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Meeting Minutes, 29 July 2025

Attended by: Scott Thornton (Acting Chair), Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, David Hughes, David and Alice Cowan, Peter Hayman, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns and Councillor Angus Millar, PC Rebecca Martin, PC Arthur Kennedy, Gregor McIntyre from John Grady MP’s office

NM, GF, RA, DF, MG CS, CD, GM.  By Zoom video: EM

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Scott Thornton chaired the meeting in Tam Coyle’s absence and welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Tam Coyle and Ros Atkinson.

2. ELECTION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR

Scott reported at the Mid Monthly Meeting on 15 July MCTCC had resolved to add one more Community Councillor, taking our complement to 12. This had been agreed by Glasgow City Council.

Accordingly, nominations were invited from individuals residing within the MCTCC area, listed on the Electoral Register and over 16 years of age.

This invitation has been posted on MCTCC’s website and in at least three public places within the MCTCC area.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 8 August. Should there be only one nomination that person would be elected unopposed at the next public meeting on 26 August. If there was more than one nomination a secret ballot would be held on that occasion.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 29 APRIL

Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Niall McColl.

The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.

4. POLICE REPORT

PC Martin read out the crime statistics for the last month. From the 1^st July to 29^th of July there were a total 167 crimes reported, of which 100 were detected.  PC Baxter and PC Rapi are now joined by PC Thomson and PC Docherty.

The police are proactive in monitoring Virginia St, New Wynd and Old Wynd and Parnie St for drug use and anti-social behaviour.  They are always on the look out for shoplifting and carry out days of action for particular issues.

RA noted that Virginia St, at the top end near to Ingram St there was drug misuse and people sitting in the doorways of buildings.  PC Kennedy noted that the shops notify them if their doorways are being used for illicit purposes.  There is anti-social behaviour going on in several areas of the city however any place that offers some shelter are more frequently used.

Gary reported that he had received a complaint from a market stall trader in Virginia St about people using the nearby doorways in Virginia St as a toilet.

The GCC buildings in John St have seen rough sleepers using the alcoves.

Gary and Tam met with Inspector Waters new Area Commander to review the TRNSMT event. DF said the fences are still up long after the event had finished and Ross noted the fences are put up one week before it takes place.

5. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Depute Lord Provost Mearns attended the civic reception in the Social Hub and gave an opening speech. She believes it was a successful event.

She wrote a brief note in favour setting up fanzones for celebrations of the winner of the SPFL in May each year. She is seeking conversations within GCC with a view to have this put in place for next year.

GCC Chief Executive Officer has advised her that local and national discussions are taking place. However, the football clubs must take a leading role for this to work.

She is engaging with council officers about the extensive outside seating areas on Candleriggs. Businesses have, for some time now, not complied with the boundaries. A meeting has been set up with city officers to discuss to how to open up more pavement space for pedestrians.

Concerns have been raised about the lack of trees in the area. There are problems due the infrastructure below street level such that trees cannot be installed. There is now a significantly greater number of tree planters in place.

A few months about she had a walk around Virginia St and Brunswick St and noted the state of the fabricated seating. She arranged for these to be power washed.

Homeless Project Scotland has lodged an appeal after its planning application was rejected. This will now go to the local Planning Review Committee. No date has been fixed for this yet.

The council is engaging with Community Councils where to locate the new public recycling Bin Hubs. She is available to be involved in this discussion.

The City Centre Minor Improvement Fund is open for applications. Grants of up to £20,000 for businesses are available. Previous grant schemes have included recipients to agreeing to a pledge to maintain the area in front of their businesses. She has asked for this to be included in this scheme. Another preferable addition to the grant scheme would be to raise awareness of good practice in design for signage for example and shopfront presentation.

She understands there is disappointing of lack of a water feature to be George Square redevelopment underway. We have been told this would be time and cost prohibitive.

Councillor Angus Millar reported new ‘Do Not Feed The Birds’ signs will be installed in the city centre. They have already been put in place elsewhere in Glasgow. He is in dialogue with Louise Stuart and Kelly Ann Mossan, the Neighbourhood Improvement Officer for Anderston, who are coordinating this.

The issue of surplus street poles on Glassford St and Stockwell St will be surveyed during the Walkabout on the 12^th of August.

St. Enoch’s shopping centre has new owners and a meeting is planned with GCC officers next month. Part of this St Enoch’s estate is the old Debenhams building which has a planning application for conversion into offices.

