Argyle Street is one of Glasgow’s oldest and most important thoroughfares, dating back to the 17th century when it was known as Westergait, the main road leading west from the old city gates.
When the West Port was demolished in 1751 to allow Glasgow’s expansion beyond its medieval walls, the street was renamed Argyle Street in honour of Archibald Campbell, the 3rd Duke of Argyll.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Argyle Street developed into one of Glasgow’s principal shopping and commercial streets. Elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings appeared alongside new businesses, department stores, and hotels, reflecting the city’s rise as an industrial and mercantile powerhouse.
Parts of the famous Glasgow street were pedestrianised during the 20th century with it remaining a busy shopping hub until this day.
Here are 14 old photographs of one of Glasgow’s most famous streets.
5. Littlewoods
The Argyle Street store was Littlewoods first in Scotland and opened in August 1960. Glaswegians have fond memories of visiting the cafe in the store. | Supplied
6. Argyle Street (1962)
A busy street scene on Argyle Street in the early sixties. | Glasgow City Archives
7. Argyle Street (1990)
A busy Argyle Street pictured in 1990. | Cranhill Arts Project
8. Argyle Street (1961)
A view along a busy Argyle Street from the Trongate in the early sixties. An advert for the new Marks & Spencers store on the corner of Argyle Street and Glassford Street can be seen on the right of the image. | Glasgow City Archives