100 years of protests in George Square
Last updated 31st Jan 2019
Glasgow is marking the centenary of the day the Government sent in tanks to quell protests after what became known as the Battle of George Square.
Police and striking workers clashed on January 31 1919 in a violent confrontation when 60,000 demonstrators took to the square months after the end of the First World War demanding a 40-hour week compared to their 57-hour contracts.
Officials even resorted to reading the Riot Act during the clashes, while the military was also deployed.
After the unsuccessful strike ended in February its leaders were arrested.
The period of political radicalism, known now as Red Clydeside, will be reflected upon at various events on Thursday.
The Open University is hosting a learning session from noon, with speakers on hand to inform students and the public about what happened before, during and after that day.
Speakers include lecturers from the university, Glasgow City Council and union representatives and political activists.
Former Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill will host a book signing after writing about the battle.
The ticketed launch of Glasgow 1919: The Rise of Red Clydeside will be held at Waterstones in Sauchiehall Street at 7pm