Call for Nominations
Call for Nominations as a Community Councillor
Nominations are invited from residents who are 16 years or over to join Merchant City and Trongate Community Council
1. 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).
2. Vacancies
There is currently 1 vacancy being advertised for Merchant and Trongate Community Council.
3. Closing Date
Valid nomination forms must be submitted to Glasgow City Council (see below) by:
Friday 8th August 2025.
4. Filling Vacancies
- Uncontested Election Meeting:
Should only 1 valid nomination be submitted to Glasgow City Council, the candidate will be elected unopposed on Tuesday 26th August at 18:30 in Glasgow City Chambers, 64 Cochrane Street, G1 1HP.
- 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
Meeting Minutes, 24 June 2025
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.
Merchant City Festival 2025
Merchant City Festival is Back!
For three days this Glasgow Fair, the streets of the Merchant City will be packed with loads of free events, performances, live music on the Social Hub stage, food trucks and a market
Check out the full programme at https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/merchant-city-festival
Merchant City Festival Road Closures, 18th - 20th July
Merchant City Road Closures, 18th -20th July
Merchant City Festival will bring a riot of life and colour to the area over the three days. As a result, there will be some road closures in place from 6.00am on Friday 18th July to 11.59pm on Sunday 20th July:
- Brunswick Street for its full length
- Bell Street between Candleriggs and Walls Street
- Candleriggs for its full length
- Garth Street for its full length – local access to resident parking
- Wilson Street between Glassford Street and Candleriggs
- Hutcheson Street for its full length
The same streets will have prohibitions on waiting, loading and unloading from 3.00pm on 17th July through until 11.59pm on 20th July
Merchant City Festival Drop-in Session, 2nd July
Merchant City Festival – Drop-in Session
The Merchant City Festival team will be hosting a drop-in session in the central courtyard of Merchant Square on Candleriggs on Wednesday 2nd July between 6pm and 8pm. Everyone in the area is welcome to pop-in and find out about the logistics and arrangements for this year’s festival.
Have your Say - Title Party Celebrations
Have your say – Title Celebrations
Kaukab Stewart MSP, who represents our area, has been meeting with local businesses, residents, and community councils to hear how title celebrations on Glasgow’s Trongate have impacted those within the area. Following these meetings she convened a meeting with the SPFL CEO, Celtic FC, Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and Community Councils at Hampden Park to discuss what plans could be put in place for end of season celebrations.
“Whilst these discussions were constructive, disappointingly, no plans were put in place for this year, however further discussions are to take place where I will do my utmost to have formal plans in place for future years away from the city centre. “
A survey has now been launched where anyone impacted by the title celebrations in the last few years can make representations. Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwywPFAbgIax69f5Fk301YfPb5GqgdOwKJZPcHQd8piaKaiw/viewform?usp=header to take part.
Meeting Minutes, 27 May 2025
Meeting Minutes, 27 May 2025
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Alice Cowan, David Cowan, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Scott Thornton, Peter Hayman; Councillor Eva Bolander, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns; PC Nathan Baxter, PC Gentian Rapi; John Grady MP, Gregor McIntyre; AB, RA, RAo, CD, TD, MG, TMcK, PP. By Zoom video: EM
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
Tam extended particularly warm welcomes to John Grady, MP for Glasgow East, and his assistant Gregor McIntyre, and those attending an MCTCC meeting for the first time.
Apologies: Ros Atkinson, Colin McKay, Ross Naismith, Councillors Angus Millar and Philip Braat.
2. ELECTION OF COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR
Tam Coyle noted that as the only valid nomination received before the deadline Ross Naismith has been elected as a Community Councillor. The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council. ACTION: Scott
Tam said the Community Council was very keen to attract new members. Anyone interested should speak to him.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 29 APRIL
Adoption proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Gordon Millar. The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council. ACTION: Scott
4. POLICE REPORT including Celtic fans’ title celebrations
PC Baxter said 21 arrests had been made on 17 May during Celtic fans’ title celebrations on and around Glasgow Cross, with a further 21 arrests made subsequently for offences including assault, public order offences and possession of offensive weapons and pyrotechnics. Further enquiries were ongoing. More than 320 police had been on duty in the area.
