What Happened to Anderston?

In the 19th century, and for much of the 20th century, Anderston was a place of great industry. Close proximity to the River Clyde to the west of Glasgow meant it was ideally situated to export goods afar, and every available space was built on and put to good use in doing just that.
Today, those streets that once bustled with life are part of a vast derelict wasteland. So what happened? What on earth actually happened to Anderston?
While there is no doubt that the construction of the M8 motorway and Kingston Bridge destroyed much of the area, was that the only reason for the total and utter decline in Anderston's fortunes?
There are other factors at play here, everything from post-war industrial decline in all of Scotland to a reduction in use of the River Clyde to build the ships once used to transport all these manufactured goods. Then there's the importation of cheap foreign goods, and governments shutting down major industries like coal-mining and iron-founding. All of these factors came together to effectively wipe Anderston off the face of the earth.
Don't get me wrong; Anderston's still there, but it consists mainly of modern housing, with very little in the way of industry.
Using old maps and photographs we look at the growth of Anderston and the street layout during its industrial peak, and try to picture how it might once have looked in the not-so-distant past. In wandering the deserted streets we find remnants of a bygone era, and pause awhile in Cheapside Street, where on 28th March 1960 nineteen men - firefighters and salvage men - died during a catastrophic fire and explosion.

[@elizabethrutherford3004]

I grew up in wee Dover Street, walked in almost every part of your video. Thanks for a walk down memory lane.

[@EdExploresScotland]

My pleasure.

[@carolynjohnston6078]

Thank you so much for this. It is so sad to see how it has changed. I grew up on the edge of Anderston and my grandmother and her sisters lived on St Vincent Street at the corner of North Street. They had to leave when the place was demolished for the M8 construction. My parents were married at St Marks Church, I started work at Anderston Library and we stashed our pennies at the Savings Bank. Despite the bomb sites it was littered with, I remember Anderston as a busy bustling place.

[@jackjohnhameld6401]

The planners and members of Glasgow council who built the motorway through our city should have been put on trial for what they did. Even Stalinist planning could not have outdone them in creating a wasteland out of old historic Anderston. A much needed film.

[@EdExploresScotland]

As Ogden Nash said, 'Progress might have been alright once, but it has gone on too long.'

[@donnaelizabethcampbell5559]

They did the same with a Great city called Salford her history annulated, even though she is in the Doomsday book 1066 AD. Who are these so called planners 💥 GODBLESS Anderston

[@annother3350]

Like in Croydon -- ruined a community

[@triodehexode]

And the carnage continues with ugly bland international style development going up everywhere just now.

[@viamedia2704]

So my hometown of Dimitrovgrad in Bulgaria was built as a new town during the late Stalin years (1947-51). Not trying to defend Stalin or Communism here, but I think it looks a lot prettier than East Kilbride, Livingston or Glenrothes.

[@46Ashgrove]

Wow 😯 my family moved to Anderston ( from Dublin) in 1966, I was 10 years old. I went to Bishop St school, when that closed we ( the pupils) were moved over to St Patrick’s primary, then onto St Columba of Iona. We lived on Kent Road ( couple of closes up from the Two Ways pub) I’ve seen the full regeneration of Anderston, from the construction of the Motorway to the new flats ( Sanctuary housing Association) that you walked through at the end of your video. I still live in Anderston ( 1966-present). Your video was a joy, and thank you for posting.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@46Ashgrove]

💚👍

[@Bellaboo77]

Great wee film Eddy, Anderston has been obliterated like my area ie Oatlands , where I grew up and I remember the Cheapside fire. Our neighbour was one of the firemen killed , which brought a lot of sadness to us all. 🙂

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Sad to see so many of these once vibrant areas now wasteland.

[@julieflyckt4]

Thank you so much for your video! I was able to download my 4th Great Grandfather James Gardner’s will off of Scotlands People in December 2022 and it has so much detailed information about the property he owned in Anderston and his neighbor’s names. It also mentions tenants and the restrictions of what type of production they can not do. We are still going through all of the information. Then I was able to find your video. This means so much to our family to see the then and now of where they lived. The will was created in 1822 and he died in 1829 and lived on Clyde Street. Thank you!!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Hi Julie. Looking into the past is always a fascinating thing.

[@paulinelingwood6844]

Thank you Ed; I was born in Anderston in the 50s. My Nana lived in the Bank Building on the corner of Shaftesbury Street and Argyle Street. Nana told me about the time the cowboys and indians came down Argyle Street . Years later I found out that Wild Bill Hicock and his travelling show had toured Glasgow. There is a good picture of it on a Duke Street documentary. Thank you again, many fond memories of old Anderston remembered tonight.

[@chrissydidit811]

My paternal grand-parents were from Anderston ,611 Argyle St all of my aunts and uncles married Anderston people , the family names were Rooney ,Burke ,Fee ,Kennedy I remember fondly visiting

[@ianlindsay1454]

Excellent Ed, How sad to see all the old industry gone. The old buildings were beautifully built, architecturally stunning. It's shameful to lose them only to be replaced with modern garbage. Progress has not been a good thing. There must be lots of communities in Glasgow that suffered the same fate. Great video Ed, well researched. Ian and Angie.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Totally agree. Many thanks.