GCC Building Control will not provide details to Cllr Millar regarding which buildings that are having cladding remedial works. This is a private issue between them and factors and owners.

The Community Engagement Team will contact Scott regarding a potential new community hub facility. Several locations will be considered and what, if any, funding streams may be available.

Council officers have assessed the viability of placing a planter at the Post Office on Glassford St, however they found the location to be unsuitable.

‘Trees for Streets’ is a £100k NIF sponsorship scheme whereby individuals, or groups, can request a tree is planted at a specific location. However, the city centre is not suitable for this as previously discussed. A more strategic approach is required.

To improve tree planning in the city centre, and other matters, a coordinator will be hired to liaise between the 4 different teams involved in planting new trees in the city centre.

There are plans to pedestrianise Candleriggs. The Sustainable Transport Dept. will contact MCTCC to discuss.

Questions from the floor:

David Hughes noted that the fabricated benches were becoming worse for wear and asked if there were plans to replace these.  Depute Lord Provost Christ confirmed this.  The planters at Ramshorn Graveyard need weeded.  He identified the 3 dead trees on Ingram St and another one in College St. This will be looked into.

He enquired if it was the Area Partnership funding involved in the pedestrianisation for Candleriggs? Cllr Millar believes this comes from a different budget.

Ross Naismith asked if there could be a workshop on how Candleriggs’ development can be taken forward. Cllr Millar understands there will be engagement with MCTCC and the local businesses. He asked for a consultation meeting where new planters, and new trees, will be located.

Cllr Millar understands the existing tree planters were provided due to a previous fund, over one year ago, and the Area Partnership was consulted at that time.  It has taken over a year to get to this stage.

RA looked for clarity on the two types of tree planters. There is the LEZ funded planters which have trees in large stone bowls; and then there are others in green metal cubes. However, they are both referred to as planters.

RA enquired about improvement of access to Virginia St.

Scott noted there is a walk to survey local issues with councillors on Tuesday 12^th of August at 10.30 am, meeting at the Tron Tower.

Scott noted how The Busking Code of Conduct is not being adhered to. MCTCC has received reports of loud music being played long after the 9.30pm cut off time. Cllr Millar said there was a review of this Code last year and they understood there was a limitation of what enforcement could be implemented. The Police will have a day of action to raise awareness of the guidelines.

Busking Code Signage was placed in Buchanan St, and other locations, but were removed inappropriately. More robust signage is planned. The legislation in place does not allow a ban on music amplifiers.

Scott noted reports in the media of a new congestion charge for people travelling to Glasgow. Cllr Millar explained GCC has been considering this for some years and confirmed it would not be applicable to residents living within the Glasgow boundary.  The national legislation has been in place since 2001.  Any congestion charge scheme that GCC was to bring forward would have to be consulted with the public extensively.

MCTCC has written to the Leader and Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council asking for a moratorium on public parades. Recently there were 65 Orange Lodge parades in Glasgow in one day, with associated public disruption, road closures and policing costs.

MCTCC is also pursuing a moratorium on any new student accommodation (PBSA) in our area.

6. PLANNING

Ross Naismith gave his report on several planning applications: –

Custom House Quay – RN said that he would study the application and make recommendations to MCTCC on 12th August, but that he was of a view to endorse the application with a commendation.  Peter Hayman would like to see the same concept replicated on the opposite riverbank.

George St and High St PBSA – We complained about the saturation of PBSA, it is meant for 450 students. In addition, complaints included on the design and that it is 12 storeys high. The British Linen Bank is next to the site and has been left empty. RN stated he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications have been received.

Maxwell St site – RN emphasised his objection about the 18 storeys height and elevations. He believes the design lacks enough flexibility due to the risk of it becoming an empty property if the demand for accommodation reduces. He had a meeting with the design team some weeks previous.

RN has recommended that there should be a ‘second opinion’ as to the condition of the existing stone facade and the applications intention to remove it and replace it with a new facade. RN also stated that the proposals for new facade on Dunlop and Fox Streets were not clear and the application was objected to for that reason also. RN stated that he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications had been received.

178 Trongate PBSA – planning permission was granted in autumn last year. However, the design has changed and so is under review. RN confirmed that objections had been submitted on three counts; increase in Student numbers; lack of clarity on elevation; and location of ground floor support facilities. RN stated that he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications had been received.

