Glasgow in the 80s: Garden Festival, Football and Changing Cityscapes

Glasgow saw many historic events in the 80s. The last Glasgow Marathon was in 1987. The Garden Festival also happened that year. Graeme Souness joined the Rangers football team. Maurice Johnston changed his mind about Celtic. He then signed with Rangers instead.

We are looking at Glasgow’s past in a series. It’s part of our “Future of Glasgow” project. We are working with The Glasgow Times on it. Our picture editor is looking at old photos. Craig Alexander is picking the best ones.

The Glasgow Garden Festival opened in 1988. Prince and Princess of Wales attended. The floating head sculpture was by Richard Groom. Princess Diana joked with Lord Provost Robert Gray. This happened at the Garden Festival too. The Rotunda watched over the Garden Festival site.

Three Concorde planes landed at Glasgow Airport. This happened in August 1983. A Victorian night happened at the Theatre Royal. Crowds shopped on Argyle Street one Christmas. Graeme Souness signed autographs for fans in 1986. Giant cranes unloaded iron ore at Glasgow Docks. Sydney Devine celebrated 25 years. He shared champagne with George at the Pavilion Theatre. Boots Corner stood on Argyle Street in 1988.

Candleriggs Market bustled with activity in late 1981. St Enoch Square was busy in April 1980. The city council prepared for the Glasgow Marathon. The last Glasgow Marathon took place in 1987. Pope John Paul II visited Bellahouston Park in 1982. Riots broke out at Barlinnie Prison in early 1987.

A ceremony took place at the People’s Palace in 1987. Queen Elizabeth II opened the Burrell Gallery in 1983. The Tuxedo Princess nightclub floated in 1988. Pipe bands entertained shoppers at Glasgow Green. A 1930s steam engine was shown at Glasgow Works. Kids played outside flats in Garthamlock. These homes were waiting for demolition in 1981. Children even played amongst rubbish. Glasgow Royal Concert Hall was under construction in 1989.

Sauchiehall Street was revamped for shoppers in 1988. People enjoyed roller discos in Glasgow in 1981. Rouken Glen Park closed, taking away its boats. Celtic Park’s stadium soared proud in 1981. Footballers gathered at Glasgow Airport in May 1981. Sales started early at Arnott Simpson’s in 1980. Albion Motors stood tall on South Street in 1987.

The Glasgow Carnival added vibrant color in the 1980s. Jackie Stewart saw his winning Tyrell Ford at a museum. He filmed a commercial for Ford. The Bluebells filmed a pop video in 1984. A Glasgow Ski Centre instructor worked with a young student. This all happened in October 1984.