ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Bridging the gap in Glasgow in true style
AS the Kingston Bridge gets special recognition this week, here’s a chance to see the rest of the city’s river crossings in all their glory.
This spectacular shot from our archives, looking west across the city, shows some of the 21 bridges across the River Clyde, the oldest of which date back to the 1850s.
The 50-year-old Kingston Bridge is a mighty structure, and a controversial one, because of its impact on the communities demolished to make way for it in the 60s and 70s. This week it was given category C status by Historic Environment Scotland to mark its 50th year in existence, with HES recognising both positive and negative aspects of its history.
The city bridges hold a special place in the hearts of many Glaswegians. They tell the story of the growth of Glasgow, reflecting changes in transportation from horse-drawn carriages and trains to trams and motor cars. There are different types - suspension, cable stayed, arched and truss; and they are made of everything from steel and concrete to granite and wood. One of the oldest is the St Andrew’s Footbridge at Glasgow Green. This wrought iron suspension bridge was built in 1855 to replace a ferry crossing. It is 67 metres long and connects McNeil Street in Hutchesontown with Glasgow Green.
And one of the most modern is the Clyde Arc, or Squinty Bridge, designed by Edmund Nuttall Ltd and completed in 2006 as part of a huge regeneration project on the Clyde Waterfront. What’s your favourite Glasgow bridge and why?
Send us your memories and photos – email ann.fotheringham@ glasgowtimes.co.uk