The Clutha Vaults application for LED lights around it’s roof has been rejected by GCC.

King St Carpark – RN stated that he has been advised the planning application will be going into GCC in the next few weeks.

Murals – RN stated that there are currently 14 MCTCC Policy Statements on Planning matters and that he will make a recommendation for a 15th, regarding murals, at the MCTCC meeting of 12th August 2025. Currently, if murals are temporary, they do not need planning permission.

Greenspace behind The Italian Kitchen restaurant – He met with the head of the Estates Dept. at University of Strathclyde which Cllr Bolander had put him in touch with. The land is owned by Scottish Enterprise and managed by the university. They are open to the area being used as an exercise area and he has been asked to setup a meeting with Scottish Enterprise.

Improvements to Residential Property – He met with representatives of a grant allocating group to improve the private housing sector in the Trongate area.

The Avenues Projects – Cllr Millar has agreed to meet with Ross to discuss his concerns. RN stated that the ‘Avenues’ proposals, in our MCTCC area, do not have his confidence.

George Square – MCTCC are still in favour of there being a water feature in George Square. Ross Naismith has asked to see final technical drawings, in order to validate that the proposed during Concept Stage is being delivered.

 7. LICENSING

 The Clutha Trust – Ref. PEL01361 – Music festival, Friday 29^th Aug – Monday 1^st Sept 12pm- 9pm. Last date to object 13^th August 2025.

Jasmine Thai Massage Glasgow Ltd – for 100A Brunswick Street, G1 1TF (Entertainment – 3 rooms for massage facilities); Deadline for objections/representations 13 August 2025

M Triple R Ltd, Flat 0/2, 60 Fox Street, G1 4AU (Short term let – 3 rooms, occupant capacity 4); Deadline for objections/representations 15 August 2025

Workshop and Artists Studio Provision (Scotland) Ltd – The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate G1 5HZ (alcohol consumption for consumption on and off the premises 11 am to midnight 7 days a week, off sales 11 am to 10 pm); Deadline for objections/representations 28 August 2025.

8. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Celtic Fans Title Party: – The event took place on Saturday 17th May. Kaukab Stewart MSP organised a summit at Hampden Park prior this this event with many delegates to discuss how best to minimise the damage and disruption however but nothing has come of this.  She has arranged a follow-up meeting on 21st August with Tam, Scott and Gary to discuss possible future actions.

MCTCC put in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Police Scotland asking them for the cost incurred for this event. They replied saying they did not have a cost figure for this work.  We understand at least 350 police officers were on duty at the event. We shall make further enquiries. Gary noted we are being consulted by the SPFL.

Cllr Millar had seen a GCC cost figure for last year’s cleanup and will enquire about the cost for this year.  RA noted there was still glass debris left afterwards which would affect those driving in the area. David Cowan noted the cleanup was completed in about 3 hours using machinery. The 10K Race for Life route included Trongate the following day.

New MCTCC Website: – Niall McColl reported the website is finished and available online. The focus now is trying to keep it up to date which takes a time commitment. Scott asked for volunteers to do this.

9. FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FoRG)

David Hughes attended a meeting last week with Scottish Community Tourism Network which is set up to see that tourism benefits communities it impacts.

He had a meeting today with Chris Gray about the City Centre Improvement Fund of £25k.

The tourism sales are going very well, there have been 9 tours so far with 139 clients. All tours are fully booked in August and September thanks to David Fox and Caroline Dunlop.  Several groups have booked tours.

10. FILMING

Scott reported MCTCC have pledged a donation of £700 to local good causes from the company filming the new BBC TV drama series ‘Mint’ in, and around, Wilson Street. Another pledge is from the company filming in the City Chambers for renowned United States Director J J Abrams.

11. TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a current bank balance of £5,976.54. There were expenses this month related to MCTCC marketing items of £227.56 for the MCF stall.

As previously mentioned, a donation of £700 was received from Mint Productions. SP Film Productions have pledged £1000.

12. AoCB

Thanks given to David and Alice Cowan for the MCF stall mini project. Niall McColl contributed to this by designing the colourful roller banner, flyers and bookmarks. Tam Coyle, David Hughes, Gordon, Ross and Scott all assisted on the day.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 26 August, 6.30-8.30 in City Chambers.