[@alisonlee3314]

What a fascinating video! My 24 year old son and I have just watched this in amazement. We are relatively new to Glasgow....we moved here from London in 2007, and stay in Partick. We've always wondered why that part, so close to the city centre looks so abandoned, scarred. It's a tragedy. Your video has answered some of our questions. Thank you x

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you.

[@GayorgVonTrapp]

Ed. Love this. As far as I know I’m as English as they come, but ever since visiting Glasgow for the garden festival years ago I have this strange feeling of ‘warmth’ when I get to Kingston Bridge and the Clyde shipbuilding area, and where the Singer factory used to be. Found your video very interesting and see there are loads more, so that’s my Christmas viewing sorted! Take care.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks very much.

[@billycrawford6080]

Hi Eddy. More of this please sir !. Great stuff ,real history, loved the old pictures and the old Tram was good to see, mum worked on them up to 1961 then went french polishing for an undertaker in the Gorbals, well Eddy you certainly are helping me through this pandemic with your vids, keeps me sane ,your a credit to youtube pal, this is what it should all be about. Great stuff Eddy. Take care pal. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks Billy. I always used to feel travel sick on the trams.

[@lottiedeering1482]

Hi eddy I was

[@mojogaucho]

After watching this video I did a bit of wiki-walking, reading about the Cheapside St fire, the Kilbirnie St fire and the James Watt St fire. Very sobering to read of such a tragic loss of life. Had it not been for your, once again, excellent video I would never have known this history. The decline of industry in first world countries during the last quarter of the last century seems to be a universal story. Australia too has lost much of its industrial heartland. What hope has a young person got who is good with their hands but not their head?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. And you're right; I wouldn't be keen on growing up today what with the loss of so much industry and what have you.

[@tmsmith3412]

@@EdExploresScotland Wow I Shamzed 2 tunes in that video, only 1 worked the song at the end was amazing, It came up Eddy burns did you make the song at the end? It’s amazing btw brilliant song I hope it’s on Spotify, And brilliant video I am about to rewind this 25min mark the song Is awesome.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Yes, it's a song I made up at home for the video. All the best.

[@tmsmith3412]

@@EdExploresScotland Wow noway it’s a brilliant song, Like really good I can’t believe how talented you are, I can’t find it on YT but found it on Spotify. Unreal btw you should be extremely pround of yourself. I will never forget how underrated your channel and Music it’s amazing, It’s now 1 of my favorite songs and if you hear it getting blasted out of a van it’ll be me. Asoon as it stared I was like wow good tune and it just got better I am going to listen to it right now again. I love YT for this exact reason you could never get in contact with a Artist back 20years ago thank you so much for the response, Do you do all the music for your video? As there was a other really good tune you played on cheapside street clip, I tried to Shazam 2 off your tunes in that video, At the end I was literally thinking wow he has great music taste then I Shazammed it (what do you need ) And it came up with you I’ve never been so impressed, That is Hollywood material they don’t even produce there own songs for Films anymore. Just Wow so impressive What a great tune.

[@kevtherev999]

Thanks for making this great video. My granny used to live in the Dalriada tower block at Blythswood square. I always remember as a child on the 1980s going down to Anderson cross and up the escalators at the bus station into the little shopping centre then up the lifts to my granny's Used to live lookin down from the veranda onto Anderson. All of that's gone now. Although I always remember the big Cran being there for ages that stood about the same height as my granny's veranda. Then one day I went to see her and the Cran has been replaced by the Holiday Inn. Haha. I think that's the only building left there that I remember cos the flats are gone, as is the shopping centre,the bus station and the cross. Never understood why they demolished so much. Now it just looks sterile with motorways n flyovers Sent Write to Kara Mack

[@albhoy]

I was brought up in Anderston, lived in Whitehall Street until they demolished the area to make way for the Kingston bridge. I went to St Patricks primary school in Bishop St. My parents both born and brought up in Anderston met as teenagers working in Bilslands bakery in Hydepark Street. Both my grandmothers were in the same class in St Patricks.

[@michelcharron4633]

Just stumbled across this video today. I worked in Bilslands 73/74. My grandfathers pub 'Andrews Bar' at Anderston Cross was, like your street, demolished for the Kingston Bridge development. I wonder if you remember the bar?

[@chrispaterson6372]

So ye did

[@HuwiteNFI]

I used the go into bislands to collect ginger bottles from the delivery vans😁 happy days.

[@michelcharron4633]

@@HuwiteNFI Aye there was money to be made on 'gingies' lol. I worked on the plain bread conveyor belt. We loaded the bread from the belt onto boards on trolley's that were put in place by a 'tally man' and then taken away by 'loaders' for loading onto the vans. You did two weeks day shift two weeks night shift. The drivers, loaders, and tally man were all in on the 'skin' but not us working the belt. I have no loyalty to these people lol.

[@plee1974]

Great info there, I grew up in Anderston from 1974 - 1994 and it was a great place to live. I was in Grace St directly across from the Bank of Glasgow. Used to play all over Anderston right down to the Clyde quite often up and down Cheapside st or any of the number of parallel running streets, I never learned of the Cheapside st fire tragedy till many years later, And only just found out watching your video that where I would play was once a cemetery. I don't recognise much of todays Anderston which is a shame as it was a great place growing up with so much space that kids could play safe from traffic.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. I noticed lots of big cranes in some of the spare ground recently, so maybe some sort of development is now taking place.

