ON SATURDAY September 30, 1911, the new Public Hall at Sauchie was opened.

Just after 3 o'clock that afternoon, a procession, made up of Friendly Societies, Boy Scouts, members of the Miners Association and the general public, got underway.

At its head was the County Police, a pipe band, Territorials, and the Sauchie Band.

It left the hall grounds and wound its way to the Whins then back by Hallpark, Mar Place, Main Street, Burnee Road in Fishcross then returned to the hall for the 5 o'clock opening ceremony.

The streets were lined with cheering crowds.

At Sauchie Public School's playground there was also a horse parade and a cycle parade with prizes for those taking part.

At 5 o'clock, the opening ceremony took place in the large hall. Every seat was taken.

On the platform was Major John Stewart, the Convenor of the Committee, along with Walter and Violet Erskine, the Earl and Countess of Mar and Kellie, Alexander P. Forrester-Paton, local MP Eugene Wason, and the Rev George Murray of Sauchie Parish Church.

Other local dignitaries were also present on the stage.

Murray said a prayer then the chairman spoke. He said 'that never in the history of Sauchie and District has there been an occasion so important' as the one that was bringing the locals together that day.

He then called on Forrester-Paton to officially open the hall. He called it one of the 'red letter days' in Sauchie's history and described the building as 'splendid'.

He went on to say that he hoped it would prove to be 'a great source of help,' and that everyone present could 'rejoice' in the new facility.

He then declared it open.

The Countess of Mar handed him a commemorative gold key, a gift from the architects, contractors, and committee. She told those assembled he had donated £1250 towards the building, and an extra £50 for books.

After accepting the key, Forrester-Paton sat down, and Earl of Mar gave the vote of thanks.

Among others to donate large sums of money were the Alloa Coal Company, David Thomson-Paton, and the Distillers Company.

The dignitaries were then given a tour of the hall.

An opening concert was held that night. The artists included Helen Laidlaw, a well-known soprano, Kate Fellows, a violinist, and comedian J. B. Preston.

Also taking part were 'dramatic entertainers' Richard Langlands and Sarah Gold.

John Stewart of Carsebridge presided over the programme.

The concert ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne.