
'Sense of excitement building' over Glasgow's George Square work
The leader of Glasgow City Council was filmed in the square as workers in the background were busy with preparations.
The square is currently sealed off with some viewpoints cut in the barriers to allow a little look.
(Image: Colin Mearns)
READ NEXT:Are refugees given priority for social housing in Glasgow?
In one of the sunniest and hottest days of the year so far, Aitken gave an update on the work going on.
In high viz clothing and a hard hat, she said work will soon begin on West George Street.
Aitken said: 'With the historic transformation of George Square well underway, we thought we'd give Glaswegians an opportunity to see the square as you'll never have seen it before.
'The statues have all been taken down, and they're away undergoing their expert restoration.
'Surfaces have been removed and our contractors are now excavating the site to test ground conditions ahead of the square's main construction and pavements on the perimeters will soon be widened.
(Image: Colin Mearns)
'In fact, as soon as next week, work's going to begin on the redevelopment of West George Street, creating a seamless flow between the wider centre and our new civic space.
'It's taken a long time to get to this point but now that Glaswegians can see this transformational work underway.
'I think there's a genuine sense of excitement building about it.
"So over the next year, we'll keep residents up to date with the progess we're making towards delivering the new George Square that we can all be proud of."
READ NEXT:Police called to protest at letting agent as tenants claim eviction threat
Work on the square is due to last for another year before the statues are returned and the Square reopened in the second half of 2026.
The work costing £20.5m is being carried out by Rainton Construction.
The video clip was posted on the City Council's X social media account.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
'Sense of excitement building' over Glasgow's George Square work
The leader of Glasgow City Council was filmed in the square as workers in the background were busy with preparations. The square is currently sealed off with some viewpoints cut in the barriers to allow a little look. (Image: Colin Mearns) READ NEXT:Are refugees given priority for social housing in Glasgow? In one of the sunniest and hottest days of the year so far, Aitken gave an update on the work going on. In high viz clothing and a hard hat, she said work will soon begin on West George Street. Aitken said: 'With the historic transformation of George Square well underway, we thought we'd give Glaswegians an opportunity to see the square as you'll never have seen it before. 'The statues have all been taken down, and they're away undergoing their expert restoration. 'Surfaces have been removed and our contractors are now excavating the site to test ground conditions ahead of the square's main construction and pavements on the perimeters will soon be widened. (Image: Colin Mearns) 'In fact, as soon as next week, work's going to begin on the redevelopment of West George Street, creating a seamless flow between the wider centre and our new civic space. 'It's taken a long time to get to this point but now that Glaswegians can see this transformational work underway. 'I think there's a genuine sense of excitement building about it. "So over the next year, we'll keep residents up to date with the progess we're making towards delivering the new George Square that we can all be proud of." READ NEXT:Police called to protest at letting agent as tenants claim eviction threat Work on the square is due to last for another year before the statues are returned and the Square reopened in the second half of 2026. The work costing £20.5m is being carried out by Rainton Construction. The video clip was posted on the City Council's X social media account.


Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Glasgow to introduce new tourist tax that's almost £5 a night – but locals won't be happy
Read on to see who has to pay the tax CASHING IN Glasgow to introduce new tourist tax that's almost £5 a night – but locals won't be happy GLASGOW City Council is set to introduce a new tourist tax at around £5 per night - but locals won't be happy. The visitor levy will be brought in from January 25, 2027 and will see people pay five per cent of the cost of a hotel room, B&B, AirBnB or hostels per night. Advertisement 3 Visitors staying in Glasgow will be hit with a five per cent tax on their accommodation per night Credit: Getty 3 It is expected to raise around £16million each year for the city Credit: Alamy It is expected to bring in around £16million each year for the city as visitors are set to be charged £4.83 on average. The money raised will be spent on public services, like street sweeping, investing in city landmarks, and improvements to parks, to improve the city for residents and visitors alike. Councillors approved the levy at the city administration committee yesterday morning. The tax will be in place for anyone staying at a hotel in the city - and this includes locals with a Glasgow postcode. Advertisement Speaking out against the tax following the decision was Reform councillor Thomas Kerr. The party also hit out on social media saying: "Glasgow City Council approves tourist tax - even for locals!" Mr Kerr added on X: "I've never believed a tourist tax was the right policy for Glasgow. "This tax risks pricing out families, hurting local B&Bs and deterring much‑needed tourism just as our city recovers. Advertisement "The council is skint, but penalising guests isn't the answer." Hitting back at Reform's comments, Scottish Labour's MSP fro Glasgow Paul Sweeney said: "I have only ever stayed overnight in a hotel in Glasgow once - it was for an assessment centre for the BAE graduate scheme. I didn't pay for it. Moment hardcore anti tourist mob surround Brit tourists in Majorca chanting 'go home' & telling Brit ex-pats to 'go to hell' "How many Glaswegians are staying over at a hotel in the city they live in? A completely ridiculous argument." Scottish Greens MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie said: "Glasgow is a global city, drawing visitors from all over the world. Advertisement "But we have seen how over-tourism can damage communities, like in Venice and Barcelona, where the residents end up paying the price. "The tourist tax is vital to delivering sustainable tourism where local residents feel the benefit of our tourism and events sectors. "I'm delighted that Glasgow is continuing to benefit from Green policy in action." Advertisement In January, Edinburgh was the first council in Scotland to bring in a tourist tax, boosting city coffers by up to £50million. Labour leader of the capital's council, Jane Meagher, labelled the cash the 'single biggest injection of new funding this side of the millennium'.


Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
New tourist tax in Glasgow approved by councillors
The visitor levy due to be introduced on January, 25, 2027 will see people pay 5% of their accommodation bill for every night of their entire stay. It is expected the fee could bring in about £16 million annually after costs and will apply to hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. Speaking at the city administration committee today, city treasurer Ricky Bell said he and leader Susan Aitken 'had been lobbying the Scottish Government for some time to give us more powers to be able to raise our own revenues and this is the start of what I hope will be a continuation of those powers being devolved to local government.' It is proposed that hotel operators keep 1.5% of the amount collected to make up for any costs incurred. Organisations who don't comply would face penalties. READ MORE: Councillor Ricky Bell: 'Visitor levy in Glasgow could grow city's tourism offer' Councillors approved the visitor levy at the city administration committee this morning. Cash generated would go towards the look and feel of the city with investment in infrastructure and the 'built and natural environment', as well as culture and events and marketing of the city as a destination to grow visitors. A visitor levy forum is also to be set up to provide advice to the council relating to the scheme and it is proposed those involved in the visitor sector and representatives from communities would have a key role. Employees are to be appointed at Glasgow City Council to handle the process and annual costs are estimated to be about £750,000 to £950,000 – with initial set up expected to be £400,000. Scottish Green councillors moved an amendment at the committee relating to accommodation provider costs stating that they 'may only retain money under this rebate scheme for three years' and providing more details on penalties if they don't pay. The amendment was rejected by Labour, the SNP and a Conservative councillor.