[@rmackenzie]

Hey Ed, so pleased to have found your channel. I love seeing how our towns and cities have changed ovber the years and the history and info you include in your videos is fantastic. Cheers Ray.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks Ray. Have a great 2022.

[@HappyMinds1]

Great watch, glad i found your channel, will be going through all the videos. As a resident of Glasgow for 20 plus years the city has changed so much in that time, it sometimes feels like a completely different city now.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you.

[@johntait491]

Well produced, edited and informative. Thank you Ed. 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@ArcAudios77]

Eddy, thanks & best wishes passed for another great watch & listen. Enjoyed, I knew my pals Grandfather who stayed at Anderston. Brought back memories of time spent. Regards

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you.

[@geoffcook5276]

Thanks Eddie , don't know how i arrived at this video but glad i did. I found it very moving and also very much like the story of places in my area. The loss of industry in for example Sheffield has to be seen to believe. This is so in most of england and as you will know all of the uk. We seem now to depend on imports for stuff we should be making ourselves. Not good at all. Future generations might wonder how we let this happen.....

[@EdExploresScotland]

Absolutely. Many thanks.

[@annedonnelly811]

Thank you for this, Eddy Burns - brilliant! Funnily enough I visited the area only last week (specifically that Antique Warehouse in Lancefield Street), after which I wandered over to Finnieston. I don't have a car, so all done by bus/foot. I was born and spent my early childhood in Glasgow and can remember travelling the length of Argyle Street in one of those shoogly boneshaker trams! My grandfather had a pub near Anderston Cross, the Auld Toll Bar, which I can even remember being in - spartan, spit & sawdust. I also remember going to Ireland by boat from the Broomielaw. I've got a couple of excellent architectural guides to Glasgow which I pour over from time to time and, as you observe, just cannot believe what was pulled down in the 1960s - almost too painful to think about. What were they thinking of in the City Chambers!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Anne. For some reason the old trams usually made me feel travel sick. Take care.

[@RG-ja34sep]

Another greatly enjoyable video Eddy. The aerial maps and historical photos are vintage stuff, you really have a knack of putting all the relevant content together, and it makes for interesting viewing. The only fact about Anderston I was aware of is that it’s the birthplace of comedian Billy Connolly. Overall an excellent production, although it’s sad to see all the negative things that have changed the area. Looking forward to the next episode, take care & best regards, Rob.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Rob. There is a large steel mural of Billy on the side of one of the buildings in Anderston today. Nice link with the past.

[@greenockscatman]

Glasgow and west of Scotland in general has so many stories of de-industrialisation that need to be told. Thanks for telling some of them, really appreciate this channel!

[@Butlinsgvn6]

Loving this video Ed. It's awesome to hear your enthusiasm for Glasgow and your original perspective is very refreshing :)

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers.👍

[@lisalaine4478]

Found this fascinating, Eddy. Your commentary is tinged with the realities and sadness to change, and the sense of loss which occurs in those of us who remember. I grew up in Kingston, across the Clyde from Anderston. Ironically, Kingston after the bulldozing 1970's, is now an industrial hodgepodge of non-descript warehouses and small businesses, the old community of tenements and coziness long since flattened and the residents dispersed. Progress, some might say, but there are many times when I've wished we could turn the clock back.

[@EdExploresScotland]

As someone once said, 'Progress might have been alright once, but it's gone on too long.'

[@stephenvarty191]

Hi Ed, I'm a Tynesider but I really enjoy watching Glasgow videos as it has a lot of similarities to Tyneside and lots of incredible architecture. The joke on Tyneside is that there is more self destruction than that inflicted by the Germans in WW2! Sad to see that Glasgow probably destroyed even more!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks Stephen. The M8 motorway definitely destroyed a lot of Glasgow. The loss of heavy industry and other industries destroyed a heck of a lot more. That loss can probably be echoed all over the UK.

[@eileanvm]

More excellent content and music! Why this isn't on the telly I don't know. Your channel is like a combination of Weir's Way, Coast and Dickson of Dock Green, ( the criminals in this case being the City Fathers of Glasgow and their ongoing assault on our beautiful architecture! ). Sad to hear the details of the Cheapside Fire. So many lives ended prematurely.

[@marjoryross2754]

I came upon this by chance and it was so interesting. I left Glasgow quite young in 1977 but think I remember the Kingston bridge being constructed. I think I was11 when I saw the Beatles at a theatre there (matinee)😂😂. I enjoy my visits back🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks.👍

[@brucemark2055]

Thank you eddie. Great pics. And words. Progress. Were has it left us.

[@jimmcfarlane5611]

I now realise that it is now disgraceful that the M8 runs through city centre. With the benefit of hindsight they should have done what they did in Boston Mass and built a tunnel instead

[@gavindron7511]

You're right that it's not great, but a tunnel of the M8's scale wouldnt have been feasible. However, now the M74 goes through to the M8, the whole kingston br - gas works stretch of m8 need never have been built

[@jamiefarrell8646]

Thanks Ed, Great stories and footage. My Granny stayed in Little St. Fond memories of going there on a Saturday. It's sad to see it now..

[@nobordersnoflags9905]

Thank you. That Cook & Sons building on Elliot St. is one of my favourites in the city. I imagine there were many like it long since lost. Ace music btw.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. I only recently found out that they made saws.

[@Alanvids]

We have a facebook group, The Anderston Group and I'm sure we shared this before. Time for another viewing I think. We lived in 38 Cheapside St for a wee while when the 147 Snooker club was in the former tyre garage . The Cheapside St fire - When my brother joined the fire brigade he was stationed in Ingram St. An old fireman, Duncy, told him about his involvement in that fire. He'd been a driver and his crew were fighting the fire. His officer sent him in a van back to Ingram Street to get more hose. On his return to the scene, the facade of the building had collapsed and his entire crew were dead. Thanks for video Ed. I could see you were emotional in Cheapside St

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks for that.

[@Bulletguy07]

This is a really well made video, informative and a worthwhile enjoyable watch. It's the Glasgow tourists don't see. I note Billy Connolly came from Anderston and he made a documentary series on Scotland in the 90's. Billy showed the street where the tenement building (long since demolished) he was born in. They had been built in the 1920s or thereabouts. Then he showed the Provand's Lordship house built in 1471 which still stands, and Billy commented, "you have to ask yourselves, what did we know about building back then that five centuries later....we couldn't get right!!"

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Yes, that old house could tell a tale or two. All the best for 2022.

[@annother3350]

Ask the Egyptians!! The older you go back, the better the quality of building

[@WeeShooey]

Great video on Glasgow history. Well done Eddie.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers. 👍

[@gordonstenson2708]

What a fasinating peice of research,which i have enjoyed and learned much about my Granparents who lived within this area.they later moved to knightswood and had abetter life. All of my family originated from various areas including Clydebank, Dumbarton and showed patterns of flowing migration within Scotland. My wifes side (male) were Highlanders and setted due to possibly the clearances and my mother in law were from Aberdeen and finally the Carse of Gowrie. They all settled in Clydebank. What a mix of genes we have from Glasgow, Clydebank, Dumbarton Ireland, Sweden and Norway and elsewhere. Glasgow and its people are the salt of the earth and this research is testament to Ed in his skill and observation. After watching the rest of this research , Ed you have imprinted in me the decline in Scottish industry which is sad. I left my apprenticeship from Clyde Blowers in Clydebank in 1978 and along with John Browns, Manlove Tulliss, Dawson and Downie,Singers,(within Clydebank) and many others witnessed what you described here. The area and surrounding parts of Scotland produced so much. No wonder star "Trek had Scotty" due to the amount of Scottish Engineers? Ed you should be proud that all is not lost as many talented youngters will prevail. Great insight,no doubt.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Gordon. Hopefully the youngsters will indeed prevail. Take care.

[@ZenoWatson]

Brilliant as always Ed, I often wander those streets often, thinking what we once had...

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@Chris-uk4is]

Good video Ed, very informative. I have occasionally meandered around that derelict area. I think it is sad that it has been left the way it is.

[@StevieBluenoseScott]

Brilliant.Thank you Ed good tune at the end.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers. 👍

[@Jamie-s1981]

I went to school near here at Woodside Secondary. Stayed not far away and knew some great people from Anderston. When I walk through it is so different now with the new flats on St Vincent Street.

[@iainlindsay5687]

My great great grand family had a farm in Anderston , my great grandmother would tell of taking foods to Govan market for sale via stepping stones during low tide, before the Clyde was dredged to allow large industrial shipping. enjoyed the film.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Wow; that's interesting. Thank you Iain.

[@lizbest3164]

As a anderston boy i have great memories of going to kent road primary and the kingston bridge area was .y playground.we stayed in cleveland lane just at st vincent st and notrth st

[@lorrainehamilton5051]

Another highly informative and interesting video...as a young child, I remember the outpouring of shock and grief following the Cheapside Street disaster, but actually knew little about it. As with other tragedies of the time eg James Watt Street, Aberfan etc I was aware that these awful things had happened but details weren't gone into by parents etc for obvious reasons. Learning now. Thanks for your very educational videos.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you. I recall the Aberfan disaster on the black & white TV, and as a small boy I found myself weeping.

[@nsholk]

Absolutely loved this video. In a happier time my airline (and others) lodged us right in this area and I was always fascinated by the bizarreness of the M8 path and it’s impact on the area. Thank you for shedding light on an area I’ve wandered while lacking much local history knowledge. And yeah, what a bizarre location for the train station!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have a good 2022.

[@benh1172]

Fantastic video! I learned a bit more about Glasgow today regarding Anderston, it's got an amazing history. It's a shame these buildings have disappeared off the map. I'm from Ardrossan and I have recently bought a survey map to show me what buildings used to be in Ardrossan. There was a beautiful train station, Ardrossan North and they knocked it down for what is a now a housing estate. Ive never seen many old photos of here before! The video has inspired me to look at old maps of Glasgow. Ive subscribed and look forward to many more of your videos!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. I frequently use the National Library of Scotland's online map facility. It's pretty awesome. The following link, for example, will take you to a National Library of Scotland page showing Ardrossan in 1855. You can use the mouse wheel or '+' symbol to enlarge the image. Have fun. maps.nls.uk/view/74478171

[@ElizabethCurtis-qd8ud]

1522 I was delighted when I found your film on Anderson it included the fire station where I worked as a firewoman(watchroom duties) I met my husband there who’s duties included steering fireboat (when required) yes the Police Station was a beautiful structure but that little fire station was one of the busiest and first attendances to Cheapside and James Watt Street fires that had too many fatalities but always remembered and in our hearts. Thanks Eddie 😊😊

