DRAFT MCTCC Meeting Minutes, 25th November 2025
Attended by: Scott Thornton (Chair), Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, David Hughes, Rachel Angus, Peter Hayman, David Cowan, Cllr Angus Millar, Cllr Eva Bolander, Gregor McIntyre for John Grady MP, PC Nathan Baxter and Sgt Steven Wright from Police Scotland, Ciaran Buchanan from GCC Avenues Project, Eileen Clarkson from RNIB and Alan Stewart, Tricia Fort (Calton Community Council).
Residents: DF, TMcK, PP, MG and TD
By Zoom video: EM, JR, RE, GF, RW and AC.
- WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
Scott Thornton welcomed everyone.
Apologies: Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Braat, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, Ros Atkinson and EM.
- MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 28th OCTOBER
Adoption proposed by Rachel Angus and seconded by David Hughes.
The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.
- POLICE REPORT
The Police read out the crime statistics from the 1st November to 25th November, there were 115 crimes in MCTCC area of which 67 detected and 48 undetected, but this may change.
Possession of controlled drugs and road traffic offences made up many of these crimes. PC Baxter, who produced the monthly Police Report, reminded people not to leave any items in cars. They will be running the annual Festive Action Plan which will involve uniformed and plain clothes officers.
As part of this there will be increased focus to reduce drink driving and drug driving. There have been days of action to prevent shoplifting.
Police Questions
Scott reported Candleriggs has had an increased police presence since reports at the last meeting of drugs misuse and anti-social behaviour.
It is not known how often the discarded needles bin on Old Wynd is used. There is a crime prevention survey planned in December with business and residents to see how crime might be reduced. Officers will monitor the area, however if a higher priority crime takes place, then officers will be called away.
Gary Atkinson will have a meeting with Gregor, from John Grady MP office, about e-bikes. The legal speed limit is 15mph, but some are modified to go faster. These are confiscated by the police on occasion. It is understood that e-scooters are illegal and are not meant to be used on public roads.
Scott is meeting Inspector Watters tomorrow.
- RNIB PRESENTATION
Eileen Clarkson, the Campaigns Officer for RNIB Scotland explained how most people with partial sight is due to age related deterioration. There are about 180k people registered blind in Scotland; only 7% have total blindness. RNIB have produced a leaflet called ‘Getting Around’ to inform people how best they might manage to navigate streets.
Alan Stewart, who is partially sighted, gave a demonstration of the issues he faces getting around town by describing a journey from Central Station to Brunswick St. He can’t see people and uses a white cane to detect obstacles in front on him such as a kerbs or cracked paving. Other obstacles he encounters are ‘A boards’, potholes, street bins and bollards.
Due to this he tries to walk in the quieter streets. He explained how there is a rotating cone below each traffic light module which rotates when the light is green. The studs on paving are very helpful, however some of these on Argyle St are brass, and so are slippery when it is wet. E-bikes can be a hazard but more so impatient drivers at traffic lights. The lights at Ingram St, near to Ramshorn Church are of particular concern as they give little time to cross the road.
Rachel asked how he finds Brunswick St. Alan noted that even though this is a one-way street, ebikes and cyclists go up and down it. Due to the amount of pavement seating by bars and cafes he is compelled to avoid this street. He feels these obstacles amount to social exclusion for the blind and partially sighted.
Scott mentioned it might be helpful if we could have an article by Alan Stewart on our website about these experiences. He would like our area to be made more accessible in the future.
- HIGH ST AVENUES PRESENTATION
Ciaran Buchanan, Principal Officer for the Avenues Project, gave a presentation of the forthcoming High St Avenue project. The north end will have a widened footpath with a segregated bidirectional cycle lane made possible by reducing the carriageway width. New drainage will be installed as part of this work. He explained that new trees cannot be planned there due to the number of underground utilities. As such, new planters will be installed.
The segregated cycle lane will run from Duke St up to Rottenrow. It cannot continue further because of the large amount of traffic making it not feasible. The cycle lane will turn left onto Rottenrow. Mr Buchanan explained how transport modelling has shown the Castle St junction cannot accommodate a cycle lane due to the limited traffic capacity on High St to allow for a cycle lane. It is also a key emergency services route.
Scott noted that the MCTCC boundary extends to the west side of High St to George St, at the junction of Duke St.
