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.
17. Astoria Cinema
The original Astoria Cinema building pictured around 1970. Like many cinemas in Glasgow it was converted into a bingo hall. | Glasgow City Archives
18. David Cassidy at Shawfield
Thousands of screaming teenage girls at a David Cassidy concert at Shawfield stadium in May 1974 - security staff had to lift them over the barriers and some girls were hurt during the show. Photo: Unknown
19. Upper Clyde Shipbuilders
Upper Clyde Shipbuilders workers demonstrate their support of the UCS shop stewards with a show of hands at a mass meeting in Govan shipyard Glasgow in September 1971. Photo: TSPL
20. New MP for Govan
Scottish National Party politician Margo MacDonald, the new MP for Glasgow Govan, takes the train to London with her daughters Petra and Zoe and a bagpipe player in November 1973. | Getty Images