[@PJMCM]

Interesting video. I was born in Anderston - in William Street near the junction with Elderslie Street (flattened now). We moved away when they started demolishing the old tenements to make way for newer buildings. My mum's family all lived in Clyde Ferry Street (just about where the Kingston Bridge is now). I can remember being told about the Cheapside Street fire as that could be seen from my gran's window! Very sad to see the state of the area now - the old Glasgow Corporation made some strange decisions back in the 60s with regards to demolishing some wonderful old buildings.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@Jamestele1]

Thank you for making a posting this historic documentary. Most of my people are from Ayrshire and Glasgow. I wonder if I had any people from that area. I love the contrasting of the older images versus the modern "monstrosities". I call half jokingly use my icon name because I have done genetic genealogy testing and the scientist said I have classic Irish/Scottish DNA, but people I know who are of a highland background believe they are the only "true Scots", and we lowlanders are English and less. So Bohemian Celt is a statement of who I am and a middle finger to people who look down their nose at my Murdoch, Snodgrass, Watson, Montgomery, etc. people. Even a weed has roots. I don't have an issue with anyone who is Scottish, I love the entire country-I just despise people looking down their nose at me or anyone.

[@user-ht9jw5mo4s]

Your maps and pictures are amazing.

[@garryallison4716]

Just watched this. Well done for documenting this. There’s loads of Glasgow that needs this treatment! More work for you Ed!! Aw ra best. Garry

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Garry. 👍

[@mleeriley3977]

My good man this was very interesting. I worked for Singer in the states for 12 and 1/2 years and heard so many things about Scotland. Great video mate!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you very much.

[@PureMadMetal]

Ed what a smashin video good research and narration, you obviously are a passionate Scots man when it comes to the halcyon days of our great city of Glasgow. On a more lighter note I half expected those barflies from The Clansman to turn up when you were walking about. None the less a great video.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers. 👍

[@judymitchell2332]

Thanks Ed, I'm from New Zealand and my great grandparents lived just near Anderston in Carrick and Brown Streets . They worked on ships and ended up buying a farm in New Zealand and leaving many descendants. I have visited there but your video was interesting to me as I learnt more about the area. As my ggmothers work was listed as an upholsterer she probably worked in one of those many factories!

[@planetyouranus22]

I remember watching that fire from a nearby tenement stair head window. I was about 14 at the time. I believe the firefighters death toll for any one incident remained the highest in the world, until 9/11. Glasgow, and Clydeside in general. Was a hive of industry back in those days. With riveting hammers banging away and welding flashes lighting up the sky well into the night, and the ships in the nearby docks blowing their horns kicking up a right racket. Especially at Hogmanay. At the ‘bells!’ Glasgow back then was a world away, from the Glasgow of today. I genuinely think people in the City were a lot happier then. Or am I just seeing it through the rose tinted specs of my youth?

[@lewissmith3896]

I think you are.

[@stuartkennedy4202]

This was so interesting and done very well with a natural approach. I learned a lot especially the fire and those poor fireman.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. 👍

[@davidtaylor9198]

Ed, your channel just keeps going from strength to strength. Fascinating journey once again and great history telling. Always wondered if you'd do a video on Alloa and the hillfoots history?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks David. Alloa and the Hillfoots is a huge interesting area. If you check through my past videos you'll find one or two in that area. This one, for example, looks at stuff to do with Alva's Silver Glen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJPHoZmsir6dnM0 While this one looks at a walk between Alloa and Clackmannan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3SoYpJ9ZqybhZI All the best.

[@ScotsWildcamper]

Great video Ed, as someone who's lived in Anderston since 1962 around the corner where Billy Connery lived as a lad. Housing and socially things have improved, pity alot of the old buildings where destroyed the tenements were cleaned up and looked rather splendid on the outside. Having living in one for 16 years we didn't have a bath or shower and it was abit cramped TBH. The prostitutes, gangs and drug dealers have disappeared ( certainly from view). Also I remember as a youngster every other man seemed to have a slash on his face. In saying all that we new the neighbours well and I enjoyed playing in the middens lol. The big wastelands near the clyde are getting more modern flats built on one of them, no doubt they eventually all be built on. Yes things change the motorway cut glasgow in half right through the heart of the city, Anderston was a direct hit. Some of the old buildings before my time looked magnificent guess they didn't appreciate them. ATB

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. The unfortunate thing about progress and change is it's probably debatable as to whether things actually change for the better. Take care.

[@jsfaulds]

Great stuff, just found your channel, I lived in Anderson 30 years a go

[@hughreed621]

Hi Ed great stuff -terrible what has been destroyed - I've been exploring similar themes in the south side -keep up the good work.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Good luck with the south-side research.

[@malcolmmcrobert9853]

Absolutely wonderful work and brilliant research, Eddie. My wee wife got quite emotive when you were standing at the junction of Holsworth and Elliott Street. Her gran lived there, just across the street from Cooks, the saw makers. When she passed away in 1967, all the workers came out and saw the hearse and cortege off on her final journey as she was a 'weel kennned face' in the area. I myself worked briefly in Securicor HQ in Lancfield St in '73 when I was transferred up from London. Yes, it is tragic to see the remnants of the area after municipal carnage. Ah, memories.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Malcolm.

[@tommyadams1536]

What was your gran's name Malcolm? I lived across from Cook's from 1956-1969.

[@stevebissett651]

Brilliant. Heartfelt commentary of a once great area of Glasgow.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers Steve.

[@rgedwards3412]

Fascinating. I also admire the industrial buildings surviving in Elliot Street, so it's good to see them celebrated, and I share your bafflement that so much of Anderston was flattened, yet decades later remains derelict. In about 1840 Henry Houldsworth (mis-spelled on the map showing his mills in Cheapside Street, but Houldsworth Street is correct), when Provost of Anderston, commissioned a large scale map of the burgh, a fairly moth-eaten copy of which I have seen in the city archives. It's well worth studying. That he built a fire-proof mill was entirely characteristic of Houldsworth - it may have been because he considered a mill powered by Boulton & Watt steam engines to be a greater fire risk than the water mill at Kelvinbridge it replaced.

[@EdExploresScotland]

There's something utterly captivating about old maps. I imagine cotton in cotton mills was a bit like flour in flour mills in that a fog of small dusty particles in the air could be explosive and very dangerous.

[@thegamingskull4842]

Thank you Ed it was good to see my old hometown I grew up in Anderston as a kid a great place to live, I even seen my dad in your film at Alex.Munro (butchers) cheapside St, the guy standing in the street thanks Ed James Rochford

[@EdExploresScotland]

That image of Munro's is taken from the Canmore website. Here's a link to that very image; if you click 'full screen' you can enlarge the image with the mouse wheel. All the best James. canmore.org.uk/collection/685946

[@thegamingskull4842]

@@EdExploresScotland Thank you Ed that was nice of you, and thanks again for your film, brought a tear to my eyes, I watched the fire that night with my mum at the top of Cheapside St, thank you so much again Ed Kind Regards James

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

I loved the fact they had “Hygienic Butcher” on the van! 😂

[@sandrider1406]

I lived in Anderston in the 70’s , very well presented 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you. 👍

[@hughhaggerty2341]

This video was excellent looking forward to seeing more very informative

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Hugh. Plenty for me to think about in 2022. Have a great New Year.

[@jamesc5657]

A man of many talents … loved this video +just listened to your title music in Spotify

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks, James.

[@jimreynolds2399]

Good little video. Liked the song at the end.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you, Jim.

[@YtheMain]

Fascinating stuff. Greetings from The Netherlands.

[@-robster-robster-]

Nice flight , thanks for sharing Rob . Area is coming along nicely . Need to go a wee cycle over there , i know area well , do my nosey on ground level 👍

[@EdExploresScotland]

Yes, a lot of high housing getting built in the area.

[@tommyadams1536]

Smashing video Eddy. I grew up in Houldsworth St, diagonally across from William Cooks the sawmakers. Looks like there must have been two St Marks churches. The one you described, and the one a few hundred yards west on Argyle St at McIntyre St. That was our 'school' Church when I went to Finnieston Primary in the early 60's. Loved the music at the end. Be safe.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@ZL54JK8]

Great to hear from a fellow pupil of Finnieston Primary School! Lots of memories of these bygone days at Finnieston, and memories are all there are as the school has completely disappeared off the face of the earth. I went there from 1955 to 1957. My parents were on the Corporation housing waiting list, and it was a long wait. I went through four primary schools because we had to move quite often. My teacher was a very nice lady called Mrs Nicholson, and also Miss Peden for a time. Amazing how you remember all the names. You're right about the churches. The 'school' church was St. Marks Lancefield. My parents went to it and sent me to Sunday School there. The minister was the Rev. Mr Potts who always had his hair carefully parted down the middle! I remember as well the Anderston Library, a very fine building with an internal glass dome. I never thought back then that I would be writing about the place in the years ahead when I would be an old man (well, pretty old). Best wishes to you!

[@tommyadams1536]

@@ZL54JK8 I remember Mrs Nicholson very well. I was in her class at Finnie and when it went secondary only, she went to Kent Road and was my teacher there as well. I guess sometime maybe late 64 or 65, when I was nine or so, she took ill and never returned to teaching. We were told she was admitted to Killearn Hospital at the time for something quite serious. I was a bit of a 'teacher's pet' back then and Mrs Nicholson had great hopes for me. She contacted my parents and suggested they take me out of Finnie and get me into Hillhead. I didn't want to go as it was too far away and it never happened. She also suggested that I should look at applying for Allen Glen's for secondary. Again I didn't do that and went to Woodside. After first year I started losing interest in academical stuff at school. Mrs Nicholson would be spinning in her grave if she knew I bailed out at fifteen with only four O levels. She lived out in Broomhill at the time, behind Balshagray School. A lovely lady who I think about often.

[@williamf4544]

Great video - my great great great grandmother lived in Stobcross Street about 1850 before moving to Shamrock Street - i have often looked at that area and wondered - your video has answered a lot of questions . Her son lived in Parliamentary Road another area unrecognisible would be great if you could look at that area sometime in the future - have subscribed to your channel today

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@richardharvey4013]

Eddie, I was brought up in Andersson , Cadogan Street I went to Washington Street Primary school in 1948=49=50 &51 before graduating to Woodside senior secondary school. When I look back now it was pure greed & a get rich quick scheme by the the then labour leaning Glasgow city councillors who profited on the backs of the taxpayers by pocketing bribes & “ Incentives “ handed out by big corporations who built inferior housing stock on top of tenements that were demolished to make way for greed & profit. Most of these eyesores are now demolished because they were so badly planed & thrown up. Absolutely criminal. I now live in Canada & return home every year for a holiday where I, like you, walk in areas I knew so well,Andersson, Finnieston & the Sandyford areas just to rekindle nostalgia .

