The 1980s in Scotland were defined by the contrast of industrial struggles with thriving popular culture and a golden era for football. While traditional heavy industries collapsed, pop music and fashion thrived, and football fans will know that some truly legendary milestones took place throughout the decade.
The Daily Record has put together a list of five things people who grew up in Scotland during the Eighties will probably remember, from the music and fashion of the era to iconic football moments.
Music of the era
The 1980s is one of the most iconic decades in music, with legends such as George Michael, Whitney Houston, and Prince producing hits that are still popular to this day. Scotland's own music scene was also thriving at the time, and Scots growing up in the 80s will no doubt remember listening to countless local acts.
There are too many iconic Scottish musicians and bands from the 1980s to count, but a few that you might remember are Bellshill-born popstar Sheena Easton, Glasgow new wave band Altered Images, and Bearsden jangle pop group Orange Juice. Then of course there are iconic hits like Simple Minds' 'Don't You (Forget About Me)' and Wet Wet Wet's 'With a Little Help from My Friends'.
A decade of iconic football moments
Almost every decade has brought with it some truly legendary footie moments that will never leave the memories of those who saw them firsthand, and the 1980s is no different. In fact, by some accounts, the Eighties represents the absolute pinnacle of Scottish football.
Without a doubt one of the highlights was Aberdeen winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, with Alex Ferguson leading the team to a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid. Other memorable moments include Dundee United winning the Scottish Premier Division title for the first time in 1983 and the infamous 1980 Scottish Cup final that ended with a violent riot.
Shopping at stores that are now forgotten
In the current era of online shopping, it is easy to forget that Scotland's high streets were once a haven for department stores and independent shops. Many of these iconic shopping destinations have sadly shut their doors over the years, living on only as a memory in some Scots' minds.
Some of the most legendary department stores of the era were RW Forsyth in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Draffens of Dundee, and Goldbergs across the country. Other shops you might remember if you grew up in Scotland in the 1980s are Grants Department Store on the corner of North Bridge and High Street Edinburgh and the Bruce's Record Shop chain.
Dressing up in unique fashions
From high-waisted trousers and garish printed blouses to neon sweatbands and ankle boots, the 1980s was not exactly known for its subtle fashion. The decade introduced countless unforgettable style trends, for better or worse, and people in Scotland were definitely not immune to their charms.
Influenced by the popular music of the time, as well as the politics, many Scots used fashion to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd. Androgynous styles and punk-inspired outfits soared in popularity during the decade, while big perms and mullets were some of the most popular hairstyles.
Dancing the night away at clubs lost to time
Scotland of course still has lots of nightclubs across its cities, but most of them will never be as legendary as the venues of the 1980s. Not only was the music of the time unbeatable, but the atmosphere in music venues before the age of social media and smartphones can never be recreated.
Cleopatra's (Clatty Pat's) may well have been your regular go-to spot if you lived in Glasgow, with it being especially popular amongst doctors and nurses from the nearby Gartnavel Hospital and Western Infirmary. Over in the Angus town of Brechin, Flicks welcomed the likes of Kylie Minogue and Rick Astley.
