Glasgow and its businesses have certainly had a tough time of it lately.
In recent months, the city has suffered two catastrophic fires affecting homes and businesses in and around one of its main shopping streets, not to mention the stinging loss of one of the city’s and, indeed, the nation’s most iconic landmarks, Glasgow School of Art.
The fires may have been extinguished but the city is still suffering the after-effects. Indeed, for safety reasons, some residents and business owners have not even been able to set foot inside their properties since the flames struck.
And just last week, traders in the city’s Savoy Centre – which is between the cordons – spoke of the significant impact of the fires on their livelihoods.
Work is now enabling the re-opening of streets that were forced to close in March but it’s safe to say that the other bigger road – the one that leads to recovery – is going to be slow.
In light of this, I think it’s fair to say our dear green place was in need of a pick-me-up.
Thankfully this came last week in the form of banking giant Barclays, which has announced plans to double its workforce in Scotland by creating a new hub in Glasgow.
Proposals were revealed for Buchanan Wharf development on Clydeside, after Barclays struck a deal with Drum Property Group.
Up to 2,500 jobs would be created across technology, functions and operations as a result of the plans.
And while it’s still a few years away from fruition, what a boost this will be for the skilled jobs market. What’s more, hopefully it will attract further investment in an otherwise tricky climate.
The First Minister said this would be “transformational” for the city and I don’t think she’s wrong.
The Wharf will be a fantastic addition to the city’s waterfront, an area which is really becoming the beating heart of Glasgow.
Arguably the most iconic view from the Clyde is of the modern Scottish Event Campus, with its space-age Hydro and so-called Armadillo dominating the skyline. We heard last week that business there is booming, with turnover and operating profits both on the up.
Not only that, a record level of future conferences were secured in the last year and 950 additional bedrooms will be added in two new hotels by the end of 2019.
It really is going from strength to strength.
Just seeing how the waterfront is evolving gives me hope that the fire-hit areas of the city can rise from the ashes stronger than ever.
We must continue to believe that every cloud can have a silver lining.
And on that note, we learned last week that Glasgow had missed out on becoming the home of Channel 4’s new headquarters. Wouldn’t that have been something?
Nevertheless, the city could still be in the running to bag a spot as one of the broadcaster’s “creative hubs”.
Glasgow’s up against some stiff competition but I can’t think of a better place for it, so let’s keep our fingers crossed.
The two hubs will be selected in the Autumn but one thing’s for certain, Glasgow is up to the challenge.
News that street performers at the Edinburgh Fringe will be able to get tips via contactless technology hit the headlines this week.
Apparently those putting on shows at set points along Auld Reekie’s Royal Mile will have special readers to take payments.
We’ve long known that less people are carrying cash.
And while the cynic in me says the makers of the tech are just piggy-backing on the huge popularity of the Fringe, it’s probably a savvy move.
The many tourists who flock to Edinburgh at Fringe time will be only too eager to tap away as they look to support the acts, while others will no doubt join in for the novelty value.
Plans are in place to extend the partnership to cater for more of the festival’s street performers.
That being said, I just can’t see it catching on for the wide variety of “performers” who populate Scotland’s high streets.
From X-Factor wannabes and bagpipe players to auld Davie singing the ‘Bonnie Banks’ cap in hand after a few too many, and that guy who dances to techno music anywhere he can in Glasgow City Centre (you all know who I mean).
It’s fair to say that there can be a big difference in quality between the many street performers and buskers who appear up and down our streets.
And while they all have their place in the rich tapestry of Scottish street life, I can’t see many punters handing over their American Express.
Laugh
Not so much a laugh this week as a giant smile.
That was what was on my face when I saw the video message which the great Sir Alex Ferguson read out via his former club Manchester United.
Ferguson had emergency surgery and was in intensive care for several days at Salford Royal Hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage in May this year.
The video was the first time he has spoken publicly. He took the chance to thank fans, his family and medical staff, adding “I would not be sitting here today” if it wasn’t for them.
Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of British football.
But whether you are a football fan or not, he is a Scottish icon, leader and inspiration – and I for one am delighted to see this born winner back and fighting strong.
Weep
Litter, fly-tipping and businesses simply dumping rubbish or waste on the street is one of my biggest gripes.
So dustbin lids off to Louise Maclean who started a Facebook page after getting fed up with so much of the stuff clogging the streets of her home city.
Louise set up the “Glasgow – No Clean City” page after hearing American tourists complaining about it being “covered in litter”.
She has since appeared in newspapers and on radio and television.
The city’s council has insisted that it’s doing all it can to fight the problem, but this lone litter crusader has taken matters into her own hands.
Louise, who has a background in online marketing, knew that she could have an impact.
Now it is up to others to take responsibility for their own actions and show how much pride they have in their surroundings.
