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.
65. Gordon Street
A view down Gordon Street in Glasgow city centre in 1974. | Virtual Mitchell
66. The Ramshorn
St Paul's and St David's Ramshorn Church pictured from Candleriggs in April 1975. | Virtual Mitchell
67. Clarkston Toll (1971)
A section of the road at Clarkston Toll in Glasgow, after a faulty gas main exploded killing 20 shoppers and injuring hundreds in October 1971. Photo: Allan Milligan & Stan Warburton
68. Bell Street (1975)
The corner of Bell Street and Albion Street captured in August 1975. The corner is now home to O'Neills. | Virtual Mitchell