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DRAFT MCTCC Full Meeting Minutes, 27^th January 2026

Attendance

Community Councillors	Scott Thornton; Gordon Millar; Niall McColl; David Cowan; Alice Cowan; Gary Atkinson; Ros Atkinson; Rachel Angus; David Hughes; Peter Hayman
Residents	JH; TM; RE; EM; PP; EM (via Zoom)
Elected Representatives	Cllr Angus Millar; Bailie Christy Mearns
Police Scotland	PC Chris Convery
Glasgow City Council	Ewan Curtis; Rachel Smith; Lisa Scott
Other	Nicole Mitchell; Gary Fanning (via Zoom)

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Scott Thornton welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Cllr Braat and Ross Naismith.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 25^th NOVEMBER

Adoption proposed by Rachel Angus and seconded by Ros Atkinson.

The Secretary will send the approved minutes to Glasgow City Council.

3. POLICE REPORT

PC Convery reported from the 1st of January to the 27th there were 81 crimes of which 34 were detected and 47 undetected. These figures may change as investigations continue. There could be multiple crimes within one crime report.  Priority areas for policing include Virginia Street, Glassford Street, New Wind, Old Wind, Trongate, and car parts areas.

Police Questions

David Cowan asked if anything could be done to reduce graffiti in Trongate and surrounding areas. PC Convery will ask the CCTV operators to monitor for this during the night and in the morning, when this crime is often committed. However, it is a hard crime to prevent, and there have been instances where people have travelled to Glasgow and claim they believed it is legal to spray paint here.

Scott reported that John Grady MP had received a letter from the UK Dept. of Transport after he quoted MCTCC concerns about enforcement of electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) being ridden at speeds of more than the maximum permitted 15.5 mph. The UK Government has no plans to introduce a registration scheme as costs and complexities would outweigh the benefits. The Minister encouraged MCTCC residents to continue to report any incidents to police and the Community Council.

PC Convery confirmed the speed limit for e-bikes is up to 15.5 miles per hour. The Council’s e-bike scheme is compliant. Some delivery drivers have been found with modified bikes allowing them to achieve higher speeds. Enforcement action has been taken against illegal use. The Police would like to see By-Laws introduced to help with enforcement.  Scott thanked Police Scotland for their work in removing illegal e-bikes

Scott asked about speed limits for cars. The police are looking to implement of a 20mph speed limit for cars in residential areas. The council is going to roll-out this scheme across the city and be extended to all of Scotland eventually. Cllr Millar said the evidence shows a 30% reduction in road collisions, and 30% reductions in fatalities where there has been a collision in areas where this has been implemented. The 20mph limit will be implemented across Scotland in residential areas.

4. SOUTH PORTLAND St BRIDGE – PLACE FUNDING PRESENTATION

Ewan Curtis, Rachel Smith and Lisa Scott from GCC gave a presentation explaining the priorities to upgrade the South Portland Suspension Bridge.  The bridge is a Designated A Listed heritage structure, more information is available from:

https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB32668

This project is being carried out in advance of several other adjacent works such as Custom House Quay. The Place Fund have allocated £480,000 for environmental improvements to the bridge, partial structural restoration, lighting and improvements to the riverbank at Carlton Place. Lisa Scott said £180,000 would be used for tree management and railing repairs, while the remaining funds would address some of the bridge’s structural needs.

The project plan and budget must be committed before 31st March, and will prioritise quick interventions. Recent tree inspections revealed some older trees approaching the end of their lifespan, prompting plans for a managed approach to removals and new planting.

Member Questions

Scott asked about CCTV and was told that a camera had been installed on the bridge. He would like to see measures being taken to ensure the bridge is not defaced by graffiti.

Gordon Millar asked if the mature trees in Carlton Place could be retained. It was explained these trees block views and need to be removed as they are end of life. It will improve safety in the area and more suitable type trees for this environment will be planted.

David Cowan asked if the bridge surface would be upgraded. Lisa Scott explained a survey of the timbers under the bridge found they do not require to be replaced. However, a new covering will be laid to improve the path surface.

David Hughes asked if they would consider assistance from the community to help clear the vegetation from the riverbank. The team responded that, as safety is their primary concern, they will employ a suitable contractor to do this work.

EM asked what work would take place on the Clyde Street side of the bridge. Ewan Curtis advised there will be some restoration work to the towers. The river walls will be upgraded as part of associated projects. Scott noted that many funds are being allocated to other projects in our area.  Cllr Millar noted that this will project will enhance the Custom House Quay project and Avenues projects nearby.

