Staff celebrate 25 years of Glasgow’s Armadillo
STAFF from Glasgow’s iconic Armadillo are celebrating 25 years in business. The venue has become known for its armadillo- shaped roof and, since it opened in 1997, has hosted some of the city’s major events, including COP26 last year and conferences for major companies like Marks and Spencer.
Some of the biggest names in music have graced the stage over the last two and a half decades, including Tom Jones, Blondie and Dolly Parton.
To mark the Armadillo’s anniversary, three devoted members of the SEC family, Sarah Kergon, Paul Duffy and Margaret Cowan, have shared their fondest memories of working there.
The trio have worked 93 years between them and were some of the first to step through the building’s doors when it opened.
Sarah, from Paisley, has worked in the conference sales department since she started with the SEC in 1997. She has enjoyed a long career arranging corporate conferences in the venue and has watched some fantastic performances.
Sarah said: “I remember being in the Armadillo not long after it opened and instantly thinking this was going to be an iconic building in the city and I was right.
“On a professional level I love showing it off to our clients – we always get such great feedback.
“On a personal level, it’s one of my favourite places to enjoy music. It has a lovely intimate vibe and, in my opinion, the perfect place to watch your favourite performer.”
Paul has worked at the SEC since 1986, and while his favourite gig was A Night with Al Pacino, he has another fond memory of Susan Boyle making her debut.
He said: “I work on the technical side across all SEC Campus venues and the Armadillo is one of my favourites.
“It’s just such a brilliant place for all sorts of performances and everyone who goes always loves it.”
Margaret, who runs all operations for the Irn Bru Carnival, added:
“I remember very clearly sitting at the back of the auditorium before it opened and just being so impressed with the views – it was so different to anything we’d had on campus before.
“Although I don’t work day- today in the venue, I am a regular there for events. My favourite so far has been Billy Connolly.
“I’ve also been lucky enough to watch my daughter dance on the stage which is another memory I’ll always treasure.”