Glasgow in the Nineties: A look back at 1990, Glasgow's year as Europe's city of culture

By Callum McCormack

News Features Writer

Published 9th Aug 2024, 10:53 BST

Updated 24th Apr 2025, 10:39 BST

In 1990, Glasgow stepped out of the shadow of its post-industrial reputation and welcomed the world as a modern European city and cultural leading light.

Nearly 40 years ago, Glasgow was named as the first British city to be European Capital of Culture. The award saw the city follow in the footsteps of Athens, Florence and Paris amongst others to be recognised as a city rich with culture.

Glasgow had been awarded the title in 1986, with 1990 set as the year that the city would welcome the world to witness its cultural offerings - and Glasgow did not disappoint.

From the Scottish cultural icons to worldwide megastars, Glasgow puffed out its chest and took its place as a centre for art, music, literature and creative endeavours.

The city invested in new and innovative spaces in which to host events, such as the Tramway and the Royal Concert Hall. Those investments have paid decades-long dividends and still facilitate Glasgow’s cultural output.

In George Square and Glasgow Green, thousands gathered for the Big Day festival - whilst Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti and the Rolling Stones also held concerts in the city.

The city vibrated with culture from across the spectrum. It was more than just cultural spaces that saw redevelopment, the city itself was also given a facelift, with buildings across the city blasted free of the soot that covered them.

However, the year long events programme was not just a high watermark for the city, it was an awakening to the rest of the world of the high standards that Glasgow had.

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Take a look at our gallery from Glasgow’s defining year as European Capital of Culture.

It was a transformative moment for the city when, in 1986, it was announced that Glasgow would reign supreme in 1990 as the first UK recipient of the title European Capital of Culture.

1. European City of Culture

It was a transformative moment for the city when, in 1986, it was announced that Glasgow would reign supreme in 1990 as the first UK recipient of the title European Capital of Culture. | TSPL Photo: TSPL

In George Square and Glasgow Green, Texas, Wet, Wet, Wet and Deacon Blue represented the city’s love of music with The Big Day, a free concert broadcast on Channel Four.

2. Deacon Blue

In George Square and Glasgow Green, Texas, Wet, Wet, Wet and Deacon Blue represented the city’s love of music with The Big Day, a free concert broadcast on Channel Four. | Supplied

The city won out over eight other UK cities, including Edinburgh, to be named as European Capital of Culture for the year.

3. Taking the crown

The city won out over eight other UK cities, including Edinburgh, to be named as European Capital of Culture for the year. | Supplied

Events Manager Bob Palmer (right) told the Glasgow Times 25 years later: "leading Glasgow 1990 European Capital of Culture was something like managing a volcano."

4. "Like managing a volcano"

Events Manager Bob Palmer (right) told the Glasgow Times 25 years later: "leading Glasgow 1990 European Capital of Culture was something like managing a volcano." | Donald Macleod Photo: Donald Macleod

Glasgow Culture Concerts Glasgow 850

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