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Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Glasgow Times
Calls to restore 'unique' aspect of Glasgow's Princes Square
Installed in the late 1980s after the Victorian square was renovated into a postmodern shopping gallery, it swung to and fro for decades, tracking the path of the Earth's rotation. Yet, time has taken its toll — and the pendulum no longer serves as a living science experiment in Glasgow City Centre. READ MORE: Council under fire after using AI to help form new policy on smartphones in schools For the last several years; it has been dormant, frozen. It is my first time in Princes Square and as I ride an escalator to the basement level, I'm keen to see what the fuss is all about. Because after years of inactivity, science-minded Glaswegians have launched a campaign to get the pendulum swinging again. The pendulum, viewed from above. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Glasgow City Heritage Trust boss Niall Murphy tells me that he first noticed the pendulum was no longer working while he was at lunch in the gallery last week. After checking the weight, he found it had been deactivated. Created as an experiment by French scientist Leon Foucault 170 years ago, the pendulum's oscillation over a 24 hour period demonstrates the Earth's rotation. There are at least 130 Foucault pendulums across Europe, including 12 in the UK. Murphy tells me: 'The pendulum is part of the original set-up in Princes Square. It's one of the small details that make the space feel very special and adds to the sense of place. 'It was made by the California Academy of Science in San Francisco back in the 1980s, around the same time 'Foucault's Pendulum' by Umberto Eco was written, funnily enough. It has travelled a long way to be here.' Murphy says the shopping centre, which was named as Scotland's favourite building in 2016, is a 'great place' and 'fantastic space' which houses a lot of unique details paying homage to the city's artistic history. Sitting adjacent to Buchanan Street, the shell of the building was designed in the 1840s, before being renovated and covered with a glass atrium in the late 1980s. The site was sold to property developers M Core in 2024. 'It is a really good example of a postmodern space in the city. Ironically, directly opposite from where the pendulum is in the basement there is a heritage wall,' Murphy notes, 'which highlights all the different and unique features of the building.' The pendulum was installed in the 1980s, as this photo shows. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The pendulum is easy enough to find, located at the centre of the building and wedged in between seating for Zibibbo and il Pavone restaurants. Patrons sip cocktails and nibble on tapas as I peer at the abandoned pendulum, snapping photos from several angles. I must look quite strange. Ironically, the wall that Murphy mentioned hails the pendulum as a key 'design feature' of the building, with one excerpt stating: 'In 1851, Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, the French physicist, demonstrated a free-swinging pendulum suspended from the dome of the Pantheon in Paris to conclusively prove that the Earth rotates. 'A weight suspended in this manner continues swinging in one direction relative to the sun while the Earth rotates. The northern hemisphere's anti-clockwise rotations produce an apparent clockwise rotation of the pendulum. Magnets have been mounted at the tip of the cable to counteract air resistance and gravity.' A petition calling on the centre's owners to reactivate the pendulum was created in July 2023, but lay dormant until a surge of interest this week. Paul Sweeney MSP, who is keenly aware of the importance of retaining Glasgow's heritage, tells me he is backing the petition. He said: 'Glasgow is lucky to have a Foucault Pendulum in Princes Square, but it is a shame to see it is no longer working. 'Reactivating the pendulum would be tremendous for Glasgow. It would allow Glaswegians to continue to marvel at the remarkable scientific discovery, and it would show a willingness to preserve scientific heritage in public spaces. 'I will be writing to the management of Princes Square to ask them to ensure that the pendulum is in working order and I encourage people to take a few minutes to sign the petition." Read more: 'Fun police': Decision made on the selling of ice cream in Glasgow parks In the depths of Princes Square, huddled between tables of people eating lunch and the hurried footsteps of passersby, I gaze at the pendulum, now still. I'm met with a wave of nostalgia. You see, this is all oddly familiar. Growing up near Philadelphia, a highlight of the school calendar was a trip to the Franklin Institute, an ornate science centre named after Benjamin Franklin, he of key and kite. At the heart of the museum, near the IMAX screen and planetarium, hangs a Foucualt pendulum, four stories off the ground. It has swung for more than 80 years, with a 85 foot wire pulling a 180 pound orb from side to side. It's a memory I have tucked away in the back of my psyche, faint and faded — but the magic remains. Sadly, that sense of wonder appears to have been lost in some quarters. The Benjamin Franklin Institute is located in Philadelphia. (Image: Dan Mall/Unsplash) As campaign organiser Ethan Slater wrote on 'The motionless Foucault's Pendulum in Princes Square has left a lasting impact on those who frequent the area. Its stillness has deprived people of a captivating spectacle. 