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.

5. Paul McCartney in Glasgow (1970)
Former Beatle Paul McCartney crosses the road outside Camerons bar in Glasgow | Paul McCartney, Glasgow, 1970 © Paul McCartney / Photographer: Linda McCartney.

6. Alice Cooper at Green's Playhouse
American rock singer Alice Cooper performs live on stage at Green's Playhouse in Glasgow on 10 November 1972. | Getty Images

7. David Cassidy
David Cassidy made an appearance at Glasgow's Shawfield Stadium in May 1974. Photo: Travis

8. Paddy's Market (1971)
Christmas shopping at Paddy's Market in Glasgow, December 1971. Photo: TSPL


