Police Museum, Bell St
Two hundred years of the UK’s oldest police force, Glasgow’s most famous murders and robberies – and how The Stone of Destiny ended up in a Glasgow police station. They’re all at the centre of a remarkable museum in Merchant City.
The Glasgow Police Museum in Bell Street tells the story of the city’s police force, founded by the city’s Merchant and Trades Baillies in 1779 and set up under an act of Parliament in 1800.
The first central police office was in Albion Street and the first Muster held in the Laigh Kirk (Tron Church). It was attended by the Chief Constable, sergeants, policemen and ‘Watchmen,’ the latter’s role including the important job of calling the hour. Officers patrolled in top hats.
The fascinating array of exhibits includes weapons, medals, uniforms worn not only in Glasgow but by police around the world, and a charge book signed by Britain’s first detective, Peter McKinley, in 1817.
Among featured equipment are wooden rattles, known as clappers (source of the phrase ‘Run like the clappers’) used as a warning until replaced by whistles.
Featured infamous crimes include investigations into bodysnatching from the Ramshorn Church graveyard, the robbery of the Paisley Union Bank in Ingram Street in 1811 and the case of New York-born Peter Manuel, hung in Barlinnie for the murder of seven people in 1958.
The Stone of Destiny, the 150kg sandstone block on which monarchs were crowned and stolen from Westminster Abbey by a group of Glasgow University students, was kept in the central police station in 1951 after it was recovered. Police officers used it as a card table, saying they’d sat on it longer than any King or Queen. A copy, made for a 2008 film, occupies one of the cabinets.
Run by retired policemen and set up by the Glasgow Police Heritage Society, the museum was named Glasgow’s ‘Best Day Out’ in 2019 and Museum of the Year in 2024.
Free to visit, it receives no public funding and is totally financed by donations from visitors, more than 11,000 of whom come each year.
Curator Alastair Dinsmor (retired) retired as an Inspector after 33 years service and was awarded an MBE for his services to police heritage.
“We’re very proud of what we have here and always ready to answer questions and chat,” he says. “The personal touch enhances the experience. What drives me on is a passion for preserving Glasgow’s police history. it’s amazing – and unique.”
Glasgow Police Museum, 1st floor 30 Bell Street, G1 1LG
Tel. 0141 552 1818
Em: curator@policemuseum.org.uk
Open April-October Mon-Saturday 10-4.30, Sunday 12-4.30
1 November – 31 March Tuesday 10-4.30, Sunday 12-4.30
Read about Alastair’s private collection at dinsmorepolicecollection.uk
December Electronic Dance Event in The Briggait - Temporary Public Entertainment Licence
December Electronic Dance Event in The Briggait – Temporary Public Entertainment Licence
Maxwell St Redevelopment - Public Consultation 12 October
Redevelopment of Maxwell St/Fox St – Public Consultation events
Proposal: Demolition of a listed building and an unlisted building in a Conservation Area and erection of a hotel and short-stay accommodation with rooftop bar / restaurant, associated facilities and associated ancillary development.
86 – 90 Maxwell Street/40 Fox Street Glasgow
There will be a public consultation event on 12th October between 4pm and 7pm at The Briggait, Wasps Studio (Room 2), 141 Bridgegate, G1 5HZ, with a second event on 3rd November from 4pm to 7pm in the same location.
Map image courtesy of Openstreetmap.org
Help Clean Up the MCTCC area - Sunday 25th October
Help Clean Up the MCTCC area – Sunday 25th October
City centre residents are being invited to help tidy up the area in the Community Council’s latest Litter Pick.
The clean-up, organised by Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC), will take place on Sunday 25th October between 10.30 and 12.30.
Volunteers should meet outside the Ramshorn Graveyard on Ingram St. All equipment is provided.
Everyone is welcome to join in, even if you are only able to help out for an hour or so. Litter Picks not only make a big difference to the way the city centre looks but also show that people who live here care for their environment and want to keep on improving it.
