Hielanman's Umbrella - Glasgow Central Station
by Yvonne Johnstone
Title
Hielanman's Umbrella - Glasgow Central Station
Artist
Yvonne Johnstone
Medium
Photograph - Digitally Enhanced Photograph
Description
The Hielanman's Umbrella is the Glaswegian nickname for the glass walled railway bridge which carries the platforms of Glasgow Central station across Argyle Street.
The landmark bridge (dating from 1879) has distinctive Venetian style arched windows and is a marvellous example of Victorian engineering.
Due to the forced displacement of people during the second phase of the Highland Clearances in the 19th century many highlanders who spoke Scottish Gaelic, but not English, came to Glasgow to find work. Over many years Highlanders continued to arrive and began to keep in touch by meeting under the bridge, mostly at weekends.
With the city's inclement weather and the meeting of the highlanders it came to be known as the Hielanman's Umbrella. At the meetings they would share news and gossip from the homelands and of events in the city.
Uploaded
February 20th, 2021
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