Skeem Life: Growing Up in the Seventies

by Gary Robertson

Skeem Life The 1970s had so much more to offer than just bell-bottom trousers and disco music. The author takes us on a journey through the whole decade where he spent his early life growing up in the Whitfield and Fintry housing schemes in Dundee. He covers diverse subjects such as berry-picking, skale days, Christmas in a multi-storey, and catching bees. Full description

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2010

Reviews

[Fiona Mccallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild mountain times by Gary Robertson - not this book but couldn’t find wild mountain times on here.
A funny book about the often alcohol sponsored mountain climbing and adventures of the NCR hillwalking and climbing club. Some great characters that you would want to share a bothy with as that would be some party!!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is interesting to read and takes me back to the fun I had when I was growing up. Although I didn’t grow up in the seventies it was fun to learn about how things were different then to now, and the tales were hilarious and at times had me laughing out loud! I would recommend this book.

[James Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read "Gangs of Dundee" by the same author, my expectations on "Skeem Life" were not overly high. However, I have to say that I did enjoy this. Although it does provide an insight into life in the schemes, what it does best is provide a real blast of nostalgia for those (like myself) who grew up in the 70's. Robertson has a great memory and his recollections, in particular of playground games and sweets, was particularly impressive as I had long since forgotten the names of many. Although a familiarity with the places and names of Dundee and its surroundings increase the enjoyment of this book, I am sure that many aspects of life shared in the book will be recognised and appreciated by readers from all over. A very enjoyable read and particularly recommended for those who grew up in Dundee or its surroundings in the 1970s.