Interim Elections, October 2026
Nominations are invited from residents who are 16 years or over to join Merchant City & Trongate Community Council
- 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).
- Vacancies
There are currently 4 vacancies being advertised for Merchant City and Trongate Community Council.
- Closing Date
Valid nomination forms must be submitted to Glasgow City Council (see below) by:
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2026.
- Filling Vacancies
- Uncontested Election Meeting:
Should 4 or fewer valid nominations be submitted to Glasgow City Council, the candidates will be elected unopposed on TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2026 at 18:00 in Glasgow City Chambers, George Square, G2 1DU.
- 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
0141 287 0060
communitycouncils@glasgow.gov.uk
Glasgow City Local Fire and Rescue Plan - Public Consultation
Glasgow City Local Fire and Rescue Plan – Public Consultation
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking your views on the draft Local Fire and Rescue Plan for City of Glasgow 2026.
Glasgow is a vibrant and diverse city with communities that have different needs and challenges. We want to ensure our Local Fire and Rescue Plan reflects the issues that matter most to local people and helps us target our resources where they can make the greatest difference.
SFRS already work closely with our communities, local authority partners and third-sector organisations, but it is important that everyone has the opportunity to share their views and shape the services they provide. Whether you are a resident, business owner, community group or partner organisation, your feedback will help SFRS understand local priorities and continue improving outcomes for the people of Glasgow.
Your feedback will help ensure the final Plan:
- Reflects local priorities, risks and needs
- Supports effective partnership working
- Delivers the best outcomes for communities
- Informs local service delivery over the coming years
How to Take Part
You can view the draft Plan and complete a short consultation survey using the link below:
Consultations | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
The consultation is open until midnight on Thursday 15 October 2026.
SFRS is committed to listening to the views of their communities and partners. Following the close of the consultation, feedback will be carefully analysed and a summary of the findings will be published, setting out how responses have informed the development of the final Plan.
Information provided by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Great Scottish Run Road Closures, 2-4 October
Great Scottish Run Road Closures, 2 – 4 October
The Great Scottish Run takes place on 4th October. As a result, there will be road restrictions from 2nd – 4th October and road closures on Sunday 4th October. As George Square is still closed, the race starts further west on St Vincent St, finishing on Glasgow Greent
Roads in our area affected by closures are shown in red. Map data from OpenStreetMap
Prohibition of loading, unloading and waiting
15:00hrs on the 2 October 2026 until 16:30hrs on the 4 October 2026 and
Prohibition of vehicle movements
04:00hrs to 17:30hrs on the 4 October 2026
- A814 (eastbound), Finneston Street off Ramp
- A814 (eastbound), Finneston Street on Ramp
- A814 (westbound), Finnieston Street off Ramp
- Anchor Lane, for its whole length
- Anderston Quay, for its entire length
- Argyle Street, (Westbound), between Finnieston Street and St Vincent Street
- Argyle Street, from Berkeley Street to Finnieston Street
- Argyle Street, from Elliot Street to Finnieston Street
- Blythswood Street, between Blythswood Square and Bothwell Street
- Bothwell Street, between Wellington Street and Hope Street
- Broomielaw, for its entire length
- Broomloan Road, between Edminston Drive and Paisley Road West
- Carnoustie Street, between M74 off ramp and Scotland Street
- Clyde Arc Bridge, for its entire length
- Clyde Place, between George V Bridge and Glasgow Bridge
- Clyde Street, for its entire length
- Cochrane Street, for its whole length
- Commerce Street, between Kingston Street and Clyde Place
- Crown Street, from Saltmarket to Ballater Street
- Douglas Street, between Bothwell Street and St Vincent Street
- Dumbreck Road, between Paisley Road West and Titwood Road
- Dunlop Street, between Howard Street and Clyde Street
- Elderslie Street, between Dorset St and William Street
- Elmbank Street, between Elmbank Crescent and St Vincent Street
- Finnieston Quay, between Tunnel Street and Clyde Arc Bridge
- Finnieston Street, between Argyle Street and A814 Finnieston Street Off Ramp
- Finnieston Street, between Stobcross Road and Clyde Arc Bridge
- George Square, south side, for its entire length
- George Square, north side, for its entire length
- George Street between North Frederick Street and Albion Street
- George V Bridge, for its entire length
- Glasgow Bridge, for its entire length
- Gorbals Street, between Norfolk Street to Clyde Street
- Govan Road, between Clyde Arc Bridge and Pacific Drive
- Govan Road, between Lorne Street and Pacific Drive
- Greendyke Street, between Turnbull Street and Saltmarket.
