Your Community Council, at the Heart of Glasgow

Meeting Minutes, 26 August 2025

 

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 1^st 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.

Meeting Minutes, 29 July 2025

Attended by: Scott Thornton (Acting Chair), Niall McColl, Ross Naismith, Gordon Millar, Gary Atkinson, David Hughes, David and Alice Cowan, Peter Hayman, Depute Lord Provost Christy Mearns and Councillor Angus Millar, PC Rebecca Martin, PC Arthur Kennedy, Gregor McIntyre from John Grady MP’s office

NM, GF, RA, DF, MG CS, CD, GM.  By Zoom video: EM

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES

Scott Thornton chaired the meeting in Tam Coyle’s absence and welcomed everyone.

Apologies: Tam Coyle and Ros Atkinson.

2. ELECTION OF ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR

Scott reported at the Mid Monthly Meeting on 15 July MCTCC had resolved to add one more Community Councillor, taking our complement to 12. This had been agreed by Glasgow City Council.

Accordingly, nominations were invited from individuals residing within the MCTCC area, listed on the Electoral Register and over 16 years of age.

This invitation has been posted on MCTCC’s website and in at least three public places within the MCTCC area.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 8 August. Should there be only one nomination that person would be elected unopposed at the next public meeting on 26 August. If there was more than one nomination a secret ballot would be held on that occasion.

3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ON 29 APRIL

Adoption proposed by Gordon Millar, seconded by Niall McColl.

The Secretary will notify Glasgow City Council.

4. POLICE REPORT

PC Martin read out the crime statistics for the last month. From the 1^st July to 29^th of July there were a total 167 crimes reported, of which 100 were detected.  PC Baxter and PC Rapi are now joined by PC Thomson and PC Docherty.

The police are proactive in monitoring Virginia St, New Wynd and Old Wynd and Parnie St 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.

RA noted that Virginia St, at the top end near to Ingram St there was drug misuse and people sitting in the doorways of buildings.  PC Kennedy noted that the shops notify them if their doorways are being used for illicit purposes.  There is anti-social behaviour going on in several areas of the city however any place that offers some shelter are more frequently used.

Gary reported that he had received a complaint from a market stall trader in Virginia St about people using the nearby doorways in Virginia St as a toilet.

The GCC buildings in John St have seen rough sleepers using the alcoves.

Gary and Tam met with Inspector Waters new Area Commander to review the TRNSMT event. DF said the fences are still up long after the event had finished and Ross noted the fences are put up one week before it takes place.

5. ELECTED MEMBERS’ REPORTS

Depute Lord Provost Mearns attended the civic reception in the Social Hub and gave an opening speech. She believes it was a successful event.

She wrote a brief note in favour setting up fanzones for celebrations of the winner of the SPFL in May each year. She is seeking conversations within GCC with a view to have this put in place for next year.

GCC Chief Executive Officer has advised her that local and national discussions are taking place. However, the football clubs must take a leading role for this to work.

She is engaging with council officers about the extensive outside seating areas on Candleriggs. Businesses have, for some time now, not complied with the boundaries. A meeting has been set up with city officers to discuss to how to open up more pavement space for pedestrians.

Concerns have been raised about the lack of trees in the area. There are problems due the infrastructure below street level such that trees cannot be installed. There is now a significantly greater number of tree planters in place.

A few months about she had a walk around Virginia St and Brunswick St and noted the state of the fabricated seating. She arranged for these to be power washed.

Homeless Project Scotland has lodged an appeal after its planning application was rejected. This will now go to the local Planning Review Committee. No date has been fixed for this yet.

The council is engaging with Community Councils where to locate the new public recycling Bin Hubs. She is available to be involved in this discussion.

The City Centre Minor Improvement Fund is open for applications. Grants of up to £20,000 for businesses are available. Previous grant schemes have included recipients to agreeing to a pledge to maintain the area in front of their businesses. She has asked for this to be included in this scheme. Another preferable addition to the grant scheme would be to raise awareness of good practice in design for signage for example and shopfront presentation.

She understands there is disappointing of lack of a water feature to be George Square redevelopment underway. We have been told this would be time and cost prohibitive.

Councillor Angus Millar reported new ‘Do Not Feed The Birds’ signs will be installed in the city centre. They have already been put in place elsewhere in Glasgow. He is in dialogue with Louise Stuart and Kelly Ann Mossan, the Neighbourhood Improvement Officer for Anderston, who are coordinating this.