Questions About High St Avenue Project
Ross noted the trouble crossing the road on High St.. Public engagement has been carried out with the public and community. All the crossing equipment is replaced and it should be easier to cross with the new road layout.
Peter Hayman noted that Rottenrow is a cobbled road and steep making it difficult for cyclists. The High St is used for people getting to their doctors and hospital appointments at the Royal Infirmary. It was discussed how the George St and Duke St junction is being upgraded, and people can then go left up Castle St and then right on to Wishart St to the hospital.
Alan Stewart asked about measures for disabled people. In terms of accessibility Mr Buchanan explained that lessons have been learned from previous Avenues projects. All junctions within these projects are brought up to modern standards with new equipment and tactile paving installed.
David Hughes noted that traffic is being reduced to single carriageway each way. The City Regeneration Handbook lists one of key factors that inhibit shoppers is where they find it difficult to cross the roads.
On Duke St junction, the George St Avenue project is expected to link up in approximately 18 months’ time. David and Ross have discussed possible areas in Ingram St where it might be possible to plant trees. Again, this was dependent upon the amount of underground utilities under the pavement which meant it was not possible, but discussion continues of alternative sites.
At the High St Rail Station there will be a pedestrian crossing, not signal-controlled. The Avenues project have contacted Scotrail to see if they wish to do further upgrades also.
Ross will study the technical drawings and once he has more details of street furniture lighting, he will be able to make recommendations, if required. He believes that planters are somewhat of a compromise to having trees.
Scott noted how there is no bus service linking our area and the Royal Infirmary. Cllr Millar has consulted with SPT on this issue, there is a recognised need for such a bus route but it was considered infeasible.
Mr Buchanan expects the survey for George St part of the project to open at the end of 2026 or start of 2027. Updated plans will available soon. Scott thanked Mr Buchanan for his presentation.
- ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Cllr Bolander has been trying to reduce noise pollution for residents on Ingram St with bin lorries arriving very early in the morning. She has engaged with the stakeholders, the refuse company and the business, but no change in the pick-up time has been agreed and so correspondence continues. Scott asked what could be done and it was considered if GCC it this could be an environmental health matter? Cllr Bolander noted that ‘a liveable city centre’ is key part of the City Centre Strategy. MG thanked Cllr Bolander for her work on this. He raised the matter back in July 2024.
Cllr Bolander has undertaken a wider strategic review of at how bulk uplift, refuse collection and recycling within the city centre to see how it might be improved. Scott will contact Cllr Bolander to discuss this matter further.
She has been with the consultation for the new park at the riverside which is part of the Custom House Quay planning application. A large part of this has been on how to make the park a safe environment.
As mentioned in the previous meeting, she has been in contact with local historian Neil Baxter. His latest book is titled ‘Greyfriars, Blackfriars and Deep-Fat Fryers!’ is a history of the High St. She reported he is happy to come and talk to MCTCC about his research.
The Christmas lights will not be on George Square this year due to the redevelopment. Instead, there will be a light trail at various locations around the city centre including Argyle St.
Two planning applications were refused for hotels behind the St. Enochs Centre. One was on Maxwell St and a B-listed building and the other was a non-listed building in a Conservation Area.
Cllr Millar gave an update on the regeneration of Parnie St and Trongate area. He is expecting more details when meeting with GCC officials in the near future. Regarding the pothole on Parnie St, near to the junction with Chisolm St, it is understood that Scottish Water are looking into what caused the fault.
He is awaiting the cost breakdown for South Portland St Bridge which will include a footpath covering. He will contact GCC staff regarding issues raised on the last walkabout.
- LOCAL PLACE PLAN (LPP) & MATTERS ARISING
David Hughes reported that, as part of that process of writing this document, it was identified how our area does not have a community hub, a community playpark, a community park or a doctor’s surgery.
The LPP has still to be validated by GCC, and thereafter, distributed to our neighbouring community councils for one month.
It is a matter of pride that this has been done entirely by our members, and did not require a third-party organisation, and so may be a more relevant document.
- PLANNING
Ross Naismith noted that many matters had already been discussed prior in the meeting.
He attended a meeting about the Avenues Project(s) where ‘second tier planting’ was discussed and how, if we receive funding, new trees will be installed. Ross understands there are 60 trees that are ordered outside of the Avenues project.