Meeting Minutes, 24 June 2025

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Atkinson, Alice Cowan, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, Niall McColl, Scott Thornton; Councillor Angus Millar; Police Constables Nathan Baxter, Euan Thomson and Lewis Moore; Cieran Buchanan, Liam Cochran, Neil McCallum and Gerry O’Donnell (Glasgow City Council and Rainton Construction); Lorenzo Mele and Emma Donald (Merchant City Festival); Gregor McIntyre (John Grady MP’s office), RA, DF, MG, PP.

 Via Zoom video: Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Community Councillors David Hughes and Ross Naismith, EM.

 

1. APOLOGIES

Councillor Eva Bolander, John Grady MP, Gordon Millar, Colin McKay

2. DRAFT MINUTES OF 27 MAY MEETING

 Adoption proposed by Niall McColl, seconded by Tam Coyle. Approved.

3. POLICE REPORT

PC Baxter gave indicative statistics showing 79 crimes reported in the MCTCC area in the period 1-24 June of which 49 had been detected. The number is lower than recent averages but the period covered was shorter.

These included drugs, bail and road traffic offences including four suspected drunk drivers, and retail thefts.

Feedback from residents is vital and encouraged.

Scott mentioned issues emailed by a local resident about rough sleepers, sometimes in tents, blocking pavements.

PC Baxter said some people choose to sleep out in the streets. Scott said obstructing a pavement was an offence.

RA said she had noticed an increase in the number of women begging and asked if police had spotted evidence of coercion or involvement of criminal gangs. Were they afraid to speak out?

PC Baxter said police worked with many partners including refugee charities who also tried to engage with them and keep them off the streets, and took a public health approach.

Gary said the fire escape outside Marks and Spencer was linked to drug activity which blocked the emergency exit. PC Baxter said if this was the case Fire and Rescue Scotland would take action. In answer to a question from DF he said a single complaint could trigger a response from police or one of its partners.

In response to a question from Scott about police presence at the forthcoming TRNSMT music festival and increases of arrests reported in recent years PC Baxter said the number of officers would be lower this year because attendances were expected to be down. The festival attracted younger concertgoers including those liable to be intoxicated. As always police would make a proportionate response.

4. PRESENTATION ON MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL (MCF)

 Lorenzo and Emma provided a summary of this year’s festival (18-20 July).

Good news was that MCF had received three years funding from Creative Scotland, enabling it to plan strategically.

Outdoor performances over the three days would include those on a stage facing the Social Hub. A family zone would be set up in Merchant Square for Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with the International Children’s Festival. The Boardwalk (Impact Arts) would also be used and an acrobatic parcours, with a ‘silent disco’ based on Jane Austen novels would start from The Ramshorn Graveyard.

There would be a mass ceilidh on Brunswick Street on the Friday with story telling, and the Saturday would be ‘Queer-led’ to coincide with Pride.

Albion Street will remain open to traffic this year. The road between O’Neills and Bell Street would be closed. Enma will provide details of road closures. An email newsletter is being introduced.

Accessible toilets would be on the road, not on the camber as last year.

The Simon Community would distribute disposable cameras with a public display and competition to feature the best photos on a calendar.

A drop-in information event would be held in Merchant Square from 6-8 pm on Wednesday 2 July.

Residents wishing to park their cars elsewhere due to road closures can request ‘displacement.’

David Cowan is co-ordinating MCTCC’s presence at MCF, including provision of promotional literature and giveaways. Tam will liaise with him and Emma on this. She will also contact David Hughes and David Fox from the Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard about events there..

Niall complained that the cost for small businesses to have a stall at the Festival was prohibitive.

5. AVENUES PROJECTS INCLUDING GEORGE SQUARE

Cieran Buchanan, GCC Principal Officer, City Deal – Client Management provided updates and took questions/comments, notably on the omission of a water feature on George Square.

He confirmed the estimated cost of £2.6m and said this would have been prohibitive.

All bronze statues had been removed from the Square, restored and their conditions checked. The stone plinths and ground were also being assessed and there would be a ‘spare’ temporary plinth. The histories of individuals on the statues would be taken into account in the decision whether or not to reinstate them.

Work had started on West George Street.

There would have been an ongoing maintenance cost of the water fountain or similar feature. It would have required a sub-surface pump room.

The Square itself would be ‘wall to wall’ and is due for completion in August 2026. The section between North Hanover and Cathedral Streets should be finished by Spring 2027.