- Haggs Road, between Titwood Road and Shawmoss Road
- Holland Street, between West George Lane and St Vincent Street
- Hope Street, between Waterloo Street and West George Street
- John Street, between Martha Street and George Street
- Lancefield Quay, for its entire length
- Lorne Street, between Paisley Road West and Govan Road
- M77 Northbound, off ramp to Dumbreck Road
- Mosspark Boulevard, between Dumbreck Road and Tanna Drive
- Montrose Street North Between George Street and Richmond Street
- Montrose Street South between Cochrane Street and George Street
- Newton Street, between Elmbank Crescent and St Vincent Street
- Nelson Mandela Place for its entire length
- North Hanover Street between George Square and Cathedral Street (access maintained to train station yard for authorised vehicles when safe to do so)
- Pacific Drive, between Govan Road and Finnieston Street
- Paisley Road West, between Helen Street to Paisley Road
- Paisley Road, between Paisley Road West and Seaward Street
- Pitt Street, between Bothwell Street and St Vincent Street
- Renfield Street, Between West George and St Vincent Street
- Saltmarket (Northbound), between Clyde Street and Bridgegate
- Saltmarket (Southbound), from St Andrews Street to Clyde Street
- Scotland Street, for its entire length
- Seaward Street, between Scotland Street and Paisley Road
- South Frederick Street, for its whole length
- St Vincent Place, for its entire length
- St Vincent Street, for its entire length
- Stockwell Street, between Bridgegate and Clyde Street
- Wellington Street, between West George Street and St Vincent Street
- West Campbell Street, between St Vincent Street and Bothwell Street
- West Nile Street, West George Street and Gordon Street
- West Street between Cook Street and Scotland Street
- West George Street between West Nile Street and George Square
Spotlight on iCafe
iCafe in the Merchant City
Initially aimed at students and those with little or no access to the Internet, the group of iCafes in Glasgow are now firmly embedded in their local communities and attracting increasing numbers of visitors to the city.
Launched two decades ago with a single 10-seater cafe by Umer Ashraf Malik when just a teenager, the chain now comprises branches in Ingram Street, Woodlands Road and Bridgeton Cross with a fourth due to open in December at Springfield Quay.
Internet cafes or cybercafes mushroomed in the 1990s in response to demand for shared access to computers with high bandwidth.
“Most people now have their own computer in the form of a mobile phone or laptop but we offer an ideal, relaxing way to work and communicate with friends and family,” says Marco Di Chio, Group Business Manager and Manager of the flagship Ingram Street outlet. “Love of people and coffee is at the heart of everything that we do,” he adds. “Our menu also features a wide variety of freshly prepared dishes, all made with premium 100% Halal ingredients. This commitment to quality and inclusivity reflects the diverse city we serve and ensures there’s something for everyone.”
People living in small apartments appreciate space to spread out to work or simply get a change of scenery. Those in offices like a break from the day-to-day hubbub; remote workers find a peaceful environment with beverages and food on hand.
Private meeting rooms can be hired at £15 an hour and the Ingram Street cafe also hosts training courses, language lessons, a book club and small birthday parties.