The issue of surplus street poles on Glassford St and Stockwell St will be surveyed during the Walkabout on the 12^th of August.

St. Enoch’s shopping centre has new owners and a meeting is planned with GCC officers next month. Part of this St Enoch’s estate is the old Debenhams building which has a planning application for conversion into offices.

GCC Building Control will not provide details to Cllr Millar regarding which buildings that are having cladding remedial works. This is a private issue between them and factors and owners.

The Community Engagement Team will contact Scott regarding a potential new community hub facility. Several locations will be considered and what, if any, funding streams may be available.

Council officers have assessed the viability of placing a planter at the Post Office on Glassford St, however they found the location to be unsuitable.

‘Trees for Streets’ is a £100k NIF sponsorship scheme whereby individuals, or groups, can request a tree is planted at a specific location. However, the city centre is not suitable for this as previously discussed. A more strategic approach is required.

To improve tree planning in the city centre, and other matters, a coordinator will be hired to liaise between the 4 different teams involved in planting new trees in the city centre.

There are plans to pedestrianise Candleriggs. The Sustainable Transport Dept. will contact MCTCC to discuss.

Questions from the floor:

David Hughes noted that the fabricated benches were becoming worse for wear and asked if there were plans to replace these.  Depute Lord Provost Christ confirmed this.  The planters at Ramshorn Graveyard need weeded.  He identified the 3 dead trees on Ingram St and another one in College St. This will be looked into.

He enquired if it was the Area Partnership funding involved in the pedestrianisation for Candleriggs? Cllr Millar believes this comes from a different budget.

Ross Naismith asked if there could be a workshop on how Candleriggs’ development can be taken forward. Cllr Millar understands there will be engagement with MCTCC and the local businesses. He asked for a consultation meeting where new planters, and new trees, will be located.

Cllr Millar understands the existing tree planters were provided due to a previous fund, over one year ago, and the Area Partnership was consulted at that time.  It has taken over a year to get to this stage.

RA looked for clarity on the two types of tree planters. There is the LEZ funded planters which have trees in large stone bowls; and then there are others in green metal cubes. However, they are both referred to as planters.

RA enquired about improvement of access to Virginia St.

Scott noted there is a walk to survey local issues with councillors on Tuesday 12^th of August at 10.30 am, meeting at the Tron Tower.

Scott noted how The Busking Code of Conduct is not being adhered to. MCTCC has received reports of loud music being played long after the 9.30pm cut off time. Cllr Millar said there was a review of this Code last year and they understood there was a limitation of what enforcement could be implemented. The Police will have a day of action to raise awareness of the guidelines.

Busking Code Signage was placed in Buchanan St, and other locations, but were removed inappropriately. More robust signage is planned. The legislation in place does not allow a ban on music amplifiers.

Scott noted reports in the media of a new congestion charge for people travelling to Glasgow. Cllr Millar explained GCC has been considering this for some years and confirmed it would not be applicable to residents living within the Glasgow boundary.  The national legislation has been in place since 2001.  Any congestion charge scheme that GCC was to bring forward would have to be consulted with the public extensively.

MCTCC has written to the Leader and Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council asking for a moratorium on public parades. Recently there were 65 Orange Lodge parades in Glasgow in one day, with associated public disruption, road closures and policing costs.

MCTCC is also pursuing a moratorium on any new student accommodation (PBSA) in our area.

6. PLANNING

Ross Naismith gave his report on several planning applications: –

Custom House Quay – RN said that he would study the application and make recommendations to MCTCC on 12th August, but that he was of a view to endorse the application with a commendation.  Peter Hayman would like to see the same concept replicated on the opposite riverbank.

George St and High St PBSA – We complained about the saturation of PBSA, it is meant for 450 students. In addition, complaints included on the design and that it is 12 storeys high. The British Linen Bank is next to the site and has been left empty. RN stated he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications have been received.

Maxwell St site – RN emphasised his objection about the 18 storeys height and elevations. He believes the design lacks enough flexibility due to the risk of it becoming an empty property if the demand for accommodation reduces. He had a meeting with the design team some weeks previous.

RN has recommended that there should be a ‘second opinion’ as to the condition of the existing stone facade and the applications intention to remove it and replace it with a new facade. RN also stated that the proposals for new facade on Dunlop and Fox Streets were not clear and the application was objected to for that reason also. RN stated that he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications had been received.

