CAMPAIGNS

MCTCC is proud to be involved in our community. Here, we present some of our recent campaigns and initiatives. Read more about them below

We are YOUR community council. If there’s anything you’d like us to campaign on, drop us a line and let us know.

Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard

The Ramshorn is one of Glasgow’s older burial grounds and was used as a site of burial from 1719 to 1915. It contains the graves of some of the merchants whose names live on in streets like Glassford Street as well as the grave of the noted social reformer of the 18th century, David Dale. There is also a memorial to Sir John MacDonald who was the first Prime  Minister of Canada. 

The Ramshorn Church (the Church of St David) was sold to Strathclyde University and it is now the site of the Confucius Centre but the Ramshorn Graveyard is owned by the Council (and therefore the people of Glasgow) which is negotiating with Strathclyde which held the lease over the graveyard for over 25 years in an ongoing dilapidations process.

Why form a Friends group?

  • The MCTCC area has very few community groups. This is a chance to establish a community group for a very neglected part of our local history
  • Friends’ groups can work in partnership with the Council and other organisations to improve and develop the Ramshorn;
  • A group could give residents’ input as to how to improve the graveyard. For example, the merchants of Glasgow are a controversial group because they were, of course, slave owners. Scottish historians like Sir Tom Devine have called for a museum about Scotland’s contribution to the slave trade. This graveyard could begin conversations about this part of Scotland’s and Glasgow’s past to enlighten current generations.
  • If the group became a charity, it could raise funds to support the graveyard

Want to get involved?

A steering group has been established to guide the formation of the group along with assistance from, for example, the Friends of the Necropolis and the designated officer from the Council as well as local councillors. Public Meetings of the group are publicised on the MCTCC website.

Merchant City Park

MCTCC were extremely disappointed that the called-in application for the development of 109 flats on the Ingram St Car Park site was recommended for approval.

The alternative, a proposed Merchant City Park is an initiative of the Merchant City & Trongate Community Council along with local residents and businesses in this area of Glasgow city.

We believe the plan will be wholly in line with objectives for the City; to be an attractive, healthy, sustainable, friendly place where people want to come, to live work and play. We agree with the Glasgow City Council City Centre Strategy that calls for this way to encourage investment and development

We have tested this approach which found strong public support for 

  • a public park where people can meet friends and others socially
  • the mature trees, aiding health and wellbeing while reducing pollution
  • the internationally recognised Four Seasons mural attracting visitors

We think a welcoming open breathing space, in this ancient part of town, would be a city changing asset. Events with entertainments and markets could be held and would be solid value for the people who make Glasgow.

People, Hospitality and Entertainment Neighbourhood

Glasgow City Council adopted the City Centre, Strategic Development Framework (SDF) in May. Its Foreword says; ‘development that focus on people, place and planet will be crucial for a more attractive, sustainable city centre.’ (p3) (Quotes in italics)

Vision: In 2050, the City Centre will be a vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and liveable place. A green, attractive and walkable City Centre will create a people –centred place that is climate resilient, fosters creativity and opportunity and promotes social cohesion, health and wellbeing and economic prosperity. (p3) This 30 year plan is a long time to wait.

The proposed People, Hospitality and Entertainment Neighboured would provide a simple, quick fix option for part of the Merchant City & Trongate area. There are appropriate features, which address all ‘six Strategic Place Ambitions for the improvement of the City Centre.’ (p5)

PEOPLE – PLACE – PLANET – IMPLEMENTATION