'The absence of this intriguing pendulum robs the community of a unique educational and cultural experience, as it once served as a source of wonder and curiosity, especially for students and science enthusiasts.' This is an issue which goes behind the glass walls of Princes Square. As Murphy notes, the fate of the pendulum mimics what is taking place across the city, as historic motifs and architectural flourishes are being removed. READ MORE: 10 Glasgow areas set to have fireworks ban The heritage boss tells me: 'There are a lot of details in the building which are all to do with the Tree of Life — a lot of Mackintosh's designs play on this theme. 'Some of these details are being lost — they've been covered over and are disappearing. It's somewhat depressing. 'It's unfortunate, because features like the pendulum add to the sense of place for these buildings. But no one seems to care. We need to fight against this attitude.' Indeed, apathy is one of the biggest challenges in the battle to maintain the built fabric of Glasgow. How do we convince Glaswegians that beauty deserves to be protected, that the buildings around us tell a deeper story, one which is lost when they end up gutted or on the scrap heap? Perhaps, it is as simple as looking up — and embracing the magic and wonder once again.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
Calls to restore 'unique' aspect of Glasgow shopping centre
Yet, time has taken its toll — and the pendulum no longer serves as a living science experiment in Glasgow City Centre. For the last several years; it has been dormant, frozen. It is my first time in Princes Square and as I ride an escalator to the basement level, I'm keen to see what the fuss is all about. Because after years of inactivity, science-minded Glaswegians have launched a campaign to get the pendulum swinging again. The pendulum, viewed from above. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Glasgow City Heritage Trust boss Niall Murphy tells me that he first noticed the pendulum was no longer working while he was at lunch in the gallery last week. After checking the weight, he found it had been deactivated. Created as an experiment by French scientist Leon Foucault 170 years ago, the pendulum's oscillation over a 24 hour period demonstrates the Earth's rotation. There are at least 130 Foucault pendulums across Europe, including 12 in the UK. Murphy tells me: 'The pendulum is part of the original set-up in Princes Square. It's one of the small details that make the space feel very special and adds to the sense of place. 'It was made by the California Academy of Science in San Francisco back in the 1980s, around the same time 'Foucault's Pendulum' by Umberto Eco was written, funnily enough. It has travelled a long way to be here.' Murphy says the shopping centre, which was named as Scotland's favourite building in 2016, is a 'great place' and 'fantastic space' which houses a lot of unique details paying homage to the city's artistic history. Sitting adjacent to Buchanan Street, the shell of the building was designed in the 1840s, before being renovated and covered with a glass atrium in the late 1980s. The site was sold to property developers M Core in 2024. 'It is a really good example of a postmodern space in the city. Ironically, directly opposite from where the pendulum is in the basement there is a heritage wall,' Murphy notes, 'which highlights all the different and unique features of the building.' The pendulum was installed in the 1980s, as this photo shows. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The pendulum is easy enough to find, located at the centre of the building and wedged in between seating for Zibibbo and il Pavone restaurants. Patrons sip cocktails and nibble on tapas as I peer at the abandoned pendulum, snapping photos from several angles. I must look quite strange. Ironically, the wall that Murphy mentioned hails the pendulum as a key 'design feature' of the building, with one excerpt stating: 'In 1851, Jean Bernard Leon Foucault, the French physicist, demonstrated a free-swinging pendulum suspended from the dome of the Pantheon in Paris to conclusively prove that the Earth rotates. 'A weight suspended in this manner continues swinging in one direction relative to the sun while the Earth rotates. The northern hemisphere's anti-clockwise rotations produce an apparent clockwise rotation of the pendulum. Magnets have been mounted at the tip of the cable to counteract air resistance and gravity.' A petition calling on the centre's owners to reactivate the pendulum was created in July 2023, but lay dormant until a surge of interest this week. Paul Sweeney MSP, who is keenly aware of the importance of retaining Glasgow's heritage, tells me he is backing the petition. He said: 'Glasgow is lucky to have a Foucault Pendulum in Princes Square, but it is a shame to see it is no longer working. 'Reactivating the pendulum would be tremendous for Glasgow. It would allow Glaswegians to continue to marvel at the remarkable scientific discovery, and it would show a willingness to preserve scientific heritage in public spaces. 'I will be writing to the management of Princes Square to ask them to ensure that the pendulum is in working order and I encourage people to take a few minutes to sign the petition." Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: Top Scottish universities to review trans policies after Supreme Court ruling Time to 'reflect and remember' says artist behind Perthshire Covid installation Glasgow drivers racked up £1.7m in LEZ fines since 2023, figures show 'Troubling direction' or 'targeting exploitation': Gen Z debates Unbuyable bill In the depths of Princes Square, huddled between tables of people eating lunch and the hurried footsteps of passersby, I gaze at the pendulum, now still. I'm met with a wave of nostalgia. You see, this is all oddly familiar. Growing up near Philadelphia, a highlight of the school calendar was a trip to the Franklin Institute, an ornate science centre named after Benjamin Franklin, he of key and kite. At the heart of the museum, near the IMAX screen and planetarium, hangs a Foucualt pendulum, four stories off the ground. It has swung for more than 80 years, with a 85 foot wire pulling a 180 pound orb from side to side. It's a memory I have tucked away in the back of my psyche, faint and faded — but the magic remains. Sadly, that sense of wonder appears to have been lost in some quarters. The Benjamin Franklin Institute is located in Philadelphia. (Image: Dan Mall/Unsplash) As campaign organiser Ethan Slater wrote on 'The motionless Foucault's Pendulum in Princes Square has left a lasting impact on those who frequent the area. Its stillness has deprived people of a captivating spectacle. 'The absence of this intriguing pendulum robs the community of a unique educational and cultural experience, as it once served as a source of wonder and curiosity, especially for students and science enthusiasts.' This is an issue which goes behind the glass walls of Princes Square. As Murphy notes, the fate of the pendulum mimics what is taking place across the city, as historic motifs and architectural flourishes are being removed. The heritage boss tells me: 'There are a lot of details in the building which are all to do with the Tree of Life — a lot of Mackintosh's designs play on this theme. 'Some of these details are being lost — they've been covered over and are disappearing. It's somewhat depressing. 'It's unfortunate, because features like the pendulum add to the sense of place for these buildings. But no one seems to care. We need to fight against this attitude.' Indeed, apathy is one of the biggest challenges in the battle to maintain the built fabric of Glasgow. How do we convince Glaswegians that beauty deserves to be protected, that the buildings around us tell a deeper story, one which is lost when they end up gutted or on the scrap heap? Perhaps, it is as simple as looking up — and embracing the magic and wonder once again.
The Herald Scotland
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Choppy seas ahead for Scotland's largest fishing port
It's a trade which can be lucrative — the industry brought in £265 million to the port last year. Yet, it's one which is increasingly under threat. The news that the UK had agreed to a new trade deal with the European Union on Monday has been met with mixed reactions. The wide-ranging deal will eliminate the majority of border checks on agricultural exports, allow British holiday makers to use European e-passport gates, and link the EU and UK's carbon markets. Yet, it will also extend the status quo — allowing EU fishing boats to operate in Scottish waters for the next 12 years. That's a decision which has proven controversial among the fish catchers and processors of the 'Blue Toon'. Peterhead Port landed more than 200,000 tonnes of fish last year. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Peterhead is the closest thing I have to home in Scotland. It's where my mum and family live. So, on a warm Wednesday afternoon, I set out to have a look myself. Parking my car along the harbour wall, I'm reminded of my first visit to the town four years ago. I particularly remember the fishy smell, a visceral reminder of how important the industry is to the people of the region. I walk across the Queenie Bridge to Peterhead's North Harbour. Lunar Fishing, Freezing, and Cold Storage; Jackson Trawls Marine Store; GT Seafoods — evidence of the fishing industry is immediately evident. The port hosts hundreds, if not thousands, of workers; from the iconic Peterhead Fish Market to the scores of small boats which bob in the blue water behind me. Peterhead has a bit of a reputation in North East circles, one which is completely undeserved in my opinion. It is a rough and tumble place, to be sure, but is also home to some of the kindest (and yes, brutally honest) people in Scotland. The Queenie Bridge in Peterhead. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) I speak to a few in the town centre. 'I've seen the headlines, but I haven't looked at the proposals in much detail', a kindly older man, rucksack, in tow, tells me. 'You should go down to the Fishermen's Mission', he adds. 'Definitely go down to Wetherspoons, there are always lots of retired fishermen around there', another pensioner advises. I speak to Jimmy Buchan, a fisherman of forty years who now owns and operates the Amity Fish Company. He's the closest you get to a celebrity in this close-knit town of 20,000, appearing in the BAFTA-winning series Trawlerman, which aired on BBC One between 2006 and 2010. 'It's a bittersweet feeling', he says as his broad Doric brogue crackles through my mobile. 'I now work on the fish processing side of things, but for years, I was involved in catching fish in the North Sea. 'Sure, this deal will make things easier for fish processors, but it will be incredibly damaging to our fishermen.' Jimmy Buchan is the 'skipper' at Amity Fish Company (Image: Amity Fish Company).Buchan tells me that fishermen and women in the region feel betrayed, by one government after another. 'This was the one part of Brexit which was going to benefit us', he notes. 'Scottish fishermen were supposed to have control over their own waters. But now, that is being taken away. 