8 photos of Glasgow's Easterhouse which capture 60 years of history

Glasgow Times

3 days ago

Easterhouse in the East End was one of the new 'schemes' built on the outskirts of the city to ease overcrowding in the centre.
Slow progress in providing amenities like shops and schools led to a range of problems and for many years, the area struggled to shake off its tarnished reputation.
In recent decades, Easterhouse has transformed itself into a thriving community with a successful arts and culture hub, employability programmes, grass-roots projects and popular schools.
Our archives are full of fantastic photographs which help to tell the story of Easterhouse through the decades.
What are your memories of growing up in Easterhouse? Get in touch by emailing [e-mail] or write to Ann Fotheringham, Glasgow Times, 125 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FG.
Frankie Vaughan (Image: Newsquest)
The 60s
In one of the most bizarre events in the history of Easterhouse, Hollywood singer Frankie Vaughan famously intervened in Glasgow gang warfare in the 60s. Many dismissed it as a publicity stunt, others felt he really was trying to do some good for the people of the city.
Frankie's intervention was a huge success – he even invited some of the gang members to a "peace conference" in Blackpool - and his fund-raising gala, Not the Gang Show, kickstarted the Easterhouse Project, a community youth club built in the heart of the housing scheme to offer youngsters an alternative to street fighting.
A knife amnesty was held during Frankie's visit, and three binfuls of weapons were handed in – later, some Glasgow mothers complained their sons had raided their kitchens for knives so they could get their picture taken with Frankie.
Cathy McCormack (Image: Newsquest)
THE 70s
Cathy McCormack was a former factory worker who fought tirelessly for better housing conditions in the scheme where she raised her three children.
She successfully campaigned to win investment from the council to improve the dampness in the area's housing stock, an issue that was causing ill health and sickness among both young and old.
Cathy spoke at the Houses of Parliament to discuss the link between poor housing and health. In 1992 she was involved in setting up the pressure group, Scottish Public Health Alliance.
Young people outside Easterhouse Project in 1984 (Image: Newsquest)
THE 80s
Young people at the Easterhouse Project in 1984.
(Image: Newsquest)
THE 90s
Actor, writer and comedian Elaine C Smith was given a warm welcome on March 27, 1990 when she officially opened a new women's centre in Easterhouse.
At the time, she was best known for TV sitcom City Lights but since then, she has many more credits to her name including Rab C Nesbitt, Naked Video, Two Doors Down and King's Theatre panto.
Ian Duncan Smith (Image: Newsquest)
THE 00s
Ian Duncan Smith famously visited Easterhouse in 2002 as Tory leader while his party was in opposition to Tony Blair's Labour government.
Greeted by scenes of semi-derelict and boarded up tenements and rubbish-strewn gardens, he was taken aback by the levels of deprivation in the area, pledging 'compassionate Conservativism'' vowing to help change things, in what became known as the 'Easterhouse epiphany.'
This Easterhouse street is dominated by the local water towers (Image: Newsquest)
THE 2010s
The view from this Easterhouse Street is dominated by the imposing water towers, an impressive local landmark looking a little like something out of War of the Worlds or Doctor Who …
Children in costume celebrate the re-opening of Provan Hall (Image: Newsquest)
THE 2020s
This joyful photo was taken at the re-opening of Easterhouse's Provan Hall in 2023.
The building dates back to medieval times – a reminder that there is more to this part of Glasgow than its days as a housing scheme on the edge of the city.
Located close to the Fort retail park, the building overlooks Auchinlea Park in Easterhouse, part of the Seven Lochs Wetlands.
Built in the 15th century as a hunting lodge for Glasgow Bishops, it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and leased by Glasgow City Council.