Meeting Minutes, 30 September 2025
These draft minutes will be presented at our October meeting for review and approval.
Attended by: Scott Thornton (Acting Chair), Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, Ros Atkinson, David Hughes, Rachel Angus, Peter Hayman, Cllr Angus Millar, Cllr Philip Braat, Bailie Christy Mearns. Emma Hargreaves and Ciaran Buchanan Principal Officer from GCC Avenues Project. PC Rapi and PC Clark.
TM, DF, PP, TD, RA, E. Mills. By Zoom video: Bailie Christy Mearns and AG
1. Welcome And Apologies
Scott Thornton welcomed everyone.
Apologies: Tam Coyle (Chair), David Hughes, Cllr Eva Bolander and Gregor McIntyre from John Grady MP office.
2. Minutes Of Previous Meeting On 26 August
Adoption proposed by Gary Atkinson and seconded by Niall McColl.
The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.
3. Police Report
PC Rapi read out the crime statistics for the last month. From the 1st September to 30th September there were a total 98 crimes reported, of which 55 were detected and 43 undetected. The number of detections may rise in the near future.
The Retail Crime Task Force were deployed in the MCTCC area. The police have given increased focus to Virginia St, Glassford St, Argyle St and Trongate following concerns raised at previous meetings.
Police Questions
Rachel Angus asked about Virginia Court, PC Rapi reported he hadspoken to residents about the broken magnetic gate in particular. DF asked if enough incidents were reported, would this lead to consistent monitoring. PC Clark noted how the more incidents reported helped the police get a greater perspective where resources are required most. PC Rapi advised how anti-social behaviour should be reported by dialing 101 or, for non-urgent matters, use the webform on Police Scotland website:- https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/c3/
TM has noted persistent drug use in the Ramshorn Graveyard. The police have been monitoring the area. It could be that drug mis-use is taking place at night. As the gates are locked, it could be they are climbing over the wall. It will be flagged-up to the Area Response Team.
A resident reported that someone tried to open their front door. PC Rapi advised to dial 999 if this happens to anyone.
Gary noted media reports of increased drugs deaths in Scotland. He would like to know if there are statistics for our area specifically and adjoining areas. This would allow to see how effective of Safer Drug Consumption Facility, based at Hunter St, has been. Cllr Millar noted the statistics, it is a pilot project which supervises intravenous drug use. However, there are other types of drugs mis-use.
4. Presentation From East Argyle St Avenues Project
Emma Hargreaves, from The Avenues Team, shared a brief presentation to provide an update on the Argyle St East Avenues Project. It starts at Union St and extends to the start to beginning of Trongate. The project will install a road along the pedestrian precinct to allow for bus and taxis only. It aims to improve greening, public seating, install a segregated bicycle lane and faster travel on public transport. Specialist designers were brought-in. More information is available at:-
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/13444/Transformation-of-Argyle-Street-to-continue-through-new-Avenue-project
There are 4 construction phases. GCC has set out a timeline for the contract to be awarded in January 2026 to allow for work to start in March. It is expected that Sections 1 and 2 will take 2 years to complete and the project to be accomplished by March 2029. Technical drawings of the project were circulated.
Information on the Stockwell St Avenues Project will start late 2026 and finish in summer 2027. There will a separate public presentation held on the High St Avenues Project which will also start late 2026 and finish in spring 2028.
East Argyle St Avenues Project Questions
Emma Hargreaves assured the meeting the precinct will still be pedestrian friendly, and the road will be closed to public cars and only for buses and taxis. The road will operate as a Bus Gate, similar to others located around the city centre.
TM asked if there will be boarding up as in other projects such as around George Square. Emma confirmed each section will have boards erected with ‘visualisations’ pictures of the final streetscapes shall be. Ross agreed that there should be more publicity.
Cllr Millar will take interest in the production of new images of the website for this project. Ros Atkinson recommended there be QR code, or have the website listed on the display posters to allow for people to get more information.
Ross attended a GCC meeting two weeks prior stating its commitment to planting trees. He preferred trees in the ground instead of planters.
Niall McColl enquired whether it was best to have all this building work going on just as Glasgow was about to host its second Commonwealth Game the summer of 2026.
Rachel Angus asked whether trees could be planted directly into the ground on Argyle Street. Emma Hargreaves explained that this is not possible due to underground utility cables and plumbing. She added that tree planters are likely to be used instead. Rachel then asked if in-ground tree planting would be prioritised over planters in other avenue project areas wherever feasible, and Emma confirmed that it would.
Gary Atkinson noted MCTCC have put a grant application in progress to potentially improve the area around the Tron Theatre clock tower. As such, it would be good to work together on the second phase of this project that will extend to Saltmarket.
Eileen Mills asked if it was right to change a successful pedestrian area by putting a road through it. Cieran Buchanan noted it would improve bus travel times and allow for improvement to Queen St, Ingram St and Stockwell St.