Baillie Christie Mearns raised concerns about the proposed red lighting on the bridge, noting the existing amount of coloured lighting along the Clyde. She asked whether the lighting scheme could be shared in advance for comment. It was noted that any lighting design should be sympathetic to the bridge’s structure. Rachel Angus agreed, commenting that additional red lighting could feel excessive given the current multi-coloured lighting along the Clyde, and suggested that a more natural lighting approach would be better suited to highlighting the bridge’s architectural features.

Scott thanked the team attending and understands that Rachel Smith is addressing the Area Partnership on trees in the city centre which of interest to this community.

5. ELECTED MEMBER REPORTS

Cllr Angus Millar reported that he and Cllr Eva Bolander met to discuss anti-social behaviour and other matters in December. They will attend a follow-up meeting this week.

There was an article in the press about the illegal car park on Fox Street. GCC are trying to identify who the owners of the land are. GCC have issued an Amenity Notice and have started the issuance of a Planning Enforcement Order.

He has arranged a meeting between community councillors and GCC officials on 19th February regarding the Parnie St area.

He has been in correspondence about the difficulties about Do Not Feed the Birds type signage, GCC cannot put up signs on buildings it does not own. He is in discussion with NRS about what options may be available. It is hoped a wider awareness campaign will be developed. Rachel noted there is a researcher from Glasgow University interested in working with GCC on formulating an education campaign for this purpose.

There was a public consultation event in January for the People First Zone on Queen St and Ingram Street.  The Candleriggs development will be funded in the budget for the 2026-27 financial year, but it is unlikely that full pedestrianisation will be implemented.

After a long wait, statistics have been provided regarding use of the Safe Needle Bin in New Wynd: there were 1450 ‘sharps’ deposited there from June and December 2025. There were 227 sharps deposited safely in other parts of the city.  This helps to make the city centre a safer place. He will follow up to get comparative analysis for previous periods.

Baillie Christy Mearns met with a business group from Virginia St to discuss how to make the area greener and more pleasant. Issues included cars idling with engines running. Parklets were considered – for example, carpark spaces can made into seating areas next to pavements.

Santa Lucia restaurant responded positively to her regarding reducing the noise in the early morning that was disturbing residents. They have since changed their waste refuse contractor. However, there has been no response from other nearby restaurants yet.

She continues to support improved recycling facilities and has worked with Scott to identify locations for new bin hubs in the street and accessible resident back courts.

Common Ground is a Barnardos project that has a hub centrally located in on Argyle St near to Glasgow Central station, where they focus on helping young people at risk or in distress and provides a number of services such as ensuring they can return home safely.

She has reported potholes to the roads department. At Stockwell St, junction Osborne St a group of deep potholes were repaired on 11th January.  However, this is a temporary repair until the Stockwell St Avenue project starts there on the 15^th February.

Councillor Questions

Niall noted the traffic St on Ingram St is often gridlocked, especially at weekends, and that most of the vehicles are taxis, not private cars.

The consultation on Queen St and Ingram St was well attended. However, community councillors who attended felt it was lacking in substance and required further consultation prior to works beginning.

Cllr Millar said the E-TRO (Experimental Traffic Regulation Order) is a pilot project to reduce traffic, and hence congestion. The Bus Gate being implemented on the right turn from Ingram to Queen Street will be monitored to avoid unintended impacts and there may be adjustments made if this happens. The bus gate will have ANPR cameras for enforcement.

Ros Atkinson explained that the number of cars waiting at traffic lights make it difficult to exit their building’s car park, and once they do exit, it takes a considerable time to get to out the city in any direction.

EM noted the trees in planters at Ramshorn Graveyard are unsuitable and are surrounded by weeds. Also, the planter at the Ingram St/Albion St is out of proportion and the tree does not look healthy.  David Hughes and Rachel will raise this at the Area Partnership after the presentation on this subject.  Bailie Christy Mearns noted the complexities of planting trees in this area but GCC are trying to adjust for this.

Rachel asked if there was any update on the removal of defunct street posts.  Cllr Millar said there may be signposts which are missing signs due to changes in traffic flows and regulations, however the issue is still being investigated.  She noted there were other items that ought to be removed such as a cement block on Montrose St, disused street electrical boxes and the phone box at Ingram St carpark.

