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Inside Glasgow's tenement crisis and the call for new laws

Inside Glasgow's tenement crisis and the call for new laws

It should have been repaired or demolished after it was gutted by the blaze in 2020, but instead the burned-out building sat open to the elements.
Some of the owners had insurance, others did not. There was no block insurance.
And so the Victorian B-listed building was stuck in bureaucratic stasis.
If there is anything surprising about the situation at Albert Cross, it is that it is still relatively rare for any of the 77,000 pre-1919 homes in Glasgow to completely collapse before our eyes.
The deterioration is normally much more gradual.
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But for how much longer? The city's tenements are in crisis. Age and a lack of maintenance are catching up with them.
Roofs, stone façades, joists and chimneys have endured more than a century of Scottish winters.
In my Pollokshields tenement, we've just been handed an eye-watering quote to fix our mullions. I didn't even know what a mullion was until a couple of months ago.
A 2018 survey found around 46,600 tenement flats in the city need structural, weather-tightening and restoration work.
And as these buildings age, the pace of their decline will only accelerate.
The big problem, when it comes to major structural repairs, is getting everyone in the block to agree.
Replacing a roof, securing bulging sandstone, dealing with dry rot – it all needs to be carried out collectively. All the owners in a close need to agree and pay their share.
In theory, a simple majority of owners can approve common works. In practice, as anyone who has ever been in this situation can attest, if even one refuses or cannot afford to pay, everything grinds to a halt.
Councils have the power to step in – by paying a "missing share" and pursuing repayment – but budgets are tight and such interventions are rare.
And compulsory purchase orders are rarer still and even more tricky to get over the line.
The problem is that the system we have to deal with these situations simply was not designed to cope with this scale of failure.
So, is it time for a new Tenements Act?
That is the proposal from Labour MSP Paul Sweeney. But what would it involve?
The Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance has been meeting for seven years now. In 2019, it recommended ministers look at owners' associations, sinking funds and five-yearly inspections.
In response, the Scottish Government asked the Scottish Law Commission to develop options for legislation.
That's still ongoing, but with a year until the election, the onus must now be on parties to come up with some suggestions.
One possibility touted by Jon Molyneux, the Green councillor for Pollokshields, and worthy of consideration, is mandatory insurance.
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That would likely go beyond the current legal requirement for individual owners to insure their own flats, instead requiring comprehensive block-wide coverage that would ensure repairs could proceed even when some owners lack adequate insurance or funds.
The collective cost of repairing Scotland's pre-1919 housing stock could run to the billions.
But the cost of doing nothing will be far higher.
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Scotsman Obituaries: Alan Rennie, journalist whose devotion to his patch saw him nicknamed ‘Mr Stirling
Scotsman Obituaries: Alan Rennie, journalist whose devotion to his patch saw him nicknamed ‘Mr Stirling

Scotsman

timean hour ago

  • Scotsman

Scotsman Obituaries: Alan Rennie, journalist whose devotion to his patch saw him nicknamed ‘Mr Stirling