'I was with John Swinney the other day and he told me that the Scottish Government hadn't been consulted at all before the decision was taken.' Buchan says the length of the deal was also a surprise. 'Twelve years is such a long time. I'll be retired by then. I'd understand a deal for two or three years, but twelve is incredibly long.' However, not all local business owners have taken such a dismal view of the deal. Sinclair Banks, the boss over at Lunar, tells me over email: 'You could quote the comment of the French Fishing Chief; 'We couldn't have hoped for better'. 'That's all that needs to be said.' Read more from Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco: 'Our community is being attacked': Queer Glaswegians to call out Israel during Pride Church of Scotland reaffirms assisted dying stance after 'emotional' debate Scottish 'pipeline pilgrims' cycle 170 miles to highlight carbon capture fears Aberdeen City Council's £1m law bill revealed amidst spate of legal challenges Indeed, for fish processors, the deal is a boon. It will allow seafood to be exported to the continent with greater ease and less cost. Buchan says this still isn't enough. 'Any advantages gained by the fish processing industry will be greatly outweighed by the damage it will do to our fishermen.' 'It feels like Peterhead is being sold out once again.' Conservative Matthew James represents the town on Aberdeenshire Council. He echoed Buchan's comments, telling me: 'Needless to say it was bitterly disappointing to hear the Prime Minister trade away 12 years of our fishing industry. 'This government is persistently letting down our region, I hear of concerns on what the future holds for Peterhead. 'The continued attack on oil and gas jobs, reluctance to commit to future plans for carbon capture & storage and now this news for our fishermen. I too worry what will be left for our town.' Crates laden with tackle for fishing boats at Peterhead Harbour. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The UK government has defended the trade deal. A statement read: '[This] new 12-year agreement protects Britain's fishing access, fishing rights and fishing areas with no increase in the amount of fish EU vessels can catch in British waters, providing stability and certainty for the sector.' The government has also pledged to invest £360m into the fishing industry, which they say will pay for 'new technology and equipment to modernise the fleet, training to help upskill the workforce, and funding to help revitalise coastal communities, support tourism and boost seafood exports'. Back in Peterhead, I continue my walk through the town centre, a route I've grown to know well. I pass Zanre's Fish and Chips, Ewan Morrice Quality Butcher, and Hame Bakery. I pause at the Fisher Jessie statue, across from the Royal Bank of Scotland at the top of Queen Street. The life-size bronze statue, which depicts a 'fish-wife' holding a basket laden with seafood, celebrates the important role of women in the industry. Even now, amidst the changing tides, it remains a poignant symbol of the importance of fishing to this community. Indeed, the sea has sustained Peterhead through the long march of time, weathering tempests, wars, and deindustrialisation. One can only hope it continues to do so.
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Major Scots council spent £1m on lawyers amid legal fights
A Freedom of Information request by The Herald has revealed that the council spent £1,050,817 on payments to external law firms and the Faculty of Advocates since January 1st, 2023. Protests rocked Aberdeen that March after the SNP-Lib Dem council leaders announced plans to close six libraries in deprived areas of the city in a bid to save £280,000. A popular swimming pool was also earmarked for closure. Thousands signed petitions to keep the libraries open. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Local residents took the council to the Court of Session later that spring over claims the authority had violated the Equality Act by failing to properly assess the impact of the closures. In August 2023, the parties settled outside of court after the council agreed to hold a public consultation about reopening the sites. While councillors voted to reopen Bucksburn Swimming Pool that winter, the six libraries remain shuttered, much to the chagrin of local residents. Now, it has been revealed that the council's defence cost £31,528. A spokesperson for the Save Aberdeen Libraries campaign said at the time: 'We take a small consolation from the fact that we have forced the council to take a long hard look at its processes, but it should not have taken legal action for that to happen after concerns had been raised. "Residents will hold the council to account and its decision making will be scrutinised even more closely.' Likewise, plans to redevelop St Fittick's Park in Torry sparked controversy in September 2023. Up to one-third of the park, which is the community's only publicly accessible green space, was earmarked for industrial use. Renewables company ETZ Ltd, backed by energy billionaire Sir Ian Wood, wants to build an office park on the site. St Fittick's Park in Torry could be turned into office space and industrial storage. The council was taken back to the Court of Session over its plans, with campaigners again arguing the Equality Act had been breached. While the Court ruled in favour of Aberdeen City Council in August last year, an appeal to the Court's Inner House was launched several weeks later. Solicitors at Govan Law Centre, which represents the claimant, said: 'Local campaigners believe the loss of the park will have an adverse impact on the health, wellbeing and amenity of local people in Aberdeen's Torry. 