6. LOCAL PLACE PLAN (LPP)

David Hughes reported that the draft MCTCC LPP plan was submitted to GCC in November.  GCC have asked for some amendments, such as larger maps and graphics, and asked that we update the plan to advise how our Policy Statement would impact on the current development plans. Once the updated plan is submitted and verified by GCC, there is a statutory 28-day consultation with neighbouring Community Councils.

7. PLANNING

Scott Thornton read out the planning report prepared by Ross Naismith

• Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) have submitted a planning application for the Glassford St premises
• George Square – Ross noted no lighting designs have been shared as yet. The contractor has informed him these will be made available to him soon.
• Concerned about the length of time taken for planning applications to be decided. This may discourage developers. Cllr Millar referred to an article in the paper today about a planning improvement programme. He will forward on the link to this.
• Stockwell St Avenue project will start mid-February.
• Maxwell St Area – there is room for improvement.

8. LICENSING

• Gary Atkinson reported that we will object to the application for 100 Maxwell Street’s hours to be extended.
• Niall noted that the Polo Lounge – Daytime Disco application may already be covered by their existing license.
• The consultation into exemption of Short Term Lets (STL) licensing during the Commonwealth Games ends next week.

9. AREA PARTNERSHIP & JOINT ACTION GROUP (JAG)

David Hughes reported that members don’t see papers until one week before the meeting, which can be a hindrance.

The Tron Theatre received £25k of NIF funding for refurbishment to its steeple.  The dead trees reported on Ingram St have been chopped down, although the stumps remain and need to be removed as they are a hazard.

Bailie Christy Mearns noted that it can take a substantial amount of time, after NIF funds had been allocated, for projects to be scheduled and for work to begin.

Rachel Angus will take over from David Hughes as our AP representative and will stand down as a JAG representative.

David Cowan attended the Joint Action Group on 22nd January. Police Scotland hope to attend each JAG meeting. JAG would like to see new By Laws for e-bikes.  The next meeting is on the 26^th February.

10.  FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD

David Hughes reported there will be a committee meeting on the 14th January.  They will have a presentation about one of the lairs.  He has had a response for new tour guides, including from historian Neil Baxter.

He has sent an email today to NRS to enquire about installing a defibrillator and signage on the gate railings. A dead tree in the graveyard is being considered for sculpting. He attended the launch of the community fusion fund with Niall and David Cowan.

11.  UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

There were no updates from previous meetings this month.

12.  WEBSITE

There is work ongoing to improve the Planning and Licensing pages. Licensing applications are now updated weekly, with planning notices to follow.

The Tron Theatre has sent details of their future programme and will be available on our site before the end of February.

Social Media

Niall is reviewing which platforms MCTCC communications will use, as part of the community engagement strategy being developed. He has attended Community Engagement events run by Planning Aid Scotland.

The MCTCC notice board on Wilson St has been cleaned up, thanks to all who helped.  The viability of maintaining the Trongate noticeboard is under review. Digitising of notice boards is being considered.

13.  FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

There was no report this month.

14.  TREASURERS REPORT

Gordon Millar (Treasurer) reported our bank balance as of today is £8,893.22.

We received the GCC CC Administration Grant of £500.

We paid out £500 to the Mural Fund as part of an MCTCC grant.

15.  COMMUNITY COUNCIL VACANCY

We have two vacancies at present – anyone who is a resident of the MCTCC area is eligible to apply.

16. AOCB

• David Hughes intends to step down from MCTCC once the LPP has been approved by GCC.
• A new community litter pick day will be announced in the near future.
• There will be presentation about the Commonwealth Games at our February meeting.
• The Scottish Parliament Elections will take place on the 7th of May.

17. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday 24^th February 2026 – 6.30-8.30pm in City Chambers.

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.

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Scott Thornton welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, Cllr Braat, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, Ros Atkinson and EM.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 28^th OCTOBER

Adoption proposed by Rachel Angus and seconded by David Hughes.

The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. RECYCLING FACILITIES

Scott has been in email correspondence with Network Rail, NCP and Gary Beacham from GCC regarding additional recycling facilities.

14. 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.

15. LEZ FUNDING

MCTCC has lodged a second application to the LEZ fund for more trees in our area.

16. FOOTBALL FAN CELEBRATIONS

There was no report this month.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

 

20. COMMUNITY COUNCIL VACANCY

 

Then Community Council vacancy is still open for applications.

21. 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.

22. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:

Tuesday 27^th January 2026 – 6.30-8.30pm in City Chambers.

Minutes of Annual General Meeting of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council held on 28 October 2025 in City Chambers from 6 pm.

