The sixties were a defining era for the world with it being one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in history with Glasgow not being immune to the decade of counterculture.
It was a decade where The Beatles shot to fame, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon and Martin Luther King Jr made historic “I Have a Dream” speech to an audience on 250,000 people. The contrast to that was that the US increased their military authority in Vietnam, President John F. Kennedy was assasinated and there was the threat of nuclear war between the US and Soviet Union after the Cuban Missile Crisis.
As Glasgow looked on, the city was starting to rapidly change in the post-war years with many still suffering from poverty. Tenements were starting to become a thing of the past as families saw high rising living as the new way forward. One major event during the sixties for the city was when Glasgow said goodbye to their beloved tram cars with their final day in operation being on September 4, 1962.
The following 24 pictures aim to show the changing landscape of the city through Glaswegian’s public transport, buildings and streets in a defining decade.
13. Queen’s Park
Anti-Vietnam war protesters march at a peace rally in Queen’s Park in June 1966. Photo: Ian Brand
14. Trams
Trams in Union Street at the junction of Renfield Street and Gordon Street. Photo: Unknown
15. St George’s Cross
The construction of the M8 in Glasgow saw many areas in the city change completely with St George’s Cross being one of them. Photo: TSPL
16. Sauchiehall Street
Crowds gather round a shop window on Sauchiehall Street. Photo: Unknown