In response to comments from David Cowan he said the water feature had been dropped because of complexity and costs. Substantial excavations would have been required.

Scott noted that a detailed explanation of the reasons for excluding the water feature had been received from David McEwan, GCC Divisional Director. These included capital cost, risk and complexity, programme dependency and the revenue consequences of capital.

The decision on the water fountain had caused great anger in the local community.

This was a glorious missed opportunity. Scotland’s biggest city city deserved a civic square which made people go ‘Wow!’ He could not see the ‘Wow!’ factor in the current design. It should have been ‘the civic square of all civic squares in Scotland.’

Residents had been led to believe up until last November and beyond that the project included a water feature. The scheme seemed to have been finalised without incorporating proper flexibility.

DF said a smaller less expensive feature could have been included. In future Christmas installations risked damaging the fabric of the Square. Councillor Millar said the City Council would ensure this did not happen. It would no longer be an ’island’ but integrated with surrounding streets. He would like to see the Square less commercialised.

Scott read out parts of a statement from Ross, MCTCC Planning Lead.

He agreed with the appointment of John McAslan Architects in whom he had confidence and wondered what it would say about the omission of a water feature. MCTCC had not been offered the chance to comment in a timely manner.

Proposed designs for Avenues projects were inherently expensive. Quicker, better and cheaper alternatives for a lighter touch, which he had put forward, could have been implemented.

We had yet to see proper design proposals for each stage. Cieran said what had been provided followed GCC standard practice.

Gary echoed others’ concerns. Local residents (not just MCTCC) should have been consulted far more extensively. He added: “Yet all we keep hearing consistently is ‘It can’t be done.’

In an era of global climate change a water feature would have cooled down the area. This was the missed opportunity of a lifetime. He implored MCTCC: “Do not let this happen.” He hoped there would not be a repeat of the ‘debacle’ of the Sauchiehall Street Avenues project.

Continuing on to other Avenues projects Cieran said the Stockwell Street scheme tenders were due to be lodged at the end of July and the contract perhaps awarded by Christmas. On Argyle Street East work would start on site in February/March 2026. High Street was at the detailed design stage with work due on site in the second half of 2026.

Clyde Street and Custom House Quay were separate projects. It would be 18 months until work on Clyde Street began. Cieran said he did not know if and when the quay wall would be re-done in Clyde Street. Scott said this defied logic. Councillor Millar said building out the quay wall was different from the actual carriageway work.

Ross said the Custom House Quay project was already 3 or 4 months behind the planners’ own original schedule.

On video Ross said we had not yet seen proper design proposals for Avenues projects. The Council needed to explain in detail what the plans were for all these schemes. What was on the Website was insufficient. He was speaking out on behalf of the population. They needed to know.

6. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Councillor Millar said he hoped to arrange another ‘Walkabout’ in the MCTCC area in August.

Significant additional resources were being put into cleansing following the recruitment of more staff including those on night shift.

Niall asked if this could include removing graffiti and stickers which obscured road signs.

He and Ross had discussed the need for more detailed Avenues project designs and greater pedestrian priorities on Candleriggs, on which GCC officers were positive.

Depute Lord Provost Mearns, by video link, said the Vodka Vodka bar had promised to take measures to limit excessive noise to neighbours. Internal doors were being put in place and staff training was being ‘refreshed.’

Street cafes were continuing to mis-use pavements. GCC officers were due to meet businesses about this. Pedestrians were being forced to walk on the road.

She had instigated powerwashing of some streets and pavements including under benches on Brunswick Street where moss had grown, and on Candleriggs.

Bollards were being reinstated on the western side of Candleriggs to deter pavement parking by delivery drivers.

Statistics on parking fines imposed in April and May were noteworthy – 21 on Candleriggs and 101 on Brunswick Street.

Tam agreed to follow up action points from the last walkabout.

Depute Lord Provost Mearns said there was a great lack of recycling bins, especially on Brunswick Street. Officers were engaging with the Community Council on this. Bins had been removed several years ago because they had not been considered appropriate in a conservation area.

MG again raised the problem of noisy dumping of glass by three restaurants on Ingram Street. Councillor Millar said the lack of action on this could be caused by segmentation of roles within Glasgow City Council.

RA asked if a planter could be placed outside the post office on Glassford Street. Councillor Millar said he would investigate.