Cllr Millar provided an update on the ‘Do Not Feed the Birds’ signage previously discussed. There is not publicly the owned infrastructure to attach these signs to, such as poles. This may change once the Avenue project is completed on Argyle St.
5. Elected Members’ Reports
Cllr Philip Braat reported he, and Cllr Millar, were notified of stickers attached to lampposts containing defamatory comments. Arrangements were made to have these removed by GCC Officers. There will be potential fines to businesses, and individuals, on Argyle St and Sauchiehall St for littering.
Cllr Braat has made enquiries about the legalities of hawking in the city centre (money raising in the street) but has not had an answer.
Trees were damaged on Queen St and Buchanan St due the recent Storm Amy. He has reported these and is awaiting a response.
He noted that some outdoor seating in Exchange Square may not comply with the required 2m clearance between bollards and the pavement. He agreed to investigate whether the current seating arrangements are compliant.
Signage should have been raised by now notifying that certain roads will be closed for the Great Scottish Run this Sunday 5th of October.
Bailie Christie Mearns has forwarded the list from Scott of the preferred location of new public Recycling Hubs in the Merchant City and Trongate.
At the Area Partnership (AP) meeting last week the football fan celebrations in Trongate each summer was discussed. Pressure for change should be maintained. It is agreed mitigations ought to be planned out in advance, otherwise it will soon be spring and too late to organise. She agrees with Kaukab Stewart MSP there must be a multi-agency approach.
South Portland Bridge funding has recently been brought within the remit of Avenues funding stream. She is interested to see the design drawings to bring the bridge back to its original heritage standards. An improved lighting scheme would be welcome.
She recently met with Clutha Vaults bar management last week and heard about the good work they are doing. They are trying to make the vacant section of land nearby, which is not in the Avenues project, could be pedestrianised.
The pedestrianisation of Candleriggs is not being progressed through NIF funding as it is not a publicly owned site. As such, it will be financed by the Roads Department instead, the timescale has not been specified.
The AP has allocated funding for the Tron clock tower. Seating benches are to be relocated, there will be consultation on where to.
A Planning Assessment will take place for the Vodka Vodka bar signage.
Cllr Angus Millar, with members of MCTCC, had a successful walk survey to identify various local issues. The Neighbourhood Liaison Officer is working through list made. There will be a follow-up survey of redundant poles on Glassford St and Stockwell St.
He had a meeting with City Property regarding vacant property in Parnie St and the Trongate area to try to bring them back into use, He has been advised there will be challenges and so has asked for a briefing with GCC officers to specify what these are. When he receives this information. He will share this information with MCTCC.
The Tron Theatre Steeple will be renovated as part of The High Street Strategy. There is an online ‘story map’ in which you can follow a virtual The Heritage Trail which can be accessed through the link below:
https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/1800/Walking–and–Heritage–Trails
This includes an Interpretation Strategy which explains how GCC will physically tell the stories the High St evolution. These will be incorporated into information boards which advertise The Avenues project and incorporate a QR code to the historical information gathered by Glasgow Life,
He sent an email to MCTCC explaining he secured just under £500k from the Placement Fund to replace the lighting of the South Portland Bridge as well as improvements to Calton Place and south part of The Clyde River. He had a meeting with design team involved who hope to produce plans for consultation soon and allow for work to begin.
There was a meeting with MCTC and the Transport Team on what was the best way forward for traffic reduction and more pedestrianisation. Due to there being less buses traffic around Merchant City due the above Argle St East Avenue Project, it is likely there will new plans on how to increase pedestrian space for the public.
Cllr Questions
Scott noted he as seen new recycling facilities located around the city. He requested a follow-up meeting with Gary and Cllrs in the near future. He is looking forward to an update from Louise Stewart, the Neighbourhood Liaison Officer, on the issues raised the recent survey walk.
Gordon Millar welcomed the clean-up of riverbank on the southside by the Cala Homes development at South Portland Street. Cllr Millar agreed and clarified he was referring to specialised cleaning taking place over the riverbank fence. Ross enquired if the future clean-up measures at Calton Place were from funds relating Custom House Quay planning application. Cllr Millar confirmed they were not, they are part of the annual Place Fund.
PP asked if the new funds for South Portland Bridge included the footpath and they were considered not fit for purpose. Cllr Millar will raise this matter with the funders.
Baillie Mearns has been in contact with The Amsterdam bar regarding the lack of clearance for pedestrians to pass by due to the space taken-up by their outdoor seating. Rachel Angus noted this has set a precedent for other businesses to impinge on the public path.
Cllr Millar said it was the Roads Department to enforce these boundaries in the first instance, and then the Licencing Dept. afterwards. As such, it can be a lengthy process. Rachel requested that greater pressure be placed on premises to adhere to the regulations set by both departments.
It was discussed if feeding the birds can be classed as littering. Cllr Millar did not know of a previous instance of this.
Scott mentioned that St. Enoch Square has a numerous trip hazards paving issues and the lights on the trees are falling off. He will mention this to manager of St Enoch Centre.