RA said it was illegal to drink alcohol in the street. Why had police not enforced this? Why had off-licences been allowed to sell alcohol? PC Baxter said police had tried their best but confiscations had proved impractical because of the sheer mass of revellers.
Scott said there appeared to be a groundswell of demands, at the highest levels, for practical actions to be taken to stop the disruption at Glasgow Cross for the fourth year in a row should Celtic win the Premiership again in 2026.
The First Minister of Scotland and Chief Constable of Greater Glasgow had been among those demanding stronger measures. MCTCC could take great credit from having been in the forefront of this campaign for more than two years.
MCTCC had not received a response to its letter of 22 April to the Chief Executive, Chairman and Company Secretary of Celtic FC.
The Community Council has written to MSP Kaukab Stewart asking what follow-ups were being undertaken to the (it transpired, inconsequential) high level meeting she convened at Hampden on 28 March.
Scott added that earlier today the MSP had sent a survey to MCTCC and asked the Community Council to obtain residents’ views of the event. This will be posted on the MCTCC’s Website. ACTION: Niall
PC Baxter said senior police would be discussing the issue with Glasgow City Council on 10 June. Councillor Bolander said she would keep the Community Council updated on this, adding that Celtic FC’s appeal to its fans to stay away had been issued too late. ACTION: Councillor Bolander
Councillor Bolander said she was surprised alcohol was being sold from off-licences on the day. PC Baxter such a ban would have to be pre-authorised in anticipation of disorder.
Gary said that in addition to the 10 June meeting there would be a full de-briefing for all parties concerned.
Depute Lord Provost Mearns said she had not been briefed as a Ward Councillor. Solutions so far had proved inadequate. Tam said MCTCC would keep her informed as best it could.
In response to a question from RA, Councillor Bolander wondered whether in similar circumstances football authorities could not take action against the clubs as had happened in England. PC Baxter said the events of May 17 had not been organised by the club but by supporters.
On the subject of Homeless Project Scotland’s Shelter and 24 hour food service in Glassford Street PC Baxter said he could not provide figures for the number of related incidents reported to police.
He reported indicative figures that in the period 1-27 May a total of 146 crimes had been reported in the MCTCC area. Of these, 88 had been detected (‘Undetected’ includes crimes where enquiries are ongoing).
Chief Inspector Stephen McManus has taken up the role of Local Area Commander for the City Centre.
Following concerns raised by MCTCC, the Community Policing Team had provided extra attention to Virginia Street, Glassford Street, New/Old Wynds and Trongate.
Three e-scooters/e-bikes had been seized on Trongate as part of another Day of Action on 16 May.
5. PARADES
Scott said MCTCC was minded to ask Glasgow City Council to impose a moratorium on parades, as its Chief Executive had mooted in 2019, and would be discussing this at its next internal meeting. More than 50 Orange Order parades are due to take place in Glasgow on 5 July alone. ACTION: MCTCC
Tam said the County Orange Lodge had inexplicably arranged its parade for 17 May – the same date as the Celtic fans’ title ‘party’ – instead of 8 May, the date observed in every other part of the UK. It was incomprehensible that GCC had permitted this.
Councillor Bolander said GCC could not ban a parade unless police asked for this to be done on the ground of public safety. She understood GCC had received legal advice at the time that banning such parades would be an infringement of human rights. A change might require legislation and perhaps a test court case.
PC Baxter said the public had rights of procession and protest. Routes were set by the City Council.
6. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Depute Lord Provost Mearns expressed concern about restaurants and cafes on Candleriggs taking up too much space on pavements to the detriment of pedestrians and causing planters to be placed haphazardly. This had occurred despite repeated warnings to the businesses. Stronger enforcement was required. Different Council officers were not communicating with one another.
Increased pedestrianisation of Candleriggs was desirable.
Scott said MCTCC received notification from GCC on 15 May that new ‘safe needle bins’ would be placed on Old Wynd and another site with installation due to start a few days later. This had been decided by the Drug and Alcohol Partnership. MCTCC had not been consulted. Scott is liaising with Councillor Bolander on this. ACTION: Scott
Several attendees called for greater provision of recycling facilities, including those for glass. Councillor Bolander said a more strategic approach was required. Scott said MCTCC needed to delegate a specific Community Councillor to take the lead on liaison with GCC, including Councillor Bolander. ACTION: MCTCC
RA said there was a need for more provision for recycling of textiles and shoes not good enough to be given to charity shops. Depute Lord Provost Mearns said there was no ‘follow on’ market for old clothes.
In answer to a question from Scott, Councillor Bolander said there was no legal requirement for owners’ associations in large blocks of flats to have recycling facilities on their premises. Depute Lord Provost Mearns said the H & M shop has a recycling facility.
Scott asked when a review of the Busking Code would be considered by the relevant GCC Committee. It was regularly being flouted. Depute Lord Provost Mearns said residents should log complaints. However, Scott said reports via the recommended route, the GCC app, often took months to produce a response, if at all.
Tam said he had received no response from Santa Lucia, the Italian Kitchen and Merchant Steakhouse restaurants in Ingram Street to complaints about noisy dumping of glass in the wee small hours and will liaise with MG on raising the matter with GCC Licensing. ACTION: Tam
Tam said double parking on Miller Street remained out of control. Emergency vehicles would be unable to get through. GCC needed to get double yellow lines painted.
7 . PLANNING
Scott read out a summary provided in absentia by Ross.
On behalf of MCTCC he proposed to object to the planned development at George/High/Nicholas/Shuttle Streets, the main reasons being inappropriate proposed architectural massing and aesthetics, plus over-saturation of student accommodation.
He is expecting a re-presentation of plans for the Maxwell Street development proposed for Radisson Hotels.
He had met GCC and Private Housing Sector on upgrading existing housing stock between Trongate and Osborne Street, Saltmarket and Stockwell Street. This would be discussed at the Community Council’s next mid-monthly meeting.
He had also met the Director of the Britannia Panopticon concerning refurbishment, and was continuing to be concerned about the lack of a water feature in the George Square re-development.
Ross was also awaiting re-submission of design proposals for the High Street and Custom House Quay/Clyde Street Avenues projects, and further engagement with GCC on vehicle access alterations on Candleriggs, ‘2nd tier’ tree planting and unnecessary street stanchions.
Councillor Bolander has put him in contact with a representative of Scottish Enterprise which owns the land behind the Italian Kitchen which MCTCC is interested in converting to an exercise area/playpark.
ACTION on above: Ross
Scott said that despite all Homeless Project Scotland’s appeals having been dismissed concerning its shelter on Glassford Street Glasgow City Council still seemed to be doing nothing to stop unauthorised use. The operator had been offered alternative premises but had not responded. The situation was basically unchanged from 18 months ago.
Depute Lord Provost Mearns said she would raise this with Planning. ACTION: Depute Lord Provost Mearns
Councillor Bolander said the MSP should take this up with the Scottish Government in respect of the service’s standards. She could not force the Council to close it down. Services wider than those provided by HPS were offered by other organisations such as the Simon Community.
She will ask Councillor Alan Casey, whose portfolio includes homelessness issues, to meet MCTCC. ACTION: Councillor Bolander
CD said the centre had caused an increase in local crime and disturbances for local residents and businesses. John Grady MP said Glasgow had a serious homeless problem. Some of the shelter’s users ‘are not easy people.’
Gordon asked the MP what liaison there had been between him and GCC about use of hotels for asylum seekers. John said he would be following this up. ACTION: John Grady MP.
Peter said EM had reported irregularities including unexplained redactions in correspondence with the Scottish Government (which said some of the requested information was no longer available) re conversion of the NCP car park in Ingram street into 109 apartments.
The good weather had emphasised the noise disturbance caused by air-conditioning fans, installed by Glasgow City Council without planning permission, on top of the City Halls. Depute Lord Provost Mearns said she would be looking into this. ACTION: Depute Lord Provost Mearns.
Councillor Bolander said a planning application for advertising on a ‘phone kiosk on Wilson Street at the corner of Stockwell Street had been refused because of perceived distractions for motorists.
Scott noted that the St Enoch Centre has been bought by investment and commercial real estate management group Praxis.
