Glasgow psychic who gives readings with cards tribute to Barras

Glasgow Times

15-05-2025

'I was 38 when I first worked here, and I'm 70 now so it has been a long time,' says Maureen, smiling.
'I'm really moved by people's stories and experiences, and here I get to meet people every day, from all walks of life, from all over the world.'
Maureen inside the Barras, where she has worked for more than 30 years (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Maureen has written her own 'love letter' to the Barras, a funny and moving poem which captures the hustle and bustle of the crowds, the patter of the stallholders and the sights and sounds of the historic venue.
(Image: Newsquest)
A keen writer, Maureen has been involved in several productions, including co-writing Mayfest's Govan Stories in the early 1990s.
'Plays and poetry have always been in my life,' she explains.
'I wrote one act plays when I was manager of Pollok community centre's drama group, and I took part in a show at Tramway last year, 12 Last Songs, featuring workers with unusual occupations, which was fantastic.'
Maureen at the Barras Market (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Maureen has an unusual occupation, she explains - she is known as Maura Psychic at the famous city market, where she gives readings using cards.
'I discovered I had a gift when I was quite young – 14, or 15, maybe, growing up in Govan,' she explains. 'After school, I was going to be a shorthand typist, but it sounded too boring. I knew from the first day it wasn't for me.
'Doing this is my passion and I think I bring comfort to people. People come to see me from all over – from the Scottish islands like Barra, Tiree, to Sicily.'
She laughs. 'From Barra to the Barras….'
(Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)
Maureen, who is married to Danny, has a daughter, Jane, and a grand-daughter, Lucy-Jane, who is 12.
She has written her Barras poem, she says, to pay tribute to the place and its people.
The Barras started life on Moncur Street, founded by Maggie and James McIver. Before long, they were attracting 300 barrows each week, many run by women.
(Image: Newsquest)
The early street market was haphazard, with traders working from the back of lorries, spreading their wares on the pavement or hanging them from railings.
As the market grew, the demand for stalls increased and more ground was acquired, with an additional market hall being constructed at Kent Street.
Many of the traders were well known in the city - people like Dick Lee, known as 'Cockney Jock'; Prince Abadou selling snake oil, the cure of all ills; Kurt Cook selling 'nine and 18 carat gold jewellery, watches with a one year guarantee'; Calton man Freddie Benedetti offering household wares; and Gerry Ward the 'go-to-guy' for curtains and towels.
READ NEXT: Glasgow museum's organist celebrates 55 years of playing
READ NEXT: The Glasgow schools for 'homeless waifs' which helped feed city's poor
READ NEXT: 'It was the end of blackouts and air raids and fear' as Glasgow marked VE Day
In the 1980s, Sunday opening had a big impact on footfall at the Barras, but the market continued to flourish.
'This place is never dull, it is busy and multicultural and full of life,' says Maureen. 'It is in my heart and soul and the stall holders are like my family.'
Maura's poem reads: 'The Barras are better/The voice call resounded off the walls of the Barras halls as the people scrambled to get in quick/Lot at stake, gaun for a rake/They go purse in hand, nab the glad rags and come oot grand.
'In 1965 you had to dive high tae catch a free fish pack fae the fish pack guy…/Freebies/You knew you'd won the race when it hit you in the face/Anchovies, fish market meat market/Claes, records, cassettes, settees, TVs/Buzzin bees. Whelks. Humbugs, churros, rocks, socks, tellies/Get doon the Barras fill yer bellies.
'Tina said it - Simply The Best - 100 years plus/a wonderful, beautiful, historical fuss.'
Share your memories of the Barras by emailing [e-mail] or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.