It was discussed briefly what the benefits of Argyle St East Avenue project were. There would be less walking space and possible safety issues. Millar noted he was not consulted on the plan. David Cowan had no recollection of any consultation taking place in the past.
Rachel Angus noted how planters have been used as ashtrays and bins by the public, and that some graffiti had appeared on one. It would be good if the street cleaners or the maintenance team for planters could empty them of debris on a regular basis and clean any graffiti. Rachel also noted that this issue should be taken into consideration where there are plans to use planters in the avenues project and in the city centre in general.
Celtic Fan Celebrations
Scott gave a background of the work that had been done on this subject to date. Recently he and Gary had arranged twice tried to meet with Kaukab Stewart MSP. It may now be time to contact Celtic FC and other football governing bodies.
MCTCC have sent a FOI request to Police Scotland requesting the cost for policing this event in which it is estimated 320 police officers were present, however it was returned saying they do not know the costs. Cllr Millar helped MCTCC be informed of the £20k cost incurred by GCC.
Tricia Fort, Chair of Calton CC, saying the celebrations in Trongate will not happen again, but no details of what alternative arrangements are being made, if any.
Gary recommended setting-up a meeting with GCC Chief Executive and city centre stakeholders with a view to keeping-up the momentum on this topic. It is not for MCTCC to create an alternative event, it is for other bodies.
6. Local Place Plan (Lpp) & Matters Arising
Scott has spoken to Fiona Campbell about MCTCC Local Place Plan (LPP) compiled by David Hughes and made presentable by Niall McColl. More details on the website:-
https://mctcc.scot/local–place–plan/
David Cowan will manage the public surveys on Trongate and in St Enochs Centre on the 14th and 16th of October, and Scott on the 21st and 23rd of October in the same locations.
7. Planning
Ross Naismith gave a brief report on several planning applications: –
The King St Car Park response has now been submitted with commendation. The developer will now presumably apply for Planning Permission in Principle (PPP).
Old Wynd at Oswald St planning application has been successful, despite his objections. This has now gone up for sale again.
151 Trongate, on the corner of Old Wynd has also gone on sale also. It’s planning application has been ongoing for a year, is still ‘under consideration’, and is for student accommodation. However, the advertising poster on the building at present says it has consent.
The Maxwell St application for an 18-storey hotel is having a consultation event on the 4th of November. He has been invited to represent MCTCC.
He has engaged with stakeholders about how to improve the public and private housing portfolio in Trongate. Rachel will now take the lead on this.
He met with Sustainable Transport last month to discuss ways to improve Candleriggs, Ingram St and Queen St which was constructive. He is awaiting feedback from them.
He met with Scottish Enterprise early September; he put forward his plans however it was rejected for understandable reasons. The matter is now closed.
Ross Naismith stated that he remains concerned about Avenues developments, in general, and the Argyle Street (East) proposals, in detail, after the earlier GCC presentation. He plans to discuss this with MCTCC Community Councillors at the next (October) MMM, and will report back on agreed actions, if any, from that at subsequent Pubic Meetings.
8. Submission To Lez Fund
Ross will soon submit MCTCC’s second grant application to the LEZ Fund. The details have been sent to CC members for feedback by tomorrow. It requests tree planning. He would like the LEZ grant may be supplemented by Ward 10 Area Partnership Fund allocations.
9. Updates From Previous Meetings
There is no updates on this matter this month.
10. Licensing
Gary has not received any email notifications. He will raise this with the Licencing Forum.
11. Filming
Niall explained that although the funding from the filming is beneficial, it does cause disruption to traffic, as well as pedestrians, in our area. For example, at 8am this week Ingram St and surrounding streets were gridlocked. Another example was a section of Hight St being closed for 3 days recently.
It could be argued that the compensation is not commensurate with disruption caused, or the road closures should be temporarily eased at times to allow better traffic flow.
12. Friends Of Ramshorn Graveyard (FORG)
There was no update this month.
13. Area Partnership
David Hughes was unable to attend but will give an update at the next meeting.
14. Treasurer’s Report
Gordon reported a current bank balance of £6,855.57. This includes payment from SP Film Productions of £1000. Other film companies are yet to deposit.
There were some costs for the website of just under £121. He has drafted the accounts for August 2025.
15. Community Council Vacancy
There is now a vacancy within MCTCC for a Community Councillor (CC).
It is advertised on the MCTCC website. Applicants must live within MCTCC boundary and be able to attend meetings on a regular basis. More information is available on our website. If interested please fill out the webform on the website or send any enquiries to: [email protected]
16. Website
Niall is working towards having an additional person trained to update the website. MCTCC also has Facebook, Instagram and X to keep updated.
17. AoCB
There is debate whether to stay part of the Ward 10 Joint Action Group, attended by Tam, Gary and Scott, will be discussed in the near future.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 25th of October
AGM 6 – 6.30pm
Full Meeting 6.30-8.30 in City Chambers.