[@EdExploresScotland]

It's always nice wandering in areas with many memories. Take care.

[@edwardalexander9486]

Excellent tour of Anderston. I've photographed in this area over recent years - it has lots of echoes, good and bad.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks.

[@CRAIGROSSMARTIN]

Walk round here regularly as live in finnieston but my research wasnt as great as yours. Thanks for sharing

[@paulrobertson1589]

Hello Ed , Excellent locations Ed and most enjoyable listen . As an urban history buff & ex truck driver from Perth who regulary passed within some of these sights , may I congratulate you on these segments . Literally found you on You Tube this morning while previously watching Glasgow Motorway Archive . My Border Collie Tess & I will be inspired to walk these routes now .

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Paul. At this time of year a wee dander works wonders. Have a great New Year.

[@paulrobertson1589]

@@EdExploresScotland Yes and also to you Happy New Year . Keep walkin 👍 Just watched the Dunkeld one there

[@toryglen]

Good exit song. Very apt today.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@angusmacmillan5365]

I well remember the fire in Cheapside Street. At the time I lived in Carnarvon Street and walked down to see what the glow was. People were stopped by the police from entering Cheapside Street but I watched from the northern end. I seem to remember a fireman falling off a turntable ladder but don't remember the noise of an explosion. I think the front wall of the building fell on the firecrews which killed many of them. I wiill never forget that night.. I think one of the problems with Anderston now is that people have bought up the old indutrial sites with a view to making their fortunes out of housing developments. Thanks very much for the very interesting video.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Angus.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Sorry but nobody is buying up that vacant land to make a fortune.......... I recall the Daily Record relocating from Hope Street/Cadogan Street to Anderson Quay in the middle of a bombsite. Nothing else around it and this was in 1971 with the area remaining so for many years. They later moved Into a larger new build on the bombsite next door but the general area remained desolate until very recently when new residential tower blocks have finally started to spring up. West Campbell Street resident from 1960 so we watched in interest as the demolition approach stopped at Blythswood Street while Anderston and surrounding areas became our playground during the M8/ Kingston Bridge development.

[@terrychalmers8929]

I love these wee films, I watch the grave yard in North St being dismantled from my deck in StPatricks school , to put the flyover there us kid were scared .x

[@EdExploresScotland]

The cars still scare me. Take care.

[@lenaolivetti9366]

Thank you for the history lessons.....

[@lenaolivetti9366]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@EdExploresScotland]

My pleasure.

[@andylivstirling]

thanks Ed great video

[@EdExploresScotland]

Cheers. All the best for the New Year.👍

[@MegaLochgelly]

Wow, Glasgow is certainly demolition city. Such a shame, all that beauty and the trams also. Coatbrisge must come a close second.

[@BigAlNaAlba]

That was very interesting. I am now a subscriber. I am amazed that land being so close to the city centre has not been repurposed.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. There seems to be some work via huge cranes doing something in one of the areas at the moment, although I'm not sure what is being built.

[@SosiskaTheHorrible]

Thanks Ed, I clicked on this as me and my wife moved into the new flats on the right of you in the last scene and I really like it here and was interested in seeing what was what. I remember hearing about Anderston bus station when I was young and people said that’s where the prostitutes used to walk but apart from that and of course that Billy Connolly was born here, I knew nothing. It’s a shame that it was probably cheaper to demolish rather than renovate as the police station looks like an incredible building as do the remaining Victorian/Georgian buildings in Glasgow. Cheers!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks Allan. I knew nothing about that police station until doing research for the video. What a loss indeed.

[@superducker7899]

Absolutely loved this

[@captaincaptain5799]

Great video Ed well done I personally know the area well worked in smt at bottom of Finnieston street remember secc getting filling with the rubble from the city demolition sawmill at top of Finnieston St off the record pub and Peter keenans pub would be nice to see wee video of that area brought a lot of good memories back thanks

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks.

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

Great video......

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks.

[@dennism5731]

Happened to stumble on this, but glad I did, thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m not a Weegie, but my mum was (Denniston and Cranhill) and I have always felt at home in the place. Can remember a lot of the old tenements, heard stories of the Cheapside St fire ( my gran lived in Startpoint Street, next to a block of flats reserved for firemen, both long gone now ), learned to play golf at the pitch and putt in Cranhill Park, and played 40 a-side there on Sunday afternoons. Just one question, is it the ghosts of Anderson past that keep making you look behind you in most of the shots?

[@iananderson3799]

Hello Sir. I am unsure why the YT algorithm sent me to you, but am very glad it did I really enjoyed this vid. Too many folks rush their presentations, but the pacing of both your narration and footage was perfect. And the content fascinating. Given my surname, I have long wondered where the T came from in Anderston. Any ideas?

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thank you. I'm not sure, but suspect the addition of the letter 't' simply denoted that it was someone's town, although I also think it was named after someone with the surname Anderson, without the 't'.