8. LICENSING
Tam said an application for an alcohol licence by Cozi Cafe in High Street would be considered at the next mid monthly meeting. ACTION: MCTCC
9. LOCAL PLACE PLAN
Scott has met a senior GCC City Regeneration officer and will meet a representative of Planning to discuss conversion of empty properties. ACTION: Scott
10. AREA PARTNERSHIP
David Hughes, MCTCC’s representative on this body, said GCC had taken away for consideration the Community Council’s three proposals for payments under the Neighbourhood Infrastructure Fund: activities centre/playpark behind the Italian Kitchen, refurbishment of the Tron steeple and increased pedestrianisation of Candleriggs.
Money had been put aside for trees and he had discussed with a GCC officer funding for some in Ingram and College Streets as well as provision of more benches. ACTION: David Hughes
11. FILMING
Scott said MCTCC had been promised a donation to local good causes of £700 from the company filming the new BBC TV drama series ‘Mint’ in and around Wilson Street, and the company filming in and around City Chambers for renowned United States Director J J Abrams’ new movie.
12. FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)
David Hughes, Chair, reminded the meeting that the first public tour would take place next Wednesday 4 June (11 am-12 noon).
Notices on opening times still need to be sorted out. ACTION: David Hughes
David reported the AGM would be held on 19 June.
13. LITTER PICK
MCTCC’s next Litter Pick will be on Saturday 7 June, starting from the gates of the Ramshorn Church at 10.30 am.
14. MURAL BESIDE THE SOCIAL HUB
Gary commended the design by well known mural artist Smug which features a woman with tattooed cultural and historical references. A QR Code would be included for detailed explanations. Work was due to start in 10 days. Councillor Bolander said she could follow this up with a local urban women’s feminist group.
15. POTHOLES
Peter drew attention to a large pothole north of Bell Street which was especially dangerous for cyclists.
16. TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a current bank balance of £5,576.75 with minor expenses and film companies’ donations pending. Niall noted he would be submitting an invoice for repair of a broken notice board.
17. MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL (July 19-21)
Its Director will deliver a presentation to the June meeting.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 24 June, 6.30-8.30 in City Chambers.
New friends help ‘Tobacco Barons’ graveyard give up its secrets
New friends help ‘Tobacco Barons’ graveyard give up its secrets
The newly formed Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard (FORG) has launched free guided tours of one of Glasgow’s most historic burial sites.
Opened in Ingram Street in 1719, it predates the Necropolis by more than 100 years and is the final resting place of the city’s ‘Tobacco Barons,’ other rich merchants and city fathers.
The tours, on Wednesdays in June, July and August, are an initiative of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council. They recount the Graveyard’s history in the context of the development of Glasgow and include the darker side of its past such as the activities of grave robbers.
FORG Chairman David Hughes (pictured with one of the first groups) commented: “Reaction to the tours has been overwhelming with visitors coming from far and wide, including overseas guests, to discover more about people who made Glasgow one of the leading cities of the world.”
There is a limit of 16 places on the tours which start at 11 am outside the gates of the Ramshorn Church, originally built in 1824, replacing a church that had stood on the site since 1720.
To book email [email protected]. Under 18s must be companied by an adult. Donations are welcome.
Free Ramshorn Graveyard Tours
The Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard are delighted to announce that FREE* Tours of the Graveyard are now available every Wednesday during the months of June, July and August.
Situated in the heart of the Merchant City at 98 Ingram St. the Graveyard was established in 1719 and predates the Necropolis by 110 years. The resting place of many notable individuals who gave Glasgow its street names including the Buchanans and Glassfords the graveyard has a fascinating story to tell, reflecting the development of the City itself.
Tobacco Lords and Merchants who helped make Glasgow the second City of the Empire are all covered in the tour along with other notable individuals whose deaths made newspaper headlines in their day. The darker side of the graveyard is covered too including the activities of grave robbers that were common in the 19th century. To find out more about the graveyard and the role of its residents in the history of Glasgow book a tour with the Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard.
Tour Dates are:
June (4th,11th,18th,25th)
July( 2nd,9th,16th,23rd,30th)
August(6th,13th,20th,27th).
The tour starts at 11am and lasts for 1hr.
To book a Tour email: [email protected], stating which date you wish to attend.
n.b. under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
*donations are welcome.
Meeting Minutes, 29 April 2025
Meeting Minutes, 29 April 2025
Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Atkinson, David Cowan, Peter Hayman, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Ross Naismith, Scott Thornton; Ward Councillors Eva Bolander and Angus Millar; Police Constables Gentian Rapi and Teigan McLeod; Alasdair McDougall representing Kaukab Stewart MSP, Gregor McIntyre representing John Grady MP; RA, MC, DF, KF, MG, TMcK, EM, PP, CS, DMcS.