The staff of 40 enjoy fixed hours contracts, not zero hours ones, and iCafe participates in apprenticeship schemes with Skills Development Scotland for young people in hospitality.
Interestingly, Marco is witnessing Glasgow’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination in its own right, with visitors coming just to see round the city, not book-ending their stay in Scotland.
The city’s mural trail is a major attraction and he bemoans the fate of the world famous wildlife mural opposite the Ingram Street premises, due to be partially obscured by the construction of more than 100 apartments. MCTCC selected its design and campaigned for many years, so far unsuccessfully, for the car park in front of it to be transformed into Merchant City’s first park.
“Our role as a community hub is something we value deeply,” Marco sums up. “We’re proud to support opportunities for people to connect, create, and share.”
Interesting fact about Marco: He grew up in Verona, speaking Venetian – a language, he stresses, not a dialect.
Argyle St and Queen St Overnight Road Closure Friday 14th August
Argyle St and Queen St Overnight Road Closure Friday 14th August
Works to install tree planters on Queen St, and Ingram St will take place on Friday 14th August, necessitating a full closure of Argyle Street/ Queen Street – from the junction of Jamaica Street, Union Street and Argyle Street. There will be local access only from the junction of Glassford/ Ingram St westbound. Diversions will be signposted.
Volunteer With Us
Do you want to help make a difference in the area? Do you want to help make Merchant City and Trongate an even more attractive place to live, work, shop, spend leisure time and more? Can you spare a couple of hours a month?
We’re on the lookout for people who want to get involved in their community, to help improve it. Merchant City & Trongate Community Council is at the heart of the city centre, full of attractions, museums, galleries, concert venues, restaurants, bars and more. Its also home to over 4,000 people!
Community Council volunteers can get involved in lots of different things, from litter picking, leaflet distribution, providing content for our website and social media, encouraging others to take part in the community and much more.
About Volunteering with MCTCC
MCTCC is the residents’ forum for much of Glasgow city centre. We work hard to make the area a better place to live, work, study, play and relax. We campaign on many issues including helping create a balanced housing mix, improving medical facilities, greening the city, converting unused and derelict buildings, and tackling anti-social behaviour and drug abuse. We liaise with Glasgow City Council on all licensing and planning applications. We represent the area on many outside bodies and regularly meet senior Glasgow City Council officers and Councillors, police, the media, and the local MP and MSP. Our monthly public meetings are held in Glasgow City Chambers. We also have monthly internal meetings.
Role Activities
There’s a wide range of activities volunteers with MCTCC can get involved in:
- Researching campaign topics and funding opportunities
- Distributing Promotional material
- Taking part in litter picks and recycling efforts
- Joining ‘walkabouts’ to identify problems
- Providing content for our Website and Social Media channels
- Designing posters and artwork for campaigns
- Assisting with our grant-giving scheme for local good causes
- Generate fresh ideas!
Essential Skills
- Ability to work constructively as part of a team
- Willingness to engage with the community
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of local issues and the needs of the community
- Understanding of local government and public services in Scotland
- Experience of community involvement, volunteering, or public service
- Basic IT skills for email communication and accessing online materials
Time Commitment
Just a few hours every couple of months can help us make a difference – whatever time you can spare will be put to good use.
Support and Training
- We will provide support and training relevant to the activities that you are taking part in
- We provide short induction training to help you understand the role community councils have in local democracy, and what our priorites are in our area
Next Steps
Once you’ve applied to volunteer with us, one of our office bearers will contact you to arrange a convenient time for a face to face chat – this will normally be in the MCTCC area, but we can arrange to meet in a location that suits you.
Expenses
We will refund reasonable public transport costs to travel to the area from other parts of Glasgow.
How to Find out More
Come along to one of our public meetings, complete the form below to send us a message, or drop an email to info@mctcc.scot. You can also send a message to our Facebook page.