Alan Rennie, journalist. Born: 28 March 1951. Died: 3 July 2025, aged 74 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Some individuals are destined to become influential figures whose success in life will impact significantly on people, communities and events. Alan Rennie was one. A highly talented journalist, Alan's enormous contribution to the Stirling Observer, very many people (including me) and the royal burgh, towns and villages in which he lived and socialised cannot be exaggerated. In Alan's case, however, what set him apart from and above other similar souls was his humility, deference and humour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alan, I suspect, never had any inkling of the colossal regard and affection which many of us had for him. He was my first boss in his role as chief reporter for the Observer and proved to be a brilliant editor, tutor and guide. To his great credit, however, he had no concept of this. I am one of many journalists whose careers owed much to Alan. There is still an unlikely number of Scotland's preeminent journalists and media figures who owe at least part of their success to Alan. For me (and I claim no pre-eminence), perhaps most importantly, we remained friends for life. Alan Rennie was was a Stirling man through and through, a Son of the Rock (Picture: Stirling Observer) Away from newspapers, however, many other people shared the same extreme respect for Alan. Indeed, in the days after his death there was an outpouring in just about equal measure of affection for him as an individual and admiration of his professional achievements. In sport, he was rugby daft and a lifelong member of Stirling County RFC. Some stalwarts of the club credit him with helping County's rise to Scottish champions in 1995. That team's scrum-half, Kenneth Harper, said Alan's promotion in the Observer of all things County drove up interest, attracted players and spectators, and contributed to the title win. Mr Harper also suggested that the change in emphasis from soccer and Stirling Albion to rugby and Stirling County was a brave revolution that had never been done previously. Alan was also a keen golfer and was a member of Stirling Golf Club for many years. In his younger days, he played football to a very decent level, turning out for Bannockburn Amateurs during the club's very successful seasons in the early 1980s. Cricket was another game he played, featuring for the Stirling Observer team in the Palmer Sevens tournament run by Stirling County Cricket Club; and he was known to take to the area's bowling greens from time to time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alan was a Stirling man through and through, a Son of the Rock, born in the Raploch, in the shadow of Stirling Castle. His father was a policeman who was posted between Stirling and Falkirk, which meant Alan's education was split between schools in the latter, but mostly at St Ninians Primary and Stirling High School in the former. His working life began as a trainee journalist with Outram, a company which then owned the Glasgow Herald and a stable of local titles. Alan started at the Herald but moved to the Perthshire Advertiser, where he became chief reporter before transferring back to Stirling with the same position at the Observer. His wife, Mary, said: 'Alan's mum once told me that all he ever wanted to do from when he was a small child was to become editor of The Stirling Observer, and he got that in 1982. In 1987, he was offered the job of deputy editor at the Glasgow Herald, and he swithered about it but decided against it.' It was far from journalism alone, however, that marked Alan as a very special person; he had deep roots in his communities and gave back by the bucket-load. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He sat on – and chaired – the community council where he lived near the village of Cambusbarron; he was a Rotarian who toiled through the auspices of his local club for good causes; he served on the board of the highly regarded Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling; he was a trustee of the William Simpson Residential Care Home; and he was, as mentioned, a grand sportsman. He parted ways with the Observer in 2009 after more than a quarter of a century running the paper, the severance prompting thanks from local people. Mary recalls: 'There was a letter in the paper saying that he was 'Mr Stirling' because he knew so much about the place. He was headhunted by Keep Scotland Beautiful because of what he knew and who he knew. He was there for three years until he took early retirement. 'In 1992, he was contacted by someone in London saying he had been chosen to represent the Guild of Newspaper Editors, of which he was president, at a conference in Colorado Springs in America. He thought it was a joke call but it wasn't. He went off to Colorado and had a great time.' A keen traveller anyway, Alan later took Mary to the same place and they became frequent visitors to the United States, journeying to Colorado annually. He also made yearly trips to South Africa with golfing chums. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'He would do anything for anybody and was well liked by his staff,' said Mary. 'He had a great sense of community; he was also a member of the Guildry of Stirling and the Stirling Hammermen; and he was chieftain of the Stirling Highland Games in 2004. "But he never did anything for personal kudos.' Another of his achievements was being a major influence in delivering city status for Stirling in 2002; the paper campaigned hard for the accolade. Alan was a loving husband to Mary, whom he married in 1987; she was equally devoted, as was evident during his last weeks and days when Mary was seldom away from his bedside, often sleeping in a chair beside his bed in hospital and care home. The best of company, he was well-known for enjoying a drink and over-imbibing on occasion. Famously in Stirling, he once approached the door of a nightclub in the town after a tipple or two more than was advisable only to be told he would not be admitted. 'Do you know who I am?' he demanded. The bouncer shook his head. 'I'm the Observer of the Stirling Editor!' he proclaimed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He was not, of course; he was the Editor of the Stirling Observer – and a damned fine one. His funeral is on Monday 28 July at 10.30am in Holy Spirit Church, Stirling, then Falkirk Crematorium at 12.15pm. Obituaries

