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.
13. Kelvingrove Park (1971)
Mina Mitchell wins the Jif pancake race at Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, February 1971. Photo: TSPL
14. Argyle Street
Pedestrians - and a traffic warden - cross against the lights in Argyle Street Glasgow - August 1974. Photo: Allan Milligan
15. Glasgow gas street lamp
Lord Provost of Glasgow Sir Donald Liddle lights the last Glasgow gas street lamp in September 1971. Photo: TSPL
16. The Cosmo
A view of the old Cosmo Cinema from Rose Street in 1970. | Glasgow City Archive