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The Milk Boys
Tommy Loy moved to the West of Scotland new town of East Kilbride as a troubled teenager, and by 1970 he has robbed, fought, and terrorised his way to the top of a very small tree. His attempts to move further up the ladder leave him dead at the side of the road, murdered for his mistakes, but his legend lives on in the town.
By 1979, the legend is fading, but his young family are still living with the consequences. His son, Billy, delivers milk to the houses, while the float drivers he works for deliver misery to the local low life.
Rivalries are rife between the teenage boys making the deliveries and the adult drivers who run the town in the early hours of each day. The Milk Boys gives a snapshot of East Kilbride in the 1970s and the town’s decline as the factories begin to close, leaving the people who were living the dream in despair. The optimistic New Town story is destined to have an unhappy ending.
Friendship, drugs, football, violence, and punk rock are the backdrop to how the Loy family learn about the truth behind Tommy’s legacy. All of it fuelled by the pints of milk delivered to your door.
By 1979, the legend is fading, but his young family are still living with the consequences. His son, Billy, delivers milk to the houses, while the float drivers he works for deliver misery to the local low life.
Rivalries are rife between the teenage boys making the deliveries and the adult drivers who run the town in the early hours of each day. The Milk Boys gives a snapshot of East Kilbride in the 1970s and the town’s decline as the factories begin to close, leaving the people who were living the dream in despair. The optimistic New Town story is destined to have an unhappy ending.
Friendship, drugs, football, violence, and punk rock are the backdrop to how the Loy family learn about the truth behind Tommy’s legacy. All of it fuelled by the pints of milk delivered to your door.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 14, 2024
It’s a fascinating read for anyone who lived in EK during the 70’s and beyond.
It’s not the EK I left in 1969. It’s a depressing story of decay, both moral and structural. Based mainly in Calderwood for the central story and mentions places like Hunter High, Salmon Leap, and Long Calderwood High flats. Local teens' gangs like the Kilby and the Murray Rebels get a mention. I don't recall any gang called the Woodie but they might have existed after I left. Anyway there’s lots to like in this book.
I was disappointed that Wilson’s Dairy, the farm I worked for isn’t mentioned. Only Wiseman’s and Hamilton’s are included. Perhaps Wilson's didn’t deliver in the Calderwood.
It’s not the EK I left in 1969. It’s a depressing story of decay, both moral and structural. Based mainly in Calderwood for the central story and mentions places like Hunter High, Salmon Leap, and Long Calderwood High flats. Local teens' gangs like the Kilby and the Murray Rebels get a mention. I don't recall any gang called the Woodie but they might have existed after I left. Anyway there’s lots to like in this book.
I was disappointed that Wilson’s Dairy, the farm I worked for isn’t mentioned. Only Wiseman’s and Hamilton’s are included. Perhaps Wilson's didn’t deliver in the Calderwood.
August 26, 2024
I remember the Woodie
Spent my life in and around Calderwood and this book has brought back many memories of my youth. A good read and look forward to the next book by Scott Rule
Spent my life in and around Calderwood and this book has brought back many memories of my youth. A good read and look forward to the next book by Scott Rule
October 17, 2024
This is incredible, cannot recommend this book highly enough!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews