Meeting Minutes, 29 September 2026
Meeting Minutes, 29 September 2026
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Community Cllrs |
Scott Thornton; Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, Ros Atkinson, David Cowan, Alice Cowan, Peter Hayman (Associate) |
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Elected |
Cllr Philip Braat, Gregor McIntyre (John Grady MP’s office) |
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Residents |
RA, PP, AC, DR |
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Visitors |
JE, SMcH, TG, RM |
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Online (Zoom) |
Jen Nelson (Flourish Glasgow), RM, AM, SM |
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Other |
Gary Fanning (The Splash) |
1. Welcome and Apologies
Chair Scott Thornton welcomed everyone.
Apologies: Cllr Angus Millar, Bailie Christy Mearns, Cllr Eva Bolander, Police Scotland.
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting: 25th August 2026
One change: Business Improvement District cleaners removed stickers from the lampposts, not GCC.
Adoption proposed by Niall McColl and seconded by Gordon Millar. The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.
3. Police Report
The Police sent their Apologies.
4. Community Councllors’ Reports
a) Community Engagement
Enquiries from potential volunteers were received following a press release and an item on our Website.
Scott, David and Alice attended the Volunteer Glasgow event ion City Chambers and Glasgow University Freshers Fair. This resulted in 25 expressions of interest and an initial eight 8 students being added to the MCTCC distribution list.
Leaflets were left at these events and in student halls in and around our area following a widespread distribution of general and business-focussed flyers. Scott noted that we have a surplus of leaflets still to go out and asked Community Councillors to continue to drop them off at suitable places.,
Gordon is leading the next litter pick on Sunday the 25th of October, starting at 10.30am outside the Ramshorn Church on Ingram Street.
b) Planning
The PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) at High St and George St – MCTCC objected to this 18 months ago. Ross, Planning Lead, said he had written to Cllr Ruari Kelly to ask for arbitration to be considered.
He is looking to draft his response regarding the CDP (City Development Plan) 2 consultation. At the JAG (Joint Action Group – the forum combining all Ward 10 Community Councils) meeting at the end of this month he will compare notes with other CCs.
Out of the 10 major planning applications in our area, three have progressed including Custom House Quay and King St Car Park.
Ross may follow up with Cllr Millar and Bailie Mearns after tonight’s meeting.
Avenue Projects
Scott asked GCC to give an update presentation on the Avenues project tonight but the relevant officers were too busy. These projects can be paused by finding further problems in road infrastructure. It was recently reported that subsidence has been found on Trongate.
Results of Avenues project are better in some areas than in others. Ross has made recommendations and said many design issues could be prevented if Glasgow had a ‘design czar’ to give an experienced second opinion/ approval or rejection. This would improve the standard of work and prevent remedial workut. He will propose this to Cllr Millar and Bailie Mearns.
He voiced concern about George Square seating at the west side, outside Wetherspoons, being possibly too close to the retail zone.
For some time Ross has requested details about the lighting design for George Square but to no avail. He has observed 4 new lighting obelisks recently installed in the Square.
Avenues designs have been extended into St Vincent Place whereby the timber slatting will be taken out. It was noted, however, that new slatting was to be installed on Queen St and Ingram St.
ii) Parades
Ross and Scott met with the new Parades and Processions Officer and his assistant and discussed the application and approvals process. Ross requested a Code of Conduct for how marches ought to run and has drafted a reply. He wants to make sure we get prompt notice of such applications.
There is a minimum of 28 days between an application being received and a decision. If the march is in our area we ought to be involved in the decision process. Amongst the reasons to object are: –
– Is the march likely to be anti-social in nature?
– Is the march likely to cause a public disturbance?
The Code of Conduct says the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is relevant but not absolute, as the interests of the general community have to be taken into account.
MCTCC has previously asked GCC for a moratorium on parades but this was declined. Scott noted that 11,000 people marched in the city on a single day in July.
iii) Current Projects
Ross wants to have another meeting with Praxis Group regarding possible regeneration of Howard St up to Stockwell St. Scott will try to set this up.
In Parnie St he would like to see some of his suggested initiatives taking place. Cllr Millar to facilitate.
He is hoping to have another conversation with GCC about the pedestrianisation of Candleriggs. Cllr Millar to facilitate.
Re the work done in Ingram St and Queen St as a pilot project, he has asked Cllr Millar for an analysis of what has worked to be made permanent; and what has not worked taken away. Ross to discuss with Cllr Kelly.
The Clutha Bar planning application for seating on riverside has been approved, despite our objections. This would mean people carrying alcohol across a major road at a 5-way junction. There is a real health and safety risk of there being a traffic accident either with car or bike.
c) Joint Action Group (Ward 10)
At the last meeting Cllr Allan Casey, Convener, Homelessness and Addiction Services, gave a comprehensive report about how GCC works to help people who are homeless. MCTCC’s then Chair and Vice-Chair met him in June 2025 to discuss the issues. We may decide to invite him to give a presentation to one of our public meetings.
d) Licensing
Gary distributed licensing applications to Community Councillors throughout the month.
At the Licensing Forum the debate continues as to whether a standard 1 am licence is still necessary; the City Council is leaning toward reverting to a midnight curfew.
e) Area Partnership
Gary attended the last meeting in which he secured £47k for trees and benches. This has been broken down into 11 trees (£25,700 previously agreed, of which £14,000 committed to investigatory planting works) and £9,000 allocated for benches.
There is also £50k ringfenced for MCTCC to suggest work on heritage buildings in our area. Gary suggests the Mercat Building and Tron Steeple. He invited other suggestions.
It was noted how many public clocks in the city are not working. Perhaps most notable is ‘the running man’ at Buchanan St Bus Station. He thanked David Hughes for his previous work in securing this money in the past. The next AP meeting is in November.
f) Glasgow Community Council Federation (GCCF)
The next meeting of the GCCF is tomorrow, 30th September. It is an AGM and its first office bearers will be elected.
g) Treasurer’s Report
Gordon Millar reported our bank balance as of 29th of September was £9,430.86.
Expenses this month were £140 for leaflets.
Draft annual accounts are with the independent auditor, to be reviewed at our mid-monthly meeting.
5. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Scott made us aware that the SFRS is asking residents across Scotland to share their views on fire safety priorities and local service delivery over the coming years.
The consultation is open until midnight on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
You can review your specific local area plan and complete the brief online questionnaire directly through the SFRS Draft Local Fire and Rescue Plan Portal: –
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/get-involved/consultations/draft-local-fire-and-rescue-plan/
6. Elected Members’ Reports
Cllr Braat contributed to several matters that were covered at other points in the meeting.
Cllr Questions
A business owner on Trongate complained that the Avenues project will leave no car parking spaces for shop deliveries or for staff. There is already minimal parking in the area. Cllr Braat understands this is a common issue for other businesses in the area. He knows other areas are strict in reducing parking.
A resident from College St would like to see the green space near to this residence granted protected status in CDP 2. The adjacent area already has this and he has emailed MCTCC regarding the issue. Scott noted this was a good example of people engaging with us. Ross will follow up with the resident and incorporate this into his response to CDP 2.
Scott has met the new director of the St Enoch Centre. He shall ask him to give a presentation to us about proposed changes to shopping centre but this will have to wait notification of the plans involved.
Rachel Angus has concerns about the large number of seating areas near licensed premises i Merchant City blocking walkways. This has been noted on Brunswick St and Bell St. S he would like to see enforcement. Niall read a response from Bailie Mearns on this topic.
A resident raised their concerns about antisocial behaviour, noise, and drug dealing between midnight and 1am.
Scott is contacting Cllr Millar with requests for updates on CCTV staffing, busking, the Fox/Maxwell Street derelict site, the proposed ‘action plan’ to curb pigeon and seagull feeding, and introduction of a farmers’ market
7. MCTCC AGM
Please note the earlier starting of 6pm for our AGM Tuesday 27th of October
This is a good time to join, however you can join at any time. Eligibility is that you must be over 16 years old and on the GCC Electoral Register. Also, you must live in the MCTCC area, a map is on our website:
https://mctcc.scot/community-council/
Scott noted we have one expression of interest to be a Community Councillor.
He will be formally proposed once we get the papers from GCC.
8. AOCB
It was noted that Alison Thewliss MSP, elected in May, is still without a constituency office.
9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING and AGM:
Tuesday 27th October 2026
AGM: 6pm – 6.30pm
Full Meeting: 6.30-8.30pm in City Chambers.
Police Museum, Bell St
Two hundred years of the UK’s oldest police force, Glasgow’s most famous murders and robberies – and how The Stone of Destiny ended up in a Glasgow police station. They’re all at the centre of a remarkable museum in Merchant City.
The Glasgow Police Museum in Bell Street tells the story of the city’s police force, founded by the city’s Merchant and Trades Baillies in 1779 and set up under an act of Parliament in 1800.
The first central police office was in Albion Street and the first Muster held in the Laigh Kirk (Tron Church). It was attended by the Chief Constable, sergeants, policemen and ‘Watchmen,’ the latter’s role including the important job of calling the hour. Officers patrolled in top hats.
The fascinating array of exhibits includes weapons, medals, uniforms worn not only in Glasgow but by police around the world, and a charge book signed by Britain’s first detective, Peter McKinley, in 1817.
Among featured equipment are wooden rattles, known as clappers (source of the phrase ‘Run like the clappers’) used as a warning until replaced by whistles.
Featured infamous crimes include investigations into bodysnatching from the Ramshorn Church graveyard, the robbery of the Paisley Union Bank in Ingram Street in 1811 and the case of New York-born Peter Manuel, hung in Barlinnie for the murder of seven people in 1958.
The Stone of Destiny, the 150kg sandstone block on which monarchs were crowned and stolen from Westminster Abbey by a group of Glasgow University students, was kept in the central police station in 1951 after it was recovered. Police officers used it as a card table, saying they’d sat on it longer than any King or Queen. A copy, made for a 2008 film, occupies one of the cabinets.
Run by retired policemen and set up by the Glasgow Police Heritage Society, the museum was named Glasgow’s ‘Best Day Out’ in 2019 and Museum of the Year in 2024.
Free to visit, it receives no public funding and is totally financed by donations from visitors, more than 11,000 of whom come each year.
Curator Alastair Dinsmor (retired) retired as an Inspector after 33 years service and was awarded an MBE for his services to police heritage.
“We’re very proud of what we have here and always ready to answer questions and chat,” he says. “The personal touch enhances the experience. What drives me on is a passion for preserving Glasgow’s police history. it’s amazing – and unique.”
Glasgow Police Museum, 1st floor 30 Bell Street, G1 1LG
Tel. 0141 552 1818
Em: curator@policemuseum.org.uk
Open April-October Mon-Saturday 10-4.30, Sunday 12-4.30
1 November – 31 March Tuesday 10-4.30, Sunday 12-4.30
Read about Alastair’s private collection at dinsmorepolicecollection.uk
December Electronic Dance Event in The Briggait - Temporary Public Entertainment Licence
December Electronic Dance Event in The Briggait – Temporary Public Entertainment Licence
Maxwell St Redevelopment - Public Consultation 12 October
Redevelopment of Maxwell St/Fox St – Public Consultation events
Proposal: Demolition of a listed building and an unlisted building in a Conservation Area and erection of a hotel and short-stay accommodation with rooftop bar / restaurant, associated facilities and associated ancillary development.
86 – 90 Maxwell Street/40 Fox Street Glasgow
There will be a public consultation event on 12th October between 4pm and 7pm at The Briggait, Wasps Studio (Room 2), 141 Bridgegate, G1 5HZ, with a second event on 3rd November from 4pm to 7pm in the same location.
Map image courtesy of Openstreetmap.org
Help Clean Up the MCTCC area - Sunday 25th October
Help Clean Up the MCTCC area – Sunday 25th October
City centre residents are being invited to help tidy up the area in the Community Council’s latest Litter Pick.
The clean-up, organised by Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC), will take place on Sunday 25th October between 10.30 and 12.30.
Volunteers should meet outside the Ramshorn Graveyard on Ingram St. All equipment is provided.
Everyone is welcome to join in, even if you are only able to help out for an hour or so. Litter Picks not only make a big difference to the way the city centre looks but also show that people who live here care for their environment and want to keep on improving it.
Interim Elections, October 2026
Nominations are invited from residents who are 16 years or over to join Merchant City & Trongate Community Council
- Qualification
Anyone over 16 years of age who resides within the Community Council boundary area can stand for election. All that is required is that the candidate, proposer and seconders’ names appear on the Electoral Register. (Alternative measures for identification and residency status of candidates may be undertaken in certain circumstances).
- Vacancies
There are currently 4 vacancies being advertised for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council.
- Closing Date
Valid nomination forms must be submitted to Glasgow City Council (see below) by:
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2026.
- Filling Vacancies
- Uncontested Election Meeting:
Should 4 or fewer valid nominations be submitted to Glasgow City Council, the candidates will be elected unopposed on TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2026 at 18:00 in Glasgow City Chambers, George Square, G2 1DU.
- Contested Election – Secret Ballot:
Should more valid nominations be submitted to Glasgow City Council by the above closing date than there are vacancies, a secret ballot will take place on a date to be determined. Qualifying residents whose name and address appear on the Electoral Register within the Community Council boundary, will be entitled to vote during the ballot opening hours. Where possible, a list of candidates can be made available before the secret ballot. The results of the secret ballot will be confirmed at the next scheduled meeting of the Community Council.
Nomination Forms can be obtained from the Community Council or also at:
www.glasgow.gov.uk/communitycouncils/elections
Rory O’Sullivan
Communities Team
Glasgow City Council
City Chambers
82 George Square
Glasgow G2 1DU
0141 287 0060
communitycouncils@glasgow.gov.uk
Glasgow City Local Fire and Rescue Plan - Public Consultation
Glasgow City Local Fire and Rescue Plan – Public Consultation
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking your views on the draft Local Fire and Rescue Plan for City of Glasgow 2026.
Glasgow is a vibrant and diverse city with communities that have different needs and challenges. We want to ensure our Local Fire and Rescue Plan reflects the issues that matter most to local people and helps us target our resources where they can make the greatest difference.
SFRS already work closely with our communities, local authority partners and third-sector organisations, but it is important that everyone has the opportunity to share their views and shape the services they provide. Whether you are a resident, business owner, community group or partner organisation, your feedback will help SFRS understand local priorities and continue improving outcomes for the people of Glasgow.
Your feedback will help ensure the final Plan:
- Reflects local priorities, risks and needs
- Supports effective partnership working
- Delivers the best outcomes for communities
- Informs local service delivery over the coming years
How to Take Part
You can view the draft Plan and complete a short consultation survey using the link below:
Consultations | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The consultation is open until midnight on Thursday 15 October 2026.
SFRS is committed to listening to the views of their communities and partners. Following the close of the consultation, feedback will be carefully analysed and a summary of the findings will be published, setting out how responses have informed the development of the final Plan.
Information provided by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service