the best Hyundai prices in Dundee.

Ann Street

SNP councillors Tom Dempsey and David Coutts met with Ann Street residents in November 1991 to discuss their resistance to plans for a homeless centre. Due to the upcoming closure of hostels in Beechwood and Mid Craigie, the Dundee District Council intended to take over the children’s home on Ann Street.

Dundee’s Channel Tunnel

In March 1992, a view was taken gazing towards the foot of the Hilltown. The £13 million inner ring road and tunnel in Dundee were under construction.

According to the Evening Telegraph, the cutting is known as “Dundee’s Channel Tunnel”.

Carnegie Tower

In August 1992, the Carnegie Tower on Alexander Street has boarded-up windows. A task group was formed to handle the increase in crime at the high-rise, and the tenants’ association contemplated encouraging residents to withhold rent payments.

Rosebank Indoor Car Centre

A giant inflatable gorilla was seen on the roof of Rosebank Indoor Car Centre in June 1993. “Pop in for a chat and coffee at Dundee’s newest landmark” was the firm’s tagline.

A Ford Sierra Ghia with blue metallic alloys and a sunroof sold for £3,695, while a “top of the range” Austin Montego Mayfair cost £2,150.

Grey Lodge Settlement

In September 1993, the film Wartime Wives was shot at Hilltown’s Grey Lodge Settlement. Margaret Mather wrote the drama, which is set in and around Dundee’s Old Overgate.

Gothic Glass

Dundee Lord Provost Norman McGowan visited Gothic Glass on Alexander Street in March 1996, a firm created by Charlie Wood.

Examples of his work include decorative windows at the Wishart Centre, Dundee Crematorium, and various churches throughout the city.

Ellenbank Bar

The Ellenbank Bar after being refurbished in April 1996.

The tavern at 128 Alexander Street rose to prominence in the 1960s under the management of wrestler George Kidd, attracting noteworthy visitors such as Sugar Ray Robinson, former world welterweight boxing champion.

Up the hill

Looking up Hilltown in October 1998. The former Dundee Savings Bank, designated as B, is located on the corner of Stirling Street. Campbell Boath solicitors and estate agents is located next door.

Hilltown Tavern

In December 1998, Jennifer Gowans of the Hilltown Tavern is seen handing out new gear to Celtic Boys Under-14 footballers outside the pub.

The Coffee Pot also sponsored the team.

Bottom of the hill

In April 1999, a view was taken looking along Hilltown towards the Wellgate Centre. Taytech Computer Systems can be seen to the left.

The tagline read, “We don’t sell cheap components; we sell cheap components.”

Furniture First

Furniture First employees in the Main Street showroom in April 1999.

A massive warehouse at the back of the building was transformed into a new 7,500-square-foot shop specialising in beds and bedroom equipment.

The company commemorated National Bed Week by providing a free divan complete with duvet, cover, pillows, and pillowcases “with every suite purchased”.

Furniture First was a local wholesaler of “recliner furniture from Mississippi”.

Fresh fish

In April 1999, Heenan and Son opened a fresh fish shop across from the traffic signals.

The Tap O’The Hill Launderette was right next door. Service washing, duvets, and contract work were being completed.

Windmill Bar

In May 1999, the Windmill Bar was scheduled for demolition, with plans to replace the decaying tavern with flats and townhouses.

During the Queen’s Jubilee in 1977, Prince Philip paused at the bar, recognising the regulars’ cheers as he peered up at the windows.

In a touching gesture, staff and regulars wrote three poems for Philip and delivered them to the Queen’s bodyguard at the City Chambers.

To their astonishment, they received a response days later: a poem titled “The Windmill Bar,” signed by Philip, thanking them for their warm welcome.

Last orders

David McKenzie, the Windmill’s owners’ son at the time the Duke composed his famous ode, founded the Save the Windmill campaign in 1999.

Read more on Straightwinfortoday.com