Hamilton Burns Club marks Bard's anniversary with ceremony at historic statue
Hamilton Burns Club marks Bard's anniversary with ceremony at historic statue

Daily Record

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Hamilton Burns Club marks Bard's anniversary with ceremony at historic statue

The statue in the Town House foyer was restored a decade ago after being lost during a refurbishment and relocated following an enquiry from the other side of the world A historic Robert Burns statue which was rediscovered a decade ago thanks to detective work from the other side of the world took pride of place at a celebration of the Bard in Hamilton. ‌ The sculpture of the Scots writer at Hamilton town house was at the centre of the annual wreath-laying ceremony by members of the Lanarkshire association of Burns clubs – led by Hamilton Burns Club president Colonel Mike Edwards OBE and World Burns Federation president Peter Pringle. ‌ It has been a key feature since being restored in 2015 to its prime spot in the foyer beside the town's library; after enquiries from an Australian politician led to the statue being unearthed from a basement after having been moved for renovation works and subsequently forgotten. ‌ Last weekend's rededication ceremony marked the 229th anniversary of Burns' death and also came just weeks before the 10th anniversary of the refurbished statue being restored to its prominent place in the A-listed town house. Hamilton Burns Club members welcomed fellow Lanarkshire members, supporters and past presidents for the annual moment of reflection, including a 'heartfelt' address from Mr Pringle and the playing of a lament by past president Stewart Carle, before the group made their way to nearby Hamilton Old parish church for a short service led by Rev Ross Blackman. ‌ A wreath was laid beside the statue by renowned Scottish sculptor William Birnie Rhind (1853–1933) – which was rediscovered after a enquiry from Gordon Ashley, a former member of the Victoria Parliament, who was researching a book on Burns memorials and asked: 'Whatever happened to the Hamilton Burns statue?' His query from 12,000 miles away reached local Burns clubs and South Lanarkshire Council, prompting an investigation with the result that 'to widespread surprise, the statue was located in council storage – intact and remarkably well-preserved'. Larkhall councillor Lesley McDonald recalls receiving a 2014 phone call from Mr Ashley about 'a 'missing' Burns statue last known to be in the care of South Lanarkshire Council' and said: 'After speaking with staff at Hamilton town house, the statue was found in the basement, wrapped in straw. It had been placed there years earlier during renovation works. ‌ 'It was clear the statue needed conservation. The then-council leader, Eddie McAvoy, agreed to fund 50 per cent of the restoration on the condition that the Lanarkshire Association of Burns Clubs raised the rest.' A fundraising concert featuring Burns enthusiasts from all over the country brought in the necessary sum of over £3000 and the statue was restored to its original condition by sculpture experts in Edinburgh. ‌ It was formally unveiled in its current prominent Town House spot by South Lanarkshire provost Eileen Logan on August 14 2015 – with special guest Mr Ashley travelling from Australia to attend the occasion as it was restored to public view. The statue was originally gifted to the people of Hamilton by the 4th Baronet of Earnock, Sir Derrick William Inglefield Inglefield-Watson; it was removed ahead of renovations at the Cadzow Street building between 2002 and 2004, being put into storage but had been uncatalogued and over time, 'slipped from civic memory'. ‌ Colonel Edwards said: 'The statue had been forgotten – but Burns, as ever, finds his way back. It's extraordinary that a question from across the globe could bring a piece of Hamilton's cultural soul back into the light. 'We were proud to lead this rededication and to celebrate the values the Bard stood for: equality, compassion, truth.' Mr Pringle agreed: 'Burns was a global citizen long before the phrase existed. That someone in Australia could be the spark for a Scottish town to reconnect with its heritage shows the reach of his words and spirit. Hamilton honoured him in fine style.' ‌ Hamilton Burns Club say the annual ceremony shows 'renewed pride for the region and its cultural heritage', and are inviting new members and supporters to join them. Colonel Edwards added: 'This isn't just about heritage; Burns speaks to our own times – about fairness, humour, and the power of words. We're inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to join us, whether they know every verse or just want to share good company.' The club's next major event is its annual anniversary dinner on Friday, January 23 2026, described as 'a vibrant evening of speeches, songs, and fellowship'. For tickets and enquiries, email secretary@ and all are welcome to attend.