By Zoom video: Alice Cowan, EM, NM, RMcL, JR
APOLOGIES
John Grady MP, PC Nathan Baxter, Colin McKay
DRAFT MINUTES OF 25 MARCH MAIN MEETING
Adoption proposed by David Cowan, seconded by Tam Coyle. Approved.
POLICE REPORT
The Secretary read PC Baxter’s monthly report for the MCTCC area.
- During the period 1-17 April a total of 106 crimes were reported of which 56 had been detected.
- The Community Policing team had continued to conduct local days of action in response to complaints of illegally modified e-bikes and e-scooters in the city centre. These had led to a number of seizures and reports to the Procurator Fiscal. Local deployments would continue.
- The team had continued to engage with buskers and information about their Code of Conduct had been provided.
- Priority locations included Virginia Street/Glassford Street to deter ani-social behaviour and drug misuse, New Wynd/Old Wynd re drug misuse, and The Trongate, especially around the night time economy area. Patrols had been in inform, on cycles and in plain clothes.
- In response to a question from DF, PC Rapi said police needed a reason to search anyone stopped in relation to an illegally modified bike or scooter.
- In response to a question from Tam he said eight people had been arrested in the St Enoch Centre following assaults. A report had been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
- RA said drug users were continuing to use a lane around Virginia Court. Gates which had been locked to prevent access had not been fixed for three years. PC Rapi said all owners of the affected residential block needed to agree on such repairs but Councillor Bolander said permission could be granted by only 50% of the owners. She will contact RA. ACTION: RA/Councillor Bolander
- Gary Atkinson raised the issue of policing of the anticipated celebrations by Celtic football fans of their team’s latest Premiership League victory, expected to take place on 17 May.
- He and Scott Thornton had represented MCTCC at a top level meeting at Hampden on 28 March convened by MSP Kaukab Stewart and attended by, among others, the Chief Executive and Operations Director of the Scottish Premier Football League and senior representatives of Celtic, the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council as well as representative of Celtic and Rangers’ fans.
- There had been a genuine common desire to come up with a solution but it had proved a missed opportunity to halt the probability of further serious civil disorder in mid-May.
- Scott reported that MCTCC and neighbouring Calton Community Council had written to the Chief Executive of Celtic FC on 22 April, asking the Club to publicly call on their supporters to refrain from anti-social behaviour. They had suggested that Celtic organises its own celebration in Parkhead stadium, across the road at The Emirates or at a venue of its choice. However, they had not yet received a reply.
- The Club was not legally bound to control its supporters outside Parkhead stadium.
- MSP Kaukab Stewart had achieved success by getting so many senior figures round the table but the Hampden ‘summit’ had heard reasons from all sides as to why nothing practical could be done at this time.
- Alasdair McDougall said the MSP’s aim had always been to achieve a long term solution to the problem.
- Councillor Millar said Glasgow City Council had continued to put pressure on Celtic management to stop their fans misbehaving.
- In response to comments from the floor about the cost of policing Gary said Celtic could be made to pay for this if they asked for it, but it would not do so. Celtic FC should pay for any clean-up and damage caused.
- Tam will ask Inspector Watters about the actual policing cost when he, Gary and Scott meet him on 2 May, and report back to the Mid-Monthly Meeting.. ACTION: Tam
- RA asked if individuals could be charged for offences or the club fined by the SPFL. Scott said deduction of points by the SPFL could be an effective deterrent but the football authorities apparently had no intention of doing so.
- Councillor Millar said GCC had no powers to fine the club.
ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS
- Councillor Millar said GCC’s communications strategy concerning re-development of George Square had been improved and there would now be updates at least monthly.
- The contract for ground works would be discussed in the relevant GCC Committee later this week.
- Quoting the recent announcement that George Square would no longer have a water feature, Ross said this was disappointing. Councillor Millar said this would have cost £6m and was unaffordable. The decision to axe the water feature had been taken several months earlier but had not been publicly communicated until last week.
