Tealing Tenant's Association (1957-1972)
In 1946, several young local couples approached Councillor George Mudie seeking help to obtain rented accommodation in the area. As a result, Angus County Council agreed to convert 10 huts at the aerodrome, previously used by the RAF, into 20 temporary houses. They were ready for occupation in 1948 and were to be followed by new and permanent housing, ready for occupation in 1953/54, and to be known as Inveraldie. Willie Wilkie writes" substantial rent increases were implemented at the new development, so we formed the Tealing Tenant's Association to argue for modification, with a view to forming associations, not just in Tealing, but elsewhere in Angus. The inaugural meeting was held on 17 March 1957, office bearers appointed were Willie Wilkie, Vic Rankin and Dunc Murray, with a committee of twelve".
Those involved were further annoyed at the cheek of the Council sending the rent collector in a Rolls Royce taxi not very sensitive! Willie continues" after a great deal of spadework, committees were formed in several areas, with representation on the Angus Tenant's Association. On 29 April 1957, more than 400 banner carrying demonstrators marched on Forfar. The tactic proved successful and the outcome was a modified increase in rent and rates throughout Angus. Tealing Tenants Association continued to function for a number of years, finally being wound up a special meeting of the Committee in September 1972". Willie's wife Jessie went on to become an active Community Councillor and, in 1999, was the first Community Councillor in Angus to be presented with a certificate by the Provost, in recognition of 25 years of service to the local community.