'In December 2021, 22 medical doctors from across Aberdeen published an open letter expressing their concern over the loss of the Park for local people. 'The doctors drew a comparison between the Aberdeen area of West End North, where the residents of two streets have exclusive access to 15 acres of mature riverside woodland, and the residents of the Torry community.' The Herald's request reveals that the council has spent £35,384.90 on its defence. Read more: 'Archaic and absurd': Lord Gove's new title slammed by Aberdeen residents 'Cynical vandalism of a questionable legality': Aberdeen Uni cuts slammed Aberdeen council strike threat over 'fire and rehire' proposals All staff made redundant as 50-year-old Aberdeen firm goes bust A third legal challenge could emerge in upcoming months, as the local authority faces criticism over the installation of bus gates in Aberdeen city centre. A group of business owners led by long-time city retailer Norman Esslemont have raised more than £54,000 ahead of a procedural hearing on June 25th. Esslemont wrote in The Press and Journal: 'After months of legal preparation, our day in court is coming. 'We've secured a procedural hearing for June, with the full appeal likely to follow in the autumn. 'And thanks to the strength of our legal team – led by the brilliant Alasdair Sutherland, of Burness Paull – we're more confident than ever that we will prevail.' The council has spent £2,072 on its defence so far, but that number is expected to rise. According to Aberdeen City Council's Access to Information team, 'the figures relate to payments to external legal firms on ACC's framework and separately to Counsel's fees where the Council's officers have instructed Counsel direct. 'These figures include the North East Pension Fund's external Legal advice as ACC is the administering authority for the North East Scotland Pension Fund which provides pensions for employees of Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and the Moray Council as well as around 50 other public or charitable bodies. 'The figures also include significant reimbursements for outlays (fees and charges) paid by external firms on ACC's behalf including fees to Counsel, the Registers of Scotland, Courts and similar bodies. 'The figures are therefore a mix of legal advice, legal representation and outlays.'
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New Renfrew Bridge to create jobs boost along Clyde
According to the UK Government, it could create 1400 new jobs in the area. The two-lane road trestle, which spans 184 metres across the Clyde, will open to the general public on Friday at midday. The bridge was funded as part of the one-billion-pound Glasgow City Region Deal, a joint project comprising the UK Government, Scottish Government, and eight local authorities. The new bridge spans 184m across the Clyde. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, told The Herald: 'The bridge could potentially create 1400 new jobs, so we are really excited about that. 'We've backed that with £39m of investment, because we are so committed to seeing people have more money in their pocket. 'It's going to connect two communities', McNeil said, adding: 'It will improve connections for leisure and transportation between these iconic communities on the banks of the Clyde. 'The UK Government is committed to investing in infrastructure.' Using a cable system similar to the Queensferry Crossing, the bridge will facilitate travel for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians and improve transport links to the nearby Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMIDS). Architect Tony Kettle, known for his design of the Falkirk Wheel, crafted the concepts for the bridge. Kettle told The Herald: 'This is more than a bridge. It's a landmark that should become a tourist attraction for the area. 'It's a fantastic connection between the two banks, and will make the area thrive." Tony Kettle designed the bridge. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) The double-leafed bridge will also be able to open for passing ships when required. Kettle noted: 'We were able to pick up on the natural geometry of the Clyde and design the bridge around that. 'When the bridge was being delivered and floated into place, we matched the angles of the old cranes on the dockside. 'It's about picking up on the history and the heritage of the area, and creating something new and exciting for today.' The hundreds in attendance cheered as the two leaves of the bridge met in the middle of the Clyde, connecting the two sides. Renfrew school children walked across the bridge to the sound of pipes, meeting their counterparts from Clydebank at the trestle's nexus. Hundreds of people walked on the bridge. (Image: Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco) Scottish Government Minister for Employment and Investment Tom Arthur added: 'We've supported the construction of the bridge through the wider Glasgow City Region Deal, so it's great to see it finally open. 'This bridge is of huge significance and will offer real benefits to people here in Renfrew and on the other side of the Clyde. 'It will really help support the community in their everyday lives, whether it's visiting friends or family, going to work, or enjoying hospitality. 'That is a great thing for the area's economy.' Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson quipped: 'The weather certainly enhances the sense of relief that the project is finally coming to completion. "I'm so pleased to see so many people here from Renfrew. It's right that they celebrate the bridge."
