Just over 57 years ago, on the 14th of January 1968, a storm of unprecedented force tore across the Atlantic and slammed into central Scotland. With perfect atmospheric conditions for destruction, it would become one of the most catastrophic weather events in the nation’s history.
Unlike today, there were no real-time weather updates, no social media alerts, and no government warning systems. The Met Office and emergency response infrastructure were primitive compared to modern standards. For many, the first sign of the storm’s arrival was the wind picking up late that Sunday evening. By the time the full force of the tempest hit, it was already too late.
"Like the Blitz, But Without the Warning Sirens"
For those who lived through it, the horror of that night would never be forgotten. In her memoirs, one survivor, reflecting on the experience, wrote:
"It was like returning to the WW2 Blitz but without the support shelters and warning siren."
People scrambled for safety wherever they could. Some huddled under stairs or tables, while others barricaded themselves in hallways, shutting doors behind them to escape the fury of the wind. Many feared their homes would collapse around them, and some, driven by terror, fled outside—only to be struck by flying debris or falling trees.
In areas where buildings had never been properly repaired after the Blitz, the storm dealt a devastating blow. Chimney stacks crashed through roofs, reducing homes to rubble. The destruction was indiscriminate, with both the wealthy and the working class suffering equally.
One harrowing account from Renfrew tells of an elderly woman who, sensing imminent danger, grabbed her young granddaughter’s hand and took shelter under the kitchen table. Moments later, the chimney stack crashed through the roof and onto the very bed they had just left—undoubtedly saving their lives.
In Paisley, the western part of the town took the brunt of the storm. An eerie and unforgettable sound filled the air that night—the great church bell of St James on Underwood Road, swinging wildly in the gale, ringing ceaselessly throughout the chaos.
Lives Lost and Communities Shattered
As dawn broke, Scotland awoke to devastation. The human toll was staggering: 21 lives lost, including children. Among them were three crew members of a dredger that capsized on the River Clyde near Greenock. Most of the fatalities occurred between 3 am and 5 am—the deadliest hours of the storm.
Across the central belt, hundreds were injured, with at least 100 suffering serious wounds. The destruction extended beyond homes and tenements—shipyard cranes were toppled, electricity pylons lay twisted on the ground, and historic church spires were wrenched from their towers. In streets across Renfrewshire and Glasgow, rows of parked cars were flattened by debris.
The numbers told a grim story:
1,800 people left homeless
250,000 homes damaged
£30 million in damages (equivalent to hundreds of millions today)
In the aftermath, the army and Civil Defence Force were called in to help clear the wreckage and support displaced families. It took Scotland nearly two years to recover from the destruction.
The Winds of Change
While the Great Storm of 1968 was a tragedy, it also became a catalyst for change. The disaster highlighted the dire state of Scotland’s post-war housing, particularly in poorer areas where Victorian tenements were crumbling. In the years that followed, slum clearances were accelerated, building regulations were tightened, and urban renewal projects reshaped entire communities.
Like the Blitz and the bitter winter of 1947, the storm also revealed Scotland’s enduring spirit. Communities came together to rebuild, neighbours supported one another, and amidst the wreckage, resilience shone through.
Do You Remember the Great Storm?
For those who lived through it, the memory of that night remains vivid. Perhaps you or a family member have stories from the storm—moments of fear, survival, or resilience passed down through generations.
We’d love to hear your memories. Share your stories with Paisley Heritage, and help us keep the history of this extraordinary night alive.
— Jillian McFarlane, for Paisley Heritage
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