- Gary added this showed a serious lack of ambition on the part of GCC. Other Avenues projects could have been delayed to pay for such a feature. George Square was being re-created now; other projects could wait a few years. This would be a missed ‘once in a generation’ opportunity. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
- Councillor Millar replied it was a tricky balance but other streets, including those around the Square, could not be left in their current states. There could not be a “red line around George Square where everything is bright and shiny” with other streets in the vicinity in a poor state.
- In answer to a question from RA he said some contracts concerning The Avenues had yet to be allocated.
- EM told the meeting that local residents had expressed their desire to have a water feature. If the City Council had been minded to ditch it surely they should have local residents for their views?
- Ross said it was disturbing that the decision had been taken without contact with the public. Ward Councillors should make sure that residents’ views in the current situation were put firmly to this week’s Committee meeting. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
- RA complained about rough sleepers in front of the bus stop near Tesco in The Trongate, blocking access to pedestrians and prams. This and beggars outside Queen Street station gave visitors a very negative impression of Glasgow.
- Councillor Miller said police and street teams regularly spoke with rough sleepers to ensure they had access to social services.
- Councillor Millar said enforcement action was being progressed against the owners of the derelict site at Dixon Street/Clyde Street.
- Some 3,000 job applications had been received in response to GCC’s announcement that it was hiring several hundred new cleansing operatives, parking attendants and community enforcement officers.
- Scott asked Ward Councillors for an update on the consultation on public toilets. MCTCC had received no information since submitting its comments on 15 January. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
- He also asked when GCC was going to review its Busking Code. ACTION: Councillors Bolander and Millar.
LOCAL PLACE PLAN
Scott said an MCTCC sub-group is drafting this in connection with local residents’ proposals and aspirations for better use of land and property. This would include use of derelict sites and empty properties.
MCTCC would be pro-active in putting the LPP to local residents who would be asked for their own views on what further improvements they would like to see.
ACTION: Scott/David Hughes/Ross
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
City Centre Improvement Grants – Gordon had attended a meeting which was largely about use of vacant properties.
Trees – Ross is liaising with Ward Councillors on a possible GCC budget. ACTION: Ross/Ward Councillors
David Hughes said of the 7 trees in Ingram Street which would be left after those in the ‘Merchant City Park’ site had been felled to make way for 109 apartments, 3 were dead.
LEZ Community Fund – Scott has asked to be notified when the next bids can be submitted. ACTION: Scott
BBC TV drama series ‘Minted’ – Scott has met the film company’s location manager and expressed concern about extensive late night filming in and around Wilson Street, especially until dawn on Friday and Saturday 2 and 3 May. Interior filming in a penthouse at 28 Wilson Street would take place on Wednesday and Thursday 7 and 8 May from the early afternoon to 1 am and 12.30 am respectively, and exterior filming would be on Tuesday 6 May from 3 pm to 1 am.
Communication with residents had appeared haphazard. He has been liaising with GCC’s Film Office and will write again to the production company. ACTION: Scott
AREA PARTNERSHIP
David Hughes will represent MCTCC at the next meeting on 1 May. ACTION: David Hughes
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Niall (project manager/Webmaster), David Cowan and Scott have been trained on the new Website which will be totally under MCTCC’s control when it goes live. The session was recorded so all Community Councillors can view it.
In a later phase local businesses will be invited to advertise on it.
Niall is arranging repair of a broken notice board including new locks.
ACTION: Niall
PLANNING
- Ross summarised priority developments.
- Old Wynd (West) (student accommodation) – Planning approval had been granted, and developers were now ‘on site’. He was happy with the architecture.
- EE reiterated she had objected to the original application which was for a 98 unit residential scheme and remained in contact with GCC Planning on the issue.
- Old Wynd/ Osborne (East) (student accommodation) – Planning approval had been granted, subject to conditions. He had attended a meeting of the Planning Applications Committee (PAC) on 22 April and spoken about the over-saturation of student accommodation in the area and the need for flexibility to take account of future market changes.
- EE said it was unrealistic to expect that applications for student flats would be converted to those for residential accommodation.
- Ross was concerned about the massing and height – 14 storeys including a power plant on the top level – and the materials used. Both the above developments would be red brick.
- Conditions imposed also concerned environmental improvements.
- Tam said the area was indeed being over-saturated with student accommodation but there had been no mention of badly needed social housing.