‘Life saver' £13 hack keeps wasps away from your outdoor dining area and BBQs
‘Life saver' £13 hack keeps wasps away from your outdoor dining area and BBQs

Daily Mirror

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

‘Life saver' £13 hack keeps wasps away from your outdoor dining area and BBQs

Trying to keep wasps and flies away from your food when eating outdoors can be a nightmare, which is why this clever £13 hack has been called a 'life saver' during a BBQ One of the best parts about the summer season is spending time outdoors, and particularly enjoying a nice al fresco meal in the sunshine. However, we've all experienced the struggle of trying to sit and enjoy your food and having to constantly swat, run or dodge wasps who have their eyes on your meal. Although they're just as irritating as flies, the added danger of their stings (especially for those who are allergic) can mean that your barbecue ends up more stressful than serene. That's why Amazon shoppers have been praising this £13 product as a 'life saver' for keeping them at bay. The Green Protect Wasp & Flying Insect Trap is easy to use and works by luring away wasps and flies from your dining area to stop them from ruining your meal. It's also been carefully formulated so that it doesn't attract bees, so you don't need to worry about inadvertently killing off any bumble bees or worker bees. Sophie Thorogood, a representative at Pest-Stop, offered some advice on using the trap, saying: 'To keep wasps away from your BBQ, position a few traps around the edges of your garden or fence line. These non-toxic traps lure wasps away from your guests, patio area and food and are a great first port of call. The bait lasts for up to six weeks and refills are available for ongoing protection.' The Green Protect Wasp & Flying Insect Trap is easy to install and is best placed somewhere shady in an area where you typically see the most wasps flying around. Simply place it on any flat surface, ideally where there's air circulation but away from strong winds, and pour 250ml of the liquid attractant into the trap. The solution is non-toxic, and after three weeks you can dispose of the liquid (and insects) inside, before refilling it with the remaining 250ml of the attractant liquid, giving you six weeks in total of wasp and fly repelling. You can also buy refills of the liquid for £7, making it a cost effective way to keep them at bay long term. If you'd prefer a solution which doesn't harm or kill the wasps but simply deters them from entering your garden, there are a couple of other ideas. Hanging a decoy wasp nest like this Waspinator one (which comes in a two pack for £9.99) can be enough to keep them from setting up camp in your garden. They require no cleaning or maintenance, and can be simply hung up in whatever area you want to keep wasps away from – they even work when camping or caravanning. Rather than killing off the wasps, they simply change their behaviour and stop them from entering an area they think is already another wasp's territory. Certain scents also put off wasps and stop them from arriving in your garden, with mint being one smell that keeps them at bay. Therefore you could try planting some mint plants, like these Large Mentha Mint Plants which are now on sale for £9.89 down from £10.99, to encourage wasps to stay away – not to mention give you some ready-to-use mint for cooking or your summer Pimms. However the Green Protect Wasp & Flying Insect Trap has been praised by Amazon shoppers for its effectiveness, with one saying: 'Honestly a life saver when having a bbq, kept the wasps at bay which is great for those in my family with allergies to their sting.' Another agreed: 'We have been using this for about 3 weeks, and the number of flies and wasps in our home has reduced noticeably. The bottle is filling with wasps and the flies are just staying away. I would recommend and will buy more.' Others had less impressive results, with one shopper writing: 'Placed it in several places near to a wasp nest, but it did not catch even one wasp.' Yet another added: 'Simple to setup and place, it doesn't stink at first however after a week with dead insects it can smell. I'd recommend in an elevated position indoors to avoid smell.'

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