As Glaswegians we grew up around Argyle Street, weekends spent trawling through Lewis’ or Debenham’s or Argyll Arcade - but how many of us actually know the early history of one of Glasgow’s oldest streets?
It dates back to the very beginnings of Glasgow, when the city was little more than a cathedral on a hill and some old market stalls around the Trongate.
Take a look below as we explore the history of Argyle Street in 8 retro pictures.
5. Hielanman's Umbrella
Thanks to the Highland Clearances in the 19th century, many highlanders were forced to move to Glasgow during the industrial revolution. It was a difficult time for the Scots who only spoke Gaelic. When they weren't working on the Clyde, they would meet up on the weekend underneath Glasgow Central's glass-walled rail-bridge, and get all the gossip from their friends from back home. | Getty Images
6. Department Stores
Scaffolding collapses at Argyle Street Glasgow outside Lewis’ Store in 1960. For as long as most folks can remember, Argyle Street has always had a department store, first Lewis', then Debenham's - since it shut down in 2020, the old department store building has faced an uncertain future. | Supplied
7. Shopping through the years
Looking along Argyle Street from Stockwell Street in the early sixties. Argyle Street was always a haven for Merchants, even in the very beginnings of the city. Traders used to set up stalls and businesses on courts along both sides of the city centre street - including: Sydney Court, Morrison's Court, Moodies's Court, Wellington Court, Wilson's Court, Buchanan Court, Turner's Court and Pratt's Court. | Glasgow City Archives
8. Boots
Boots was a main-stay on Argyle Street for decades, first next to Argyll Arcade then on to the four corners - on the current site of KFC. | Glasgow City Archives