Gary asked about the status of the Homeless Project Scotland shelter in Glassford Street. Scott said HPS had until 24 July to lodge an appeal against GCC’s Enforcement Notice. If so it would go before the City Council’s Planning Appeals Committee.

Tam said he and Scott were meeting Councillor Casey, GCC Convener of Addiction and Homelessness Services, the following day for a general briefing about these issues.

In response to a complaint from PP, Councillor Millar said he would follow up on parking problems around Fox Street, perhaps resolvable by re-painting double yellow lines. Additional GCC budget would allow for such repainting throughout the city centre.

In response to a question from Scott, Councillor Millar said he knew of no plans to reinstate any posts of Community Response Officers.

7. PLANNING

Scott read extracts from Ross’ report:

MCTCC has objected to a planning application for a development at George/High/Shuttle Streets on the grounds of non-compliance with many draft Community Council policy statements, massing and facade treatment issues, over-saturation of student accommodation, a poor masterplanning solution to the South-East of the site, and exclusion of the former British Linen Bank building.

It had also objected to the planning application for an hotel/serviced apartments on Maxwell Street, with reasons including the need for a second technical opinion on the need to retain the facade, and lack of proposals for improvements to Fox, Maxwell and Dunlop Streets.

Scott said MCTCC was minded to request a moratorium on student accommodation and would discuss this at its next mid monthly meeting.

He, Tam, David Cowan and Peter had a very helpful and informative meeting yesterday with senior GCC officers about conversion of empty buildings, in connection with MCTCC’s forthcoming Local Place Plan submission.

8. LICENSING

A resident has complained to MCTCC about an application by Browns restaurant to put external seating around the corner in South Frederick Street.

Bowlarama has made an application to the Licensing Committee including an extension to 1 am.  Objections have to be lodged by 17 July.

Cozi Cafe at 49 High Street has made an application for an alcohol licence, with objections due by 5 July. Tam saw no reason why we should object.

9. PARADES

Scott said MCTCC intended writing to GCC’s Chief Executive requesting a moratorium on parades, especially those perceived as sectarian.

In September 2019 the Chief Executive had announced the City Council was investigating whether such a moratorium on public processions could be introduced ‘to ease community tensions while a new long term approach too parades is considered.”

While the Community Council appreciated the difficulties, the number and scale of processions through the city centre, the cost of policing them and damage caused to Glasgow’s reputation meant action was required.

On 5 July alone there would be 50 Orange Marches in Glasgow.

Demonstrations on behalf of the Irish Republican movement were commonplace. Parades for other causes were also increasing due to international political and military developments.

Councillor Millar said he understood that the 2019 investigation was about whether GCC should change its arrangements for such processions, adding that it subsequently received legal advice that such a moratorium would require a change in the law.

10. CELTIC ‘TITLE CELEBRATIONS’ FOLLOW-UPS

Scott said it was very disappointing  that MCTCC had received no response from Kaukab Stewart MSP to its emails of 19 May and 12 June asking how she was following up the (as it transpired abortive) ’summit’ meeting at Hampden Park on 28 March to prevent a repetition of disruption caused by Celtic fans in May 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Calton Community Council had written to Celtic FC, urging it (as MCTCC had done previously) to organise and pay for its own celebrations should the club win the Premiership again in 2026.

11. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)

David Hughes reported there had been 3 public tours so far with a 4th due tomorrow. A total of 43 people had attended and donations totalled £185.

Many dates had already been booked up. Tours would continue every Wednesday in July and August.

He thanked David Fox, FORG Treasurer, for his hard work and patience in managing the booking platform. He, Duncan MacLaren and other committee members had helped the successful start.

The AGM had been held on 18 June.

12. TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported in absentia a balance of £5,504.10.

He is checking the terms of MCTCC’s insurance and bearing in mind potential risks in connection with litter picks.

13. SEAGULLS

RA proposed hiring a hawking service to deter seagulls and pigeons. Niall will put her in touch with a service used by residents at the Old Sheriff Court.

Gary said it might be possible to get contributions from businesses as part of the Business Improvement District development plan.

Scott asked if Glasgow City Council could put up notices asking people not to feed the birds.  Councillor Millar said this might be possible. Such notices has recently gone up in the Anderston area.

14. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 29 July, 6.30-8.30 pm – City Chambers.