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.
53. Kelvingrove Park
The Stewart Fountain pictured in Kelvingrove Park in 1974 on a sunny day. | Virtual Mitchell
54. Pavilion Theatre (1979)
Glasgow's beloved Pavilion Theatre photographed in September 1979, when entertainer Andy Stewart was topping the bill Photo: Allan Milligan
55. Donald Dewar
The new Labour MP for Garscadden, Donald Dewar, arriving at Westminster in April 1978. | Getty Images
56. Scotland Street
Scotland Street museum pictured in 1970. The school which is now a museum was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. | Virtual Mitchell