Meeting Minutes, 26 August 2025

These draft minutes will be presented to our September meeting for approval

Attended by: Tam Coyle (Chair), Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, Ros Atkinson, David Hughes, Rachel Angus, Peter Hayman, Councillor Philip Braat,  PC Ruth Mctaggart, Gregor McIntyre from John Grady MP’s office

TM, GF, MG, E Mills .  By Zoom video: JR, E Martin

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Tam Coyle welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Scott Thornton, Councillor Angus Millar & Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns, David and Alice Cowan.

2. ELECTION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR

The deadline for nominations was Friday 8 August. There was one nomination, Rachel Angus, who was elected unopposed at this public meeting.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 29 APRIL

Adoption proposed by Tam Coyle, seconded by Ross Naismith.

The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.

4. POLICE REPORT

WPC Ruth Mctaggart read out the crime statistics for the last month. From the 1st August to 23rd of August there were a total 92 crimes reported, of which 60 were detected.

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

TC raised the incident at Murphy’s Bar on Saturday night (23/8), DH highlighted drug paraphernalia issues at the Ramshorn Graveyard and RA noted that Virginia Lane, had some drug needles.  There is anti-social behaviour going on in several areas of the city however any place that offers some shelter are more frequently used.

JR raised the noise levels in Candleriggs (venues with doors open, possibly in the area of Gracies Bar), which will be reviewed going forward .

5. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

There were no reports available.

TC raised the complaints relating to the issue of noise from current Filming projects, with works starting as early as 3.30am in the Merchant City. The issue has been raised with the GCC Film Office and an urgent meeting has been requested.

6. LOCAL PLACE PLAN & MATTERS ARISING

It was noted that Land and Properties were available in the MCTCC area to be incorporated into the Plan.
A revised draft Plan would be produced after the scheduled meeting on 2 September (7.00 to 8.30pm), with a completed draft targeted for the 10 September. The draft would then be published for the MCTCC community to consider and give feedback, prior to submission to Glasgow City Council (noting the 1 month statutory period of consultation).

7. PLANNING

Ross Naismith gave his report on several planning applications: –

Candleriggs – RN noted progress with Contact from the Sustainable Transport team at the Council. Ross will be attending a workshop on 29 August, prior to Communications to local residents.

King St Carpark (Planning in Principle Application)– RN noted that the revised application had been submitted and was on the whole a good submission and good to see the plans progressing for this area, with a lot of detail. The plans are still being reviewed, as there have been changes from the initial planning submission.

Improvements to Residential Property in King street area– Ross attended a walkabout of the area with Councillor Angus Millar and other interested parties  Looking to work with representatives of  grant allocating groups (strategic planners and Housing Associations) to improve the standing of a housing block in the Trongate area. RN noted that this also tied into the King Street Carpark application.

Custom House Quay – RN said that he submitted a letter of support for the application with a commendation.  RN requested that the Phase 1 & 2 of the construction project follow on quickly to avoid delays, as have been raised on several of the Avenues Projects.

St Enochs Square – RN queried if there had been any updates from the Developer / Council (update from Councillor Angus Millar)

Tree Planting Initiative – has a Case Officer been appointed to manage the scheme (update from Councillor Angus Millar)

Excess Stantion removal Initiative – RN met a Case Officer on 12 Aug and RN will follow up on progressing action.

Greenspace behind The Italian Kitchen restaurant (Albion St)– The land is owned by Scottish Enterprise and managed by Strathclyde university. They are open to the area being used as an exercise area and a meeting is scheduled for Thu 28 Aug, with Scottish Enterprise.

The Avenues Projects – Cllr Millar has agreed to meet with Ross to discuss his concerns. Meeting 1.30pm George Sq Wed 17 Sept (3 MCTCC Reps) RN stated that the ‘Avenues’ proposals, in our MCTCC area, do not have his confidence. All Avenues projects in the MCTCC area are still “In Design” and hence we believe that there is still time to influence the scope of the Projects. Concerns remain over design detail and Construction schedule as well as the limited communication on the Avenues project.

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

8. LICENSING

2 applications received – no Issues

9. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Moratorium – No progress with Glasgow City Council after correspondence with Susan Aitkin.

Celtic Fans Title Party: – A follow-up meeting on 21st August with Tam, Scott and Gary to discuss possible future actions was cancelled by our MSP, due to a diary mix up. Meeting date was 28 Aug, which MCTCC were unable to attend. Waiting for a new date for MCTCC to be arranged.

Police costs FOI: – RA asked if there was any update on the Police costs and Council Clean up costs. No progress as yet (ST to follow up)

10. AREA PARTNERSHIP

Concern raised by DH on the lack of minute taking at the Area Partnership and no actions being documented. TC will raise. Councillor Phil Braat commented that this was an issue across most committees in the Council.

GA – asked if MCTCC can ask the Area Partnership for a copy of the Action Minutes from the meeting (Action Gary & Scott)

11. FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FoRG)

The tourism sales are going very well, there have been 13 tours so far with 2 to go, with 209 clients, raising £867.45. All tours are fully booked in August and September thanks to David Fox and Caroline Dunlop.  Still some issues relating to the opening and closing of the Gates, which has now been resolved.

12. FILMING

TC raised the number of complaints on the early works (from 3.30am) relating to current Filming projects. TC is trying to contact the Film office to discuss residents concerns on 27 Aug and ST has a scheduled meeting on Friday 29 August.

There will be New Filming starting 25-30 September with Cochrane street and surrounding area will be closed from 7.30am to 10pm creating significant traffic issues with Buses on Ingram street.

13. TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a current bank balance of £5,976.54. There were no expenses this month. A payment is due to the Social Hub as the MCTCC contribution to the New Mural (£500).

SP Film Productions have pledged £1000, that is still outstanding and a further £1,500 has been pledged, awaiting details to issue the invoice.

14. AoCB

City Hall fans – no response from the Council regarding the noise problem and the absence of planning permission for the fans.

John Grady MP available for surgeries, after returning from the summer recess. Picking up an issue of a retail tenant with City Properties

Clutha Trust has been given permission to close Clyde street for the 4 day Community event.

Walkabout with Councillor Millar was regarded as very positive.

Spiderman fixtures changed for Filming have not been fully reinstated. Councillor Braat will follow up and asked for details (Action NMc)

The “Connected streets” project have asked to present to the next MCTCC meeting

Website – all asked to provide any content to NMc

AGM coming up in 2 months time, please let TC know if you wish to stand

E- Bike Bill board adverts parked on the pavement in Brunswick street. RA raised a concern that these adverts were possibly inappropriate. Can we review the Council licencing process for these operators. Potential difficulty to enforce any issues.

Commonwealth Games – GM asked if there had been any communication from the Commonwealth Games organisers that may impact on the MCTCC area, particularly when George Square is closed during the games. Councillor Braat suggested that Communication would probably pick up closer to the New Year and will see if the Council have had any information.

Scottish Parliament Elections – potential hustings for the MCTCC area – Action TC to consider the opportunity.

Pigeons – RA highlighted the possible actions to take , including the previously discussed Hawking option. RA will continue to pursue Businesses to take some action (further discuss at next MMM). RA suggested Hawk kites as an option.

GA raised the possibility of starting a “City Ambassador” volunteer role, that may link in to the Commonwealth Games

HPS – MCTCC view is that there is nothing we can do to participate in the current planning issue. Primarily an issue for Councillor Casey who has Homelessness as his key portfolio.

Doors Open start 1 Sept

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 30th September, 6.30-8.30 in City Chambers.