Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we’re stepping back in time to October 20, 1956—a day that marked the end of an era for public transportation in Dundee. On this day, the last tram ran on the Dundee Corporation Tramways, bringing to a close nearly six decades of electric tram service in the city.

Dundee’s tramway system was a crucial part of the city’s fabric. It began operating under the corporation’s control in 1899, but the story actually goes back further, to the 1870s. Horse-drawn trams were first introduced in 1877 by the Dundee and District Tramways Company, which leased the system from the city. In 1885, they switched to steam trams, giving Dundee one of the most advanced urban transport systems of its time.

By the late 1890s, though, it was clear that electric trams were the future. In 1897, Dundee Corporation decided to take over full control of the tramway network and, within three years, began converting the system to electric trams. On July 12, 1900, the first electric tramcars ran on the Perth Road route, and by May 1902, the entire system had been electrified, making Dundee one of the first cities in Scotland to fully embrace this modern technology.

The trams quickly became a vital part of Dundee’s daily life, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and communities. The city expanded the network over the next few decades, and by the 1920s, the system was at its peak with over 100 trams in service, running along a route network that spanned over 15 miles.

However, as the world moved on, so did transportation technology. The corporation introduced motor buses in 1922, which gradually began replacing some of the tram routes. Still, Dundee was committed to its trams, and a significant rebuilding program was launched in the 1930s to modernize the aging fleet. The new trams, particularly those used on the Lochee route, offered smoother rides and were equipped with cutting-edge technology like air brakes and quieter, more efficient bow collectors.

Despite these efforts, by the end of World War II, it became clear that the tramways were facing an uphill battle. The infrastructure needed costly repairs, and new vehicles were required. In 1952, the Dundee Corporation decided to phase out the tram system in favor of buses. The closures began in stages, starting with the Moncur Crescent route in April 1952, followed by several more in 1955 and 1956.

The final curtain fell on October 20, 1956. That day, the last tram made its way from Maryfield Depot to Lochee in a farewell procession. Crowds gathered to witness the historic event, many of them riding the trams for one last time. The tramcars were soon scrapped, their metal sold for salvage, and Dundee’s streets were left to the diesel buses that took their place.

While the trams are long gone, their legacy lives on. They played a pivotal role in shaping Dundee’s growth and development in the early 20th century, providing a reliable, efficient means of transport during a period of significant urban expansion.

Interestingly, Dundee also experimented with another innovative form of transport—trolleybuses. In 1912, the city briefly ran a trolleybus line, making it an early adopter of this new technology. However, the roads proved unsuitable for these trackless trams, and complaints about dust and bumpy rides led to the service being discontinued in 1914. It was the first trolleybus system in Britain to close, but it’s another example of Dundee’s willingness to explore new ways of moving people around.

As we look back on October 20, 1956, we remember not just the end of the tramways, but also the broader history of public transportation in Dundee. From horse-drawn trams to steam-powered locomotives, electric trams, and even trolleybuses, the city has always been at the forefront of transport innovation.

Thank you for joining us on This Day in Scottish History as we revisited the final journey of Dundee’s trams. Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for another fascinating story from Scotland’s past. I’m Colin MacDonald, and as always, Haste Ye Back!

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