[@john6904]

Thanks for the video Eddy it has given me food for thought. My uncle Freddie used to work in the Bilsland bakery and my old drinking partner Jimmy "Cesar" Castle was the local postman for the Anderston district just after the war (what a character) I walk around all off these areas and am saddened to see how they are now. I was walking along the river recently and noticed a set of stairs with some kind of mechanism nearby (Lancefield Quay opposite Elliot Street)and a similar feature on the south side I think this must have been a river crossing but I do not remember it. I was talking to an old chap a few years ago (as you do) in the Botanic gardens who told me he originally came from Anderston and was a hair dresser he had a shop in King street called Greens My best friend Alberts wife had worked for him!........its a small world, keep up the good work..................................................... All the best John

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks John. I always presumed those stairs were the route to and from a small passenger ferry that crossed the Clyde, and that the chains were part of a vehicle ferry also crossing the Clyde, but in looking at old maps all I see is a long goods shed at this location. The following link shows an 1894 map from the National Library of Scotland (you can zoom in on it), and what you can see is both stairs and the landing stage for the vehicle ferry, but located near the Finnieston Crane. It is possible that when they renovated this part of the river and built walkways they also relocated those stairs and chains and made it a feature. But I am inclined to think they are not in their original location. maps.nls.uk/view/82891752

[@roboftherock]

That, Eddie, was a very pleasant accompaniment to my breakfast this am. A worthwhile 30 minutes of reminiscing. You and several of your commenters have queried why this was done. If I remember right, the attitude then was 'Out with the old, in with the new.' Speaking of reminiscing, where did you do 35-40 years ago? Your voice has triggered a memory from the late 1980s, early 90s. It might be a false memory, but it will bug me until I resolve it. Thanks.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. I think I was in Glasgow then, but not sure what I was doing.

[@stuart3744]

Thanks , I really enjoyed this, so much of the city obliterated, did these buildings need to be knocked down, when or who decides on what should be listed, I’ve taken a big interest in the old disused railway lines and stations in Glasgow, even the rotunda buildings surely they could be restored and I mean the underwater tunnels that were used for pedestrians and vehicles, so much has gone or been forgotten , I’m sure for visitors to the city it could be or could have been more interesting, only Glasgow would stick a bloody motorway right through the centre.I will look out for more of your videos if you have any

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. Old railway lines and stations in the city is an interesting topic. All the best with it.

[@-robster-robster-]

Indeed i like the old abandoned and removed railways and yards tunnels under the kelvingrove park. Clues of railway walls in partick kelvinbridge cleveden , old pillars over kelvin to maryhill and bricked off bridges . Old botanics railway etc etc theres loads of history. Some of this can be seen in my drone footage for example the abandoned railway accross from ben nevis pub on argyle street down the lane ...to think of the tunnels beneath our ground. Under thornwood and scotstoun etc

[@Earlofmar1]

I was sad to see on a recent visit that the building of my old employer, James Scott and Co, has finally been pulled down. Just up the road from where you were filming, in Finnieston St. I have very fond memories of being an apprentice electrician there in the 70's. Thanks for the footage and the history lesson, it was very informative.

[@EdExploresScotland]

Many thanks. My Dad was an electrician, or 'Spark' as they used to say, and maybe still do.

[@m.robertson221]

This was so interesting. My great grandmother lived in Elderslie Street. I remember as a toddler visiting her. She didn't have electricity in her home as she didn't trust it. She had gas lighting and cooking.

[@francesmccaffray9588]

Anderston where I and most of my relatives were from .

[@bighairydel]

great video. loved seeing what is no longer there. especially due to m8. glasgow lost lots of great buildings cause of the motorway!!!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. 👍

[@martybhoy72]

I was born in 72 well after the M8 was built. I remember the bus station for the bus back to East Kilbride. There was shops and a moving walkway. I believe these are now gone. I love exploring history including dead railway lines. There's a lot if history and industry in Glasgow sadly lost.

[@EdExploresScotland]

I remember Anderston Bus Station - I think the site's occupied by offices or a call centre now.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

​@@EdExploresScotland Yeah, it's ironic as in the 70's it was the local call girl centre with the "oldest profession" being shared between Blythswood Square, Holm Street and the Anderston Centre. We also had the down and outs Model in Holm Street so a fine mix of people hanging around in the evening. 🤯🤯

[@annemackie685]

My mum, gran and grandparents came from Cheapside street and my gran ran a shop there til 1920. Very interesting

[@allanpark6046]

Thank you Eddy.

[@EdExploresScotland]

You are very welcome.

[@johnsnedden5619]

Hi, another great history lesson, about 25 years ago I had the privilege of renovating the old factory roof on the building at the start of your film , 3 of the roof elevations have got the best Norwegian slates , which probably came in at the docks as ballast, a strange thing was there was a lot of golf balls which had caused a lot of damage to the roofs and then , just a thought, the old dunlop building at the opposite side of motorway might have been getting used as a driving range, scary thought?!!

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. Golf-balls are definitely dangerous things. Take care.

[@rowancrerar1491]

Great wee film Ed, will be up to Anderston this week to have a look myself. Love the music, what is it? Thank you

[@EdExploresScotland]

Thanks. Music's 'What Do You Need?' by yours truly, available to download from most digital music platforms.