Eye-catching vessels docking in Glasgow are nothing unusual – after all, the city was once the envy of the world with a fifth of all ships launched globally originating from the Clyde.
Even so, you really don’t expect to see a purple 25-foot sailing boat blocking the street as you make your morning commute.
Climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion decided to change that last Monday, positioning their distinctive yacht at the intersection of Glasgow’s Gallowgate and High Street – just in time for the morning rush hour.
The group, who also staged a “die-in” protest under the skeleton of a dinosaur at Kelvingrove Art Gallery in April, chained themselves to the vessel to raise awareness of climate change.
I’d hoped that choosing a boat to cause maximum disruption was a nod to Glasgow’s maritime heritage, but it turns out it was part of a coordinated UK-wide demonstration, with similar boats appearing in London, Leeds, Bristol, and Cardiff.
The boat was in situ at the Trongate for several hours, and I was surprised it wasn’t towed away—especially since Glasgow City Council has been quick to implement further car parking charges recently.
I’m being flippant, of course. I do think Extinction Rebellion have a point. We must think about our planet and its future. However, there are plenty of ways to have your voice heard—I’m not sure this was the best way to win hearts and minds.
With the Scottish Government aiming for 50% of energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2045, perhaps they would have been better protesting elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the environment debate rages on. The proposed 25p “latte levy” on disposable cups has drawn both praise and criticism. The SNP government plans to force coffee chains to implement this surcharge within two years.
Led by Dame Sue Bruce, the expert panel found that nearly 500 million disposable cups are given out annually in Scotland. With more businesses looking to cut packaging, the levy could make sense.
I’d support a 25p “tax” if the funds were reinvested in recycling and reuse schemes—similar to the Scottish Water campaign promoting reusable bottles.
If it proceeds, the disposable cup levy could be a UK first—especially since Westminster rejected a similar plan last year.
Extinction Rebellion’s purple boat carried the message “Act Now.” I think the Scottish Government is—slowly but surely—doing just that.
Dog-friendly gyms are taking off.
Glasgow’s AG Fitness Training is encouraging clients to bring their dogs along. The gym claims to be the city’s first dog-friendly fitness centre—following in the paw-prints of London’s pet-friendly workout spaces and Edinburgh’s outdoor canine running clubs.
Gyms can be intimidating, but welcoming dogs might make the experience friendlier and more inclusive. With hotels, cafes, and restaurants also embracing dogs, the gym trend is a smart move.
Laugh
Lothian Police’s hilarious social media antics.
Ahead of the Proclaimers’ Edinburgh Castle concert, the force tweeted safety advice laced with lyrics from hits like King of the Road and Sunshine on Leith. A fun way to engage with fans!
Weep
Steven Brown Art enters liquidation.
Ayr-based Steven Brown Art, famous for its colourful McCoo prints, has gone bust, closing its gallery and warehouse and making 21 staff redundant. Despite rapid growth since 2016, the company couldn’t overcome serious cash flow issues. All assets are now being sold off, but I doubt we’ve seen the last of those vibrant prints.
