Visitors to this year’s Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival showed their support for the city in the best way possible – by turning out in droves to explore its hidden gems and cultural landmarks.
The one-week festival ended yesterday and was a huge success, unveiling some of the stories behind Glasgow’s iconic architecture, culture and history.
I felt this year’s theme, “We’re All Here: Diversity & Diaspora”, was particularly poignant, and struck a chord with those who took part, because it was more than just a slogan – it reflected Glasgow’s very soul.
In a city where cultural diversity has been integral to its identity for centuries, this theme captured the essence of what makes Glasgow special, weaving together the stories of people from all walks of life.
From the grand halls of Victorian buildings to community-run projects in repurposed spaces, the festival wasn’t merely about architecture – it was about celebrating the people who have shaped those spaces through migration, community and cultural exchange.
More than 100 buildings opened their doors, each offering a unique lens into how these forces have sculpted the Glasgow we know today. The festival reminded us that Glasgow’s strength lies in its diversity, its openness, and its ongoing dialogue with the world.
The Glasgow Women’s Library was a highlight for many, with its “She Settles in the Shields” exhibition drawing significant crowds. The exhibition, focusing on migrant women in the Southside, offered a powerful and often overlooked insight into the contributions these women have made to our cultural landscape.
Over at the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, visitors were also able to explore the mechanical sculptures of Eduard Bersudsky. It’s a clever and bizarre fusion of art and innovation and I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.
The festival was also a reminder of Glasgow’s talent for reinvention. Locations like the Greyfriars Biophilic Garden and the Springburn Shopping Centre pop-up gallery were standout examples of how the city continues to reimagine and revitalise its spaces.
The biophilic garden, built on the remains of an old gasworks site, isn’t just a peaceful retreat – it’s a symbol of how Glasgow is continually reshaped by its residents. Meanwhile, the Springburn gallery’s exploration of regeneration projects in the area sparked conversations about the impact of urban planning on communities – a timely topic for a city in constant flux.
I liked the fact these were more than just exhibits. They encouraged people to stop, think and talk.
The success of this year’s festival also brings about a welcome boost for Glasgow, still finding its feet in the wake of both the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic.
With city centre locations like Sauchiehall Street’s Culture and the Heritage District featuring prominently in the programme, I hope it will have had a revitalising effect on parts of the city that have struggled in recent years.
It was good to see Sauchiehall Street buzzing with activity once again – a hopeful sign that Glasgow’s heart is beginning to beat stronger after a difficult few years.
I’m sure most of you will have heard the advice to “look up” when you’re in Glasgow, because its incredible architecture can so easily get overlooked when you’re buzzing about the shops. If you take a moment to explore its sights above street-level it really is amazing.
What I love about Doors Open Day is the fact it takes that conversation one step further and celebrates more than the buildings. It also celebrates the people and the stories behind them.
On top of that, it doesn’t just look back at Glasgow’s history. It encourages engaging with the present and imagining what the city could become.
The festival has been running for 35 years and its organisers have continued to innovate and keep it interesting, not only showcasing 100 buildings but also featuring tours, special events, online digital trails and more.
Hats off to them for another brilliant celebration of our city.
Another blow for manufacturing
Yet again Scotland is reeling from another massive blow to its manufacturing industry.
Little over a week ago I heard Alexander Dennis was consulting on the redundancy over 160 Scottish jobs – sad times for the Larbert-based coach and bus manufacturer which is a major employer in the central belt.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse for the sector, another industry giant is in the headlines after Belfast-based Harland & Wolff declared itself insolvent.
Famous for the construction of the ill-fated Titanic, the company has brought in administrators.
Its shares will be delisted, and the company’s assets picked through with a fine toothcomb.
The company anticipated about 50-60 immediate redundancies but with a workforce of 1,600 I’m sure many more will fear for their livelihoods.
With shipyards at Methil in Fife and Anish on the Isle of Lewis, it has bases in rural areas of Scotland with already fragile economies.
As yet, staff at the company’s shipyards aren’t affected. Harland & Wolff is hopeful the companies operating its shipyards will be bought.
This isn’t a first for Harland & Wolff. In 2019 it got a lifeline in the form of a £1.6bn Ministry of Defence contract after being placed into administration.
We can only keep our fingers crossed that someone steps in again this time.
It Made Me Laugh
Speedy snowsports coaster
While I doff my cap to the imagination and engineering, I couldn’t help but have a giggle at the unveiling of Scotland’s newest rollercoaster.
Part of Midlothian Snowsports Centre’s offering, the Alpine Coaster is an outdoor ride which snakes down the Pentland Hills reaching speeds of nearly 30mph.
We had cracking weather last week when I’m sure it was being thoroughly enjoyed by thrill-seeking visitors.
I’ll be interested to see how it fares in the wet, windy and snowy winters of Scotland though. I don’t think a water park ride is quit what they were going for.
But maybe riders will decide it’s worth braving the elements to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh and beyond on the way down. Get your waterproofs ready!
It Made Me Weep
Final dance for The Shed
When you’re having a brilliant night out, you don’t want it to end.
Sadly, for Glasgow’s The Shed nightclub, it has danced its last dance as the Shawlands institution closed its doors for the last time after 26 years.
Not only is it a loss for the area and its regulars, it’s another sore one for Scotland’s nighttime economy.
The sector has struggled to recover since Covid hit – there are only 82 nightclubs left in Scotland now. That’s down 30 per cent from 125 in 2020.
The correlation with Covid is undeniable, but if we want to ward off a further demise, our nighttime economy must diversify, modernise and bring itself stomping into 2025 with vigour.
