We are being asked to share memories of the Barras in Glasgow as it turns 100

There is a drop-in event taking place later at the city's most iconic marketplace

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 20th Jun 2021
Last updated 20th Jun 2021

People are being encouraged to share their memories of the Barras marketplace in Glasgow as it continues its 100th birthday celebrations.

A drop-in event is taking place this weekend with a photography and heritage exhibition.

There will also be filming for an anniversary documentary which is being released later this year.

Glasgow historian, Peter Mortimer, told Clyde 1: "This place became so popular because people didn't just buy a product - they got street theatre.

"Traders would interact with customers and make their experience a memorable one."

After 100 years the place is still full of traders and customers


We are being asked to share memories of the Barras in Glasgow as it turns 100
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Co-founded by Maggie McIver and her husband James in 1921 when they bought land in Calton between Gibson Street and the Gallowgate, the Barras would go on to be one of the most famous locations in Scotland.

Peter added: "For six weekends in a row, it rained in Glasgow and the traders weren't able to sell anything so she (Maggie McIver) built a shed.

"It had a roof on it, but the sides were open until a few years later when it was enclosed."

Gary Barton runs an art gallery there: "In my opinion we are almost self-sufficient here and stall holders who've passed through the place over the years probably bent a few of the rules along the way to suit themselves.

"This probably didn't suit the rest of the population.

"However, people actually come here from all over Scotland to this day."

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