Re the Maxwell St/Fox St hotel application, Ross had previously submitted his comments on behalf of MCTCC to Planning. He had mentioned that the witnesses in favour of the Application had many commendable points regarding the general area needing improvement. He also mentioned that MCTCC as a group, should give serious consideration, in 2026, specifically to improvements to elevations on (East) St Enoch Square, Howard Street, Stockwell Place, and Stockwell Street (including the Car Park area). Although MCTCC objected to the proposals, Ross stated my concern that the refusal meant loss of considerable time in achieving a good architectural solution to this important site, and that the Applicant could have addressed obvious/ glaring aspects to avoid objections before proceeding with the Application.
There was an approved redevelopment ‘masterplan’ for St Enoch Shopping Centre however this has not gone ahead. Scott met with the new Director of the Centre last week, who confirmed this will not be progressing. Cllr Bolander added there has been strong retail revenue from the centre now that shoppers have returned to Glasgow.
- LICENSING
Scott reported, in Gary’s absence, the following: –
- Blane Valley public house has applied for an extra hour of licence until 1am, Monday to Sunday. Also included is outside seating on Glassford St for 6 people and seating on Garth St for 14 people. End date for objections is the 18th of December.
- St Judes Licensing for 79 Albion St, variations to licensing provisions.
- AREA PARTNERSHIP AND JAG
David Hughes noted last November they have been asking for NIF funding for 74 trees. He also submitted a bid for 18 benches which are now being costed by NRS. Cllr Millar confirmed.
AP members have been holding Zoom meetings to work out the details for the NIF budget. The AP funds were used to remove the dead trees previously mentioned. It is hoped new trees will be planted in due course.
Rachel will be meeting with the Joint Action Group on Thursday evening.
- FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FoRG)
David Hughes attended a Scottish Tourism Networking event at City Halls yesterday. He will attend a showcasing event at Impact Arts next week.
He will meet with Chris Gray of NRS to discuss the Local Improvement Fund. Some possible uses would be for a deep clean of the graveyard, the sculpting of a dead tree therein and a sign put on the outside fence to notify where the nearest defibrillator is located.
Paul Nome, from Trades House, will give a talk at the next meeting about Lair 50-2. The next meeting is on the 14th of January, 2026.
- UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
David Cowan received an email from GCC Landlord Services explaining his request would take more time than expected due to staffing issues. It also requested which postcodes were used in the MCTCC area. He replied that all of MCTCC is in the G1 postcode.
- RECYCLING FACILITIES
Scott has been in email correspondence with Network Rail, NCP and Gary Beacham from GCC regarding additional recycling facilities.
- PIGEONS / SEAGULLS
It would be useful as part of the redevelopment of George Square if “Do Not Feed The Birds” signage could be designed-in. It is a place where people often eat. Cllr Millar has been talking about this with various departments.
Cllr Bolander noted that there are electronic boards being installed around the city centre which could display such messages and raise awareness.
Scott noted the new manager of the St Enochs Centre said pigeons and seagulls cause health issues, and to counter this the centre has incurred maintenance costs.
- LEZ FUNDING
MCTCC has lodged a second application to the LEZ fund for more trees in our area.
- FOOTBALL FAN CELEBRATIONS
There was no report this month.
- WEBSITE
David Cowan has drawn up list of possible funding sources. He has been asked to liaise with Gordon Millar regarding to find projects this community council is most eligible.
- FILMING
Scott reported there will be disruption to Clyde St on Thursday and Friday, 27th and 28th November due to one lane being closed to allow for filming.
- TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon Millar (Treasurer) was not able to attend this meeting.
An invoice Balloon Counsels will be issued for £500 due to disruption caused by filming.
- COMMUNITY COUNCIL VACANCY
Then Community Council vacancy is still open for applications.
- AoCB
- Glasgow’s Winter Wonderland – Petition by Tricia Fort, Chair, Calton CC
The petition was passed round due to there being no consultation, or information, with the local community regarding the relocation to Glasgow Green. The event starts on 21st November and closes on the 4th of January 2026, it will be closed only on Christmas Day and New Year Day. Tricia only got a meeting with NRS on the 5th of November. The fair produces lots of noise and disturbance to local residents.
- JR advised thatan event was recently held on Candleriggs Square with no prior
- The MCTCC Christmas meal will be on the 9th of December.
- DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday 27th January 2026 – 6.30-8.30pm in City Chambers.