Sunday 12 May 2024

Local residential streets unsuitable for HGVs

There are ongoing concerns about HGVs using Great George Street, Hillhead Street and Gibson Street as they are unsuitable. New signage has been installed to prevent HGVs travelling through these streets.


Various road safety issues have been raised by residents as HGVs have difficulty manoeuvring around corners and one way systems within the Hillhead area.

Repairs to stone balustrade after storm damage

Thankfully, the Grade A listed stone balustrade at the top of Kelvingrove Park has been repaired after storm damage.

View of the stone balustrade

This work supported by council officials is very much appreciated as the 
stone balustrade is a significant feature within the listed landscape of Kelvingrove Park and the Park Conservation Area.

Community garden at Willowbank Crescent

Today, I enjoyed a walk in the sunshine across the Woodlands area. On the way, I stopped to admire the flowers and blossom at the Community Garden in Willowbank Crescent.

View of flowers including tulips
View of fruit trees and rhubarb patch
View of raised beds with tree blossom

There is seating available within this welcoming greenspace.
Owned by the Council, this community garden is maintained by volunteers and staff from the Woodlands Community for the benefit of local residents.

Saturday 20 April 2024

Spring flowers at the University of Glasgow

It is relaxing to walk through the campus of the University of Glasgow due to the variety of plants and trees to admire. At the moment, there are lots of spring flowers and tree blossoms.

Planters at University Place

View of the Gilbert Scott Building

Tulips at the main flagpole.

Visitors and residents are able to enjoy various walks through the campus. The grounds are planted to support biodiversity gain including greenspace with wildflower meadows.

Rubbish at 10 Great George Street

During a visit to Bank Street, today, I noticed that there are continuing problems with rubbish and wood surrounding the neglected townhouse at 10 Great George Street.

Wood dumped within the grounds of 10 Great George Street.
Wood dumped within the grounds of 10 Great George Street.
Mattresses and cardboard dumped within the grounds of 10 Great George Street.
View of 10 Great George Street.

It would appear that the current owners are leaving this historic building to fall down. This is a building at risk of demolition or fire. 

Currently, it seems that there is a lack of legislation to ensure the owners repair this significant landmark. Therefore, it is vital that the use of compulsory sales orders is available for Councils in such circumstances. These orders can help to preserve empty heritage buildings.  The legislation for compulsory sales orders has to be agreed by the Scottish Parliament as a priority.

Support for Record Store Day 2024


Today, I celebrated Record Store Day by giving my support to several record shops. I like to support second hand music and so, headed to the Oxfam Music Shop. 


Oxfam Music Shop on Byres Road

As it was a sunny day, I walked through the streets of the Hillhead ward to Mixed Up Records which is a music shop in Otago Lane.


I hope that Glasgow's music shops were able to benefit from the publicity provided by Record Store Day.

Tree Blossom at Wilton Street Garden

Today, I met up with volunteers who organised a Spring community clean up at Wilton Street Garden, a beautiful greenspace in the North Kelvin area.

View of the garden with black bags

During the clean up, we spotted several goldfinches within the tree blossoms. The garden is a wildlife haven. It is very enjoyable to spent time outdoors and to be able to get close to nature. 

View of the main entrance to the garden

As well as bird watching, Wilton Street Garden is well used by residents for walking dogs, family picnics, and relaxing with a good book. This greenspace is owned by the council and it is open to the public.