178 Trongate PBSA – planning permission was granted in autumn last year. However, the design has changed and so is under review. RN confirmed that objections had been submitted on three counts; increase in Student numbers; lack of clarity on elevation; and location of ground floor support facilities. RN stated that he had received formal notice from GCC that MCTCC’s objections to the applications had been received.

The Clutha Vaults application for LED lights around it’s roof has been rejected by GCC.

King St Carpark – RN stated that he has been advised the planning application will be going into GCC in the next few weeks.

Murals – RN stated that there are currently 14 MCTCC Policy Statements on Planning matters and that he will make a recommendation for a 15th, regarding murals, at the MCTCC meeting of 12th August 2025. Currently, if murals are temporary, they do not need planning permission.

Greenspace behind The Italian Kitchen restaurant – He met with the head of the Estates Dept. at University of Strathclyde which Cllr Bolander had put him in touch with. The land is owned by Scottish Enterprise and managed by the university. They are open to the area being used as an exercise area and he has been asked to setup a meeting with Scottish Enterprise.

Improvements to Residential Property – He met with representatives of a grant allocating group to improve the private housing sector in the Trongate area.

The Avenues Projects – Cllr Millar has agreed to meet with Ross to discuss his concerns. RN stated that the ‘Avenues’ proposals, in our MCTCC area, do not have his confidence.

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.

 7. LICENSING

 The Clutha Trust – Ref. PEL01361 – Music festival, Friday 29^th Aug – Monday 1^st Sept 12pm- 9pm. Last date to object 13^th August 2025.

Jasmine Thai Massage Glasgow Ltd – for 100A Brunswick Street, G1 1TF (Entertainment – 3 rooms for massage facilities); Deadline for objections/representations 13 August 2025

M Triple R Ltd, Flat 0/2, 60 Fox Street, G1 4AU (Short term let – 3 rooms, occupant capacity 4); Deadline for objections/representations 15 August 2025

Workshop and Artists Studio Provision (Scotland) Ltd – The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate G1 5HZ (alcohol consumption for consumption on and off the premises 11 am to midnight 7 days a week, off sales 11 am to 10 pm); Deadline for objections/representations 28 August 2025.

8. UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Celtic Fans Title Party: – The event took place on Saturday 17th May. Kaukab Stewart MSP organised a summit at Hampden Park prior this this event with many delegates to discuss how best to minimise the damage and disruption however but nothing has come of this.  She has arranged a follow-up meeting on 21st August with Tam, Scott and Gary to discuss possible future actions.

MCTCC put in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Police Scotland asking them for the cost incurred for this event. They replied saying they did not have a cost figure for this work.  We understand at least 350 police officers were on duty at the event. We shall make further enquiries. Gary noted we are being consulted by the SPFL.

Cllr Millar had seen a GCC cost figure for last year’s cleanup and will enquire about the cost for this year.  RA noted there was still glass debris left afterwards which would affect those driving in the area. David Cowan noted the cleanup was completed in about 3 hours using machinery. The 10K Race for Life route included Trongate the following day.

New MCTCC Website: – Niall McColl reported the website is finished and available online. The focus now is trying to keep it up to date which takes a time commitment. Scott asked for volunteers to do this.

9. FRIENDS OF RAMSHORN GRAVEYARD (FoRG)

David Hughes attended a meeting last week with Scottish Community Tourism Network which is set up to see that tourism benefits communities it impacts.

He had a meeting today with Chris Gray about the City Centre Improvement Fund of £25k.

The tourism sales are going very well, there have been 9 tours so far with 139 clients. All tours are fully booked in August and September thanks to David Fox and Caroline Dunlop.  Several groups have booked tours.

10. FILMING

Scott reported MCTCC have pledged a donation of £700 to local good causes from the company filming the new BBC TV drama series ‘Mint’ in, and around, Wilson Street. Another pledge is from the company filming in the City Chambers for renowned United States Director J J Abrams.

11. TREASURER’S REPORT

Gordon reported a current bank balance of £5,976.54. There were expenses this month related to MCTCC marketing items of £227.56 for the MCF stall.

As previously mentioned, a donation of £700 was received from Mint Productions. SP Film Productions have pledged £1000.

12. AoCB

Thanks given to David and Alice Cowan for the MCF stall mini project. Niall McColl contributed to this by designing the colourful roller banner, flyers and bookmarks. Tam Coyle, David Hughes, Gordon, Ross and Scott all assisted on the day.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 26 August, 6.30-8.30 in City Chambers.