The 1970s was a defining decade for Glasgow, marking a period of dramatic change as many residents left the city’s inner-city slums for newly built housing estates on its outskirts.
Globally, it was a time of major events and cultural milestones — Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president in history to resign following the Watergate scandal, films like The Godfather, Star Wars, and Grease captivated audiences, Billy Connolly emerged as a national star, and the UK experienced political turbulence leading up to Margaret Thatcher’s rise to power in 1979.
In Glasgow, the live music scene thrived. Notable acts performed at Green’s Playhouse — renamed The Apollo in September 1973 — while Hampden Park once again hosted a European Cup Final, with Bayern Munich taking on Saint-Étienne in 1976.
Here are 70 photographs that capture the changing face of Glasgow and everyday life in the city throughout the seventies.
49. Mars bar (1978)
Guitarist Charlie Burchill and singer Jim Kerr, founders of Simple Minds, performing at one of their first gigs in Glasgow in 1978. Photo: Laurie Evans
50. Queens Drive (1975)
There’s not been many changes to Queens Drive over the years with it being photographed here in 1975. | Virtual Mitchell
51. Sauchiehall Street (1972)
People doing Christmas shopping in a traffic-free Sauchiehall Street in December 1972. Photo: Allan Milligan
52. St George’s Cross (1971)
The new motorway running through Glasgow is pictured here at St George’s Cross in 1971. | Virtual Mitchell