These draft minutes will be presented to our 2026 AGM for approval

Attended by: Scott Thornton (Acting Chair), Gary Atkinson, Rosalind Atkinson, Alice Cowan, David Cowan, David Hughes, Niall McColl, Gordon Millar, Alasdair McDougall (MSP Kaukab Stewart’s office), Gregor McIntyre (MP John Grady’s office), Ross Naismith, Councillor Philip Braat, CM, GF, AH, TMcK, JS, NM, EM, AC.

Apologies: Rachel Angus, Baillie Christy Mearns, GW

1. Minutes of last AGM held on 26 November 2024

Adoption proposed by Niall McColl, seconded by David Cowan. Approved.

2. Chairperson’s Annual Report

This had been submitted in advance to Community Councillors by co-Vice Chairs Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton in the absence of Chair Tam Coyle who had announced he was taking temporary leave of absence from Community Council work.

Scott Thornton read out an abbreviated version of this report (below) with the full report to be posted on the Community Council website. The full version can be viewed in our report on the meeting.

“In 2025 Glasgow city centre began undergoing its biggest upgrade in half a century, with many streets being redesigned into Avenues.

Several of the biggest projects, including redevelopment of George Square, are in the Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTC) area so it has been a particularly busy 2025. The pace is going to accelerate in 2026 and beyond.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Glasgow. All this has coincided with the 50th anniversary of Community Councils in Scotland.

On the Glasgow City Council (GCC) level, office bearers have held many high level meetings with officers to present local residents’ views, aspirations and suggestions. Credit for much of this goes to our Planning Lead, Ross Naismith.

On a broader front MCTCC is closely involved with the Area Partnership of Community Councils within Ward 10. At the most recent meeting we secured funding for the renovation of the Tron Tower steeple and will continue to press for our area to receive its fair share of allocations from the Area Partnership’s Neighbourhood Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

Next year GCC will unveil its new City Development Plan (CDP), shaping Glasgow for the next 5-10 years, and MCTCC has been playing its part.

Under the leadership of David Hughes we’ve drafted our own Local Place Plan (LPP) which will feed into the CDP. This is one of the most important documents ever prepared by this Community Council and will include feedback from local residents gathered in person during public consultation outings in the St Enoch Centre and Trongate and from an online survey.

We need more local residents to join us to help fulfil one of the main aims of our Constitution which is ‘to act as a voice for the local area on any matters affecting the community’s lives, welfare and environment.’

Last but certainly not least, we would like to pay tribute to Tam Coyle who has a remarkable record of 20 years as a Community Councillor and has led MCTCC with distinction. We look forward to his return to continue to provide guidance and inspiration.”

Report adoption proposed by Ross Naismith, seconded by Gordon Millar. Approved.

3. Treasurer’s submission of independently examined statement of accounts

Gordon Millar submitted the attached accounts for the year from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

Adoption proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by Niall McColl. Approved.

It was noted that these had not been signed off by the independent auditor who has been unavailable recently. Gordon will ensure this is done and the final signed version forwarded to Glasgow City Council.

4. Review of the inventory an additional resources

Included in the above submission.

5. Demit of Office Bearers

The following office bearers stepped down:

• Chair – Tam Coyle
• Vice-Chairs – Gary Atkinson and Scott Thornton
• Secretary – Scott Thornton
• Treasurer – Gordon Millar

6. Nominations for the elections of office bearers and representatives

• Chair – Scott Thornton proposed by Ross Naismith, seconded by Niall McColl.
• Vice-Chair – Gary Atkinson proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by David Hughes
• Secretary: Niall McColl proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by Ross Naismith
• Treasurer: Gordon Millar proposed by Niall McColl, seconded by David Hughes

The following representatives were confirmed:

• Area Partnership – David Hughes proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by Alice Cowan. Substitute: Gary Atkinson
• Planning Lead – Ross Naismith proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by David Hughes
• Licensing Lead – Gary Atkinson proposed by Scott Thornton, seconded by Ross Naismith. Substitute: Rosalind Atkinson
• Joint Action Group representatives: Rachel Angus and David Cowan

7. Continuation of the Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils.

The Community Council’s adherence to this was noted.

8. Appointment of the independent Examiner of Accounts for the next year

The meeting agreed to Gordon Millar’s proposal that this should be carried out again by Iain McGuire CA.

9. Appointment of Associate Members

The meeting agreed to Scott Thornton’s proposal that Peter Hayman be re-appointed in this role.

10. Date of next Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 27 October 2026.