THE FENIAN is, of course, a work of fiction but having grown up in Cumbernauld, author Mike Kernan uses real-life local places as the basis for locations in the fictional town of Cumbride, where the novel is set. Here are some of the spots which pop up in the story and will be recognised by many people who have lived in Cumbernauld.
FARE ENOUGH
The old 159 bus keeps its number and smelly diesel engine.
WORK EXPERIENCE
The old Burroughs plant is referred to as “the big machine factory”.
FRY UP
The chippie referred to a couple of times was inspired by the Abetone in the town centre.
HIGH THERE
Cumbernauld High gets a simple name change to Cumbride High.
SWAP SHOP
Old Dyson’s store becomes the Mace, which was actually elsewhere in Kildrum.
SHELF LIFE
The Galbraiths supermarket in the town centre keeps it name.
HOTEL BOOKING
The Golden Eagle is thinly disguised as The Osprey.
SCHOOL'S OUT
Kildrum School is renamed Cardrum Primary, where some characters meet.
STREET LIFE
Lochlea Road, where the author’s family lived, is recast as Leeburn Road.
MONKEY BARS
An alternative name for the swing park in the novel.
FIRST LADY
Our Lady’s High is rebranded as St Joseph’s, referred to as St Joe’s for short.
ROYAL COMMAND
A visit by the Queen has the 1965 date changed to fit the story’s timeline.
BEHIND BARS
The fictional Common pub is based on the Red Comyn.
RED ALERT
Wildlife haven spot drops the ‘Red’ and has its name shortened to Fox Valley.
HEARTFELT
The author’s primary school, Sacred Heart, is renamed St Jude’s.
GIMME SHELTER
The swing park shelter which gives the gang of the story its name.
PLOT TWIST
The Snake Bridge, or the snakey, as it is dubbed in the story.
SWEET & SEWER
Everyone who grew up in Cumbernauld will remember walking the pipey.
SITE FOR SORE EYES
The much-maligned town centre crops up several times.
ON THE POOL
The Tryst sports complex stars as itself in a major scene.
THANKS TO: Gavin Thorburn, Graham Dougan, Alan Keene, Scott Curran, Ross Nisbet, Iain Bryce and others.