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The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow's medieval roots commemorated in stone
In collaboration with the Merchants House, Trades House, and City of Glasgow College, the project honours Glasgow's past and engages young people in preserving this heritage, while working on a practical project with valuable learning opportunities. The project involved the design and production of the port stones by students from the City of Glasgow. Each stone, designed by construction apprentices, after discussions with students and senior pupils as part of the college's Schools' Partnership Programme, incorporates Glasgow City Council's coat of arms as well as the crests of Trades House and Merchants House of Glasgow, Glasgow Dean of Guild Court Trust and City of Glasgow College. READ MORE: Each Caithness stone marker is also engraved with a compass point denoting the 'port gate', the Glasgow 850 logo, a brief historical description and the year it was laid. Medieval Glasgow ran from the River Clyde, up through the Saltmarket, along High Street and up to the Cathedral. The historical locations for the stones, installed by the council, are based on the approximate sites of the original medieval city gates. These locations were chosen based on historical documents and maps, including the "Medieval City Map: Glasgow's Medieval City development between 1150 and 1550" produced by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with West of Scotland Archaeology Service. The markers are located at: Glasgow Cathedral Precinct; Saltmarket at Jocelyn Square; Gallowgate opposite Molindinar Street and Trongate opposite Trongate 103. (L-R) Lord Dean of Guild, Lord Provost, Deacon Convenor, Andy Pollok, City of Glasgow College (Image: Glasgow 850) Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: 'This project symbolises the unity and collaboration of three historic civic institutions in Glasgow, and one that reflects a shared commitment to civic pride and legacy.'Together, with the College, this project has allowed the students to contribute something tangible in this special year – something that they can be proud of and that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.' Lord Dean of Guild Merchants House of Glasgow, Andrew McFarlane, said: 'The marker stones are intended to be a reminder to future generations of both the development of the city and the celebrations to mark its 850th birthday." Deacon Convenor Trades House of Glasgow Richard Paterson, said; 'The marker stones are a legacy to the city's past and a reminder that 'People Make Glasgow.' The Glasgow 850 celebrations mark a significant milestone in the city's history, commemorating 850 years since Glasgow was granted burgh status, in 1175. The year-long programme includes a variety of events and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages, reflecting Glasgow's dynamic past, present, and future.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Organist celebrates 56 years of music with recital for Glasgow's 850th birthday
An organist will celebrate more than 56 years of performing in Glasgow at a special recital to honour his contribution to the city's cultural life on Wednesday. Bill Hutcheson first performed a recital at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on October 22 1969 and he has played the attraction regularly ever since. Fifty years ago, Mr Hutcheson performed as part of celebrations marking Glasgow's 800th anniversary and since the gallery reopened after a refurbishment in 2006 he has often played during daily recitals. On Wednesday, he will play once more to mark the city's 850th anniversary and will later be presented with a commemorative plate in recognition of his service. The recital will feature A Glasgow Flourish, arranged by Mr Hutcheson and woven with familiar melodies linked to the city; Kelvingrove, a piece specially commissioned for Mr Hutcheson by his family and composed by John Barber; and the finale from Sonata No 4 by Alexandre Guilmant, among other pieces. He said: 'It's been a privilege to play this magnificent instrument for over five decades and to be part of Glasgow's 850 celebrations. 'The organ is like an old friend, capable of anything from a whisper to a roar. What makes these recitals so special is the audience. They're open to everything, from Bach to swing to the unexpected. 'In a city renowned for music, it's a pleasure to bring joy to so many people, in one of our finest museums.' Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Bill's dedication to the world-famous organ recitals in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has enriched our city's cultural heritage and brought joy to countless visitors. 'His performances have become a favourite tradition and, for some, a happy introduction to the world of organ music, usually more associated with places of worship. 'This milestone is even more momentous as Bill took part in the Glasgow 800 celebrations. 'Today, fifty years on, we honour his commitment, exceptional service and his place as an integral part of Glasgow's vibrant cultural life.'
Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Hundreds line Glasgow streets for veterans' parade
The event was held at the Veterans' Monument at Knightswood Cross on Saturday, May 10. There was a short service and act of remembrance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) This was followed by a parade down Great Western Road to the Lincoln Inn. Images taken by our photographer show members of the Glasgow branch of the Parachute Regimental Association marching. As they passed through the area, they received support from hundreds of onlookers. READ NEXT: Glasgow city council reveals plan to ease misery of hayfever sufferers (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) Elected officials were also in attendance. We previously reported that a special service was held at Glasgow Cathedral to mark VE Day on May 8. Senior military personnel from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF, and reserve units were joined by representatives of the emergency services, veterans organisations, and elected officials. (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) READ NEXT: Members of The Wanted to play gig at Rouken Glen Park Glaswegians were welcome to attend the service, which started at 1pm. Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren previously said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral was a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted.' (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns) (Image: Colin Mearns)
Glasgow Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
VE Day Glasgow: 'It was the end of fear, and everyone danced'
On VE Day, May 8, 1945, she remembers the celebrations, and the sense of relief that flooded the homes and streets of her native Maryhill. 'I lived with my father, my aunt and my grandfather, and I remember them celebrating, and the street parties,' she says, smiling. 'To be honest, I don't think I really quite understood how important it was, but there was such relief, everywhere.' The Hawthorn House party in full swing (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) Cathy, now 90, lives in Hawthorn House care home in Possilpark. To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, staff threw a party for the residents, complete with bunting, spam fritters and Elvis Presley. Elvis, (acclaimed impersonator Shaun Hamilton), was a hit, shimmying his way around the gardens, dancing with the ladies, shaking hands with the men and even planting a kiss on the cheek of guest of honour the Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren. Elvis (Shaun Hamilton) serenading Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) 'Many of the residents here will remember what it was like to live during a war,' said the Lord Provost. 'It's important to hear their stories on a day like today. There is a great community feel to today's event, it's fantastic. It's a privilege to share it all with them.' (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) In the bright May sunshine, sitting beside her daughter Val, Cathy recalled the events of 80 years ago and the mixed emotions felt by families across the city. 'There were parties to celebrate at school,' she says. 'It was a big relief, because our fathers were coming home.' She pauses. 'Of course, some of the children at school, their fathers were never coming home,' she adds, sadly. 'So there were tears, too. 'But we got through it. There were good times too, and we got through it.' George and Lesley O'Farrell (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) George O'Farrell, 70, grew up in Carntyne and remembers his parents talking about blackouts, ration books and the parties on VE Day. 'We have a display here that shows you all the old things I remember from my childhood – OXO cubes, the Singer sewing machine, the washboard,' says George. (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) George's wife Lesley says the family is proud to celebrate VE Day, as they have strong military connections. READ NEXT: Veterans to march in Glasgow as city prepares for VE Day 80th anniversary READ NEXT: 'We are all walking in footsteps of the brave': Rutherglen woman's VE Day tribute READ NEXT: Do you know Glasgow war hero nurse who helped amputate man's foot in Blitz? 'My gran, Agnes Winning, was a military nurse,' she explains. 'And our son, Dean, has just completed 12 years' service with the RAF.' Members of the 105th Division Royal Artillery with residents and Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) Lance Corporal Andy Dominick and colleagues from 105th Division Royal Artillery based at Crow Road, spent time talking to residents and staff. 'A lot of residents have family who served in the military so we're keeping that connection alive,' explained Lance Corporal Dominick, who is from Greenock. 'I'm only 23, so VE Day feels very distant for me but many of the residents were there, at the parties, feeling the relief at the end of the war. I's great to be able to listen to their experiences.' (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) Hawthorn House's operations manager Janet McLellan is delighted to show off the special VE Day cake, beautifully decorated by the staff with fresh raspberries and blueberries. 'It's a fantastic day, and you can see how much the residents are enjoying it,' she beams. 'We have eight units here, so this is a lovely chance for everyone to come together in the sunshine and remember, and celebrate.' Betty and Jim Menmuir (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) Away from the hubbub, with the strains of Elvis's Can't Help Falling in Love with You in the air, Betty Menmuir is resting in her room. She shows us a beautiful black and white photo of her with her husband Jim in their younger days. The couple were teenagers around the time of VE Day, 1945. 'I was 13 and I remember everyone was dancing and singing and kissing on the streets,' recalls Betty, smiling. 'There was so much relief – the end of blackouts, of people yelling 'put that light out', the end of air raids and fear.' Betty, now 93 and living in Hawthorn House's Violet Unit, grew up in the Gallowgate area of the East End. 'My pals and I wanted to go to George Square and my mum wasn't too keen, but she let us eventually," she grins. "It was packed with people and soldiers – it was marvellous. George Square on VE Day 1945 (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest) 'We'd shout to the Yankee soldiers, 'any gum?' and they would throw us some of their American chewing gum which was always better than anything we could get here.' Betty laughs. 'I remember a firework shooting up above the crowd and we all looked up in awe – then quickly realised it was coming back down and we had to get out of the way,' she says with a smile. 'It hit my ankle and I still have the burn mark to this day. A VE Day souvenir.' She chuckles. 'I can't call it a war wound though, because the war was over….'
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
VE Day service takes place with politicians and veterans in attendance
The King led the nation in honouring the sacrifices of those who brought peace to Europe 80 years ago, leaving a floral tribute at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, close to Westminster Abbey's west door, on behalf of the nation and Commonwealth, during a poignant moment. A handwritten message from the King, recognising those who fought and died in the Second World War, read: 'We will never forget.' Kate Forbes and Jacqueline McLaren were among those at the service (Image: Gordon Terris/The Herald) The service took place to mark 80 years since VE Day (Image: Gordon Terris/The Herald) The service took place to mark 80 years since VE Day (Image: Gordon Terris/The Herald) Guests at the service included representatives from the military, veterans' organisations, emergency services and religious groups. Lord Provost of Glasgow Jacqueline McLaren said: 'Thursday's service in Glasgow Cathedral is a time for us to come together to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made, courage displayed and the resilience of those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe and help build a better world. 'It's also a day to rejoice in peace and freedom, sometimes things that we take for granted.'