- Gary said developers of the King Street car park might regard such a building height as having set a precedent.
- Councillor Bolander said she had stipulated at the PAC meeting that there should be a fixed percentage of student/residential accommodation. This percentage tended to vary case by case.
- Submitted on my own behalf, I herewith object to Planning Application 23/01027/FUL on the grounds that it does not comply with the allocated designation as a Consented Housing Site within the local Development Plan with an indicative capacity of 98 units.
- Granite House, Stockwell Street – Planning permission has been granted, subject to conditions which Ross said he had not seen but was less worried about that.
- He had met Councillor Millar about vehicle access and other alterations at Candleriggs, and the High Street and Clyde Avenues projects.
- EM said the initial planning application for the East side of Osborne Street was for residential apartments, not student housing.
- David Hughes said the issue of student accommodation was relevant to the proposed Local Place Plan since this gave MCTCC an opportunity to exert influence through its Policy Statements.
- Peter reminded the meeting he had raised a personal objection to noisy air-conditioning fans installed on top of the City Halls without planning permission.
- EM said it was astonishing that Glasgow Life was unable to say who owned City Halls and was therefore liable for the fans.
LICENSING
Tam reminded the meeting that a public consultation on whether the current provision of taxis in Glasgow was adequate is due to finish on 28 May. Details are on the MCTCC and GCC Websites. The issue will be on the agenda for the Community Council’s next internal mid-monthly meeting.
FRIENDS OF THE RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FORG)
- David Hughes reported bookings were going well. He had also received an enquiry about a group visit by 20 disabled people which might need to be run as split events.
- Posters had been printed and flyers distributed.
- Free tours would take place every Wednesday in June, July and August.
- New benches had proved popular and more would be appreciated.
- David asked Councillor Bolander about a notice on opening times outside the Ramshorn Graveyard. A GCC officer had said the City Council was no longer responsible for this because MCCTC was now involved through its setting up of FORG. Would planning permission be required? ACTION: Councillor Bolander/David Hughes
- Tam said he was mystified as to why recycling bins had been removed.
- Niall will create a facebook Page for FORG. ACTION: Niall
RECYCLING FACILITIES
- Ex-MCTCC Chair Duncan McLaren has complained about the absence of recycling bins in Montrose Street. They had been moved under a nearby railway bridge.
- Glass recycling bins on King Street have been removed as has one in Metropole Lane off Howard Street, the latter on the instructions of a business which said it owned the lane. Scott said he understood the lane was jointly owned, adding that GCC should actively be providing more recycling facilities.
- Peter said a priority was food recycling bins which should be maintained and cleaned by Glasgow City Council.
- Gordon asked if GCC had a list of recycling facilities. Councillor Bolander will report back. ACTION: Councillor Bolander
THISTLE FORUM (Hunter Street safe drugs injection facility)
Gary and Tam attended the latest meeting on 1 April. Some 250 drug users had made 1,600 visits in the past month. The Social Hub and Tron Theatre had also been involved. The next meeting is on 11 June.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Gordon reported a current cash balance £5,607.25.
The second half of payment for the Website (£1,590) has been paid.
Thanks to Gary we have received our annual administration grant from GCC.
INTERIM ELECTION OF COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR
An interim election is being held to fill one vacancy on MCTCC. Completed Nomination Forms should be returned by the closing date of 6 May. Details are on the MCTCC Website and have been posted on three sites within the MCTCC area.
So far there has been one nomination. If there is more than one nomination a secret ballot will be held at our meeting on 27 May. If not, the nominee will be elected unopposed. Qualifying residents whose name and address appear on the Electoral Register within the Community Council boundary will be entitled to cast one vote during the ballot opening hours. ACTION: Scott
PARADES
Ross said the Community Council should object to a procession on 7 June marking the relief of Derry. It was a religion-based provocative hate crime which would impair residents’ quiet enjoyment of their city.
Tam noted that he and Ross had met GCC’s Parades Officer and been told banning such parades would be contrary to freedom of speech and opinion.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK
Scott noted this was taking place between 2-8 June and honoured the work done by volunteers such as those on Community Council. He urged the public to join in MCTCC’s efforts to improve the area.
NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 27 May, 6.30-8.30, City Chambers