Janet Maxwell Barclay was born in Carnwath, Lanarkshire, in 1909, the daughter of Gavin and Janet Barclay. She grew up locally and attended Lanark Grammar School before starting work as a secretary in offices along Bath Street in Glasgow. It was during this time that she met Willie Coutts at the International Club — the beginning of a partnership that would shape much of her life.
Janet and Willie, along with their two young sons, settled in Lenzie in 1949. Once there, she quickly became involved in local politics, driven by a strong sense of community and social responsibility. Both she and Willie were committed pacifists during World War II, a belief that continued to influence her outlook in later years.
In 1958, Janet was elected as an independent councillor for the area — winning by just five votes. Her dedication and steady presence in local life saw her rise to become Provost of Kirkintilloch by 1964. A decade later, in 1973, she was awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to social work.
As a magistrate, Janet was known for her compassionate and liberal approach to crime and punishment. She advocated for abstinence from alcohol and believed strongly that party politics had no place in local government. To those who knew her, she was principled, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of her community.