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.
29. George Square (1971)
The new Chief Constable for Glasgow David McNee at the City Chambers in George Square, February 1971. Photo: Gordon Rule
30. Ken Buchanan v Jim Watt
Edinburgh boxing hero Ken Buchanan fights Jim Watt in a British lightweight boxing match in Glasgow in 1973. It was a gruelling 15 round contest which Buchanan won. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood
31. Glasgow pub (1971)
Moutaineer Don Whillans enjoys a pint in a Glasgow pub in march 1971. Photo: Gordon Rule
32. Inner Ring Road (1972)
The 'Inner Ring Road' at Port Dundas pictured in 1972. Signage displaying the Ring Road was still present well into the 1990s. Photo: Stuart Baird www.glasgows-motorways.co.uk.jpg