Light The Way: Glasgow nightclub boss warns staff forced to cut through dark parks at night

Donald McLeod who runs The Garage and Cathouse says many of his staff are cutting through Kelvingrove Park alone after finishing a late shift.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 5th Oct 2023

A Glasgow nightclub boss is warning his workers have no other option but to cut through the city's dark parks at nighttime after finishing a late shift.

Donald McLeod owns The Garage and Cathouse and is backing the Light The Way campaign to call for lit pathways in key routes across major parks.

READ MORE: Light The Way: Senior Glasgow councillor pledges to look at ways of lighting up parks

Speaking at the latest meeting, he told Greatest Hits Radio: "Most of my staff live within a mile or two of their work and they like to walk in the early hours of the morning.

"We do help with taxis if they need them, but a lot of them are walking in wet, windy and dark areas."

Pictures from the latest Light The Way meeting hosted by Callum McQuade













Donald added: "Many who work in The Garage are crossing Kelvingrove Park which is not lit - it should be.

"Punters who've had a few drinks are even more vulnerable."

During the meeting at Glasgow Caledonian University, a senior councillor pledged to look at ways of speeding up plans to light Kelvingrove, Queen's Park and Cranhill.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly said there could be a way of fitting cheaper lighting in the short term before permanent fixtures are in place.

Professor Lesley McMillan who teaches Criminology and Sociology at Glasgow Caledonian University claims lights could actually give a false sense of security.

"Perceptions of safety where there is not safety just gives people a sense of being safe.

"This is more than just about lights, if we were able to identify the areas of the park people feel excluded from as a result of the darkness making them feel unsafe, we could make them more inclusive for everyone.

"I don't think lighting parks will reduce violence against women nor do I think lone women will start walking through them.

"However, it could mean groups of women use them together for exercising."

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