IT has been a historic landmark in Glasgow for 100 years, and now The Barras Market is celebrating its centenary with a special series of events.

Barras100, hosted by Friends of The pipe Factory, will kick off this weekend with an exhibition at the market showing the history of the stalls dating back to 1921.

Local businesswoman Margaret ‘Maggie’ McIver created the shopping district in Calton as a safe space for traders to set up shop.

Margaret McIver Ltd is still a mainstay at The Barras and remains one of the most prominent market operators.

Tom Joyes, manager at Margaret McIver Ltd, said: "The Barras Market was pioneered by James and Margaret McIver in 1921.

Glasgow Times: Pics: Peter DegnanPics: Peter Degnan

"To this day ‘Margaret McIver Limited’ is the main Market Operator in the area and is still a family run business.

"Covid-19 and Lockdown have not been kind to the area.

"We envisage Barras100 to be the bounce back needed to promote the area to the Country and leave a lasting legacy for the City.”

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The Barras100 exhibition will kick off tomorrow and Sunday, and will also be available to visit on Saturday June, 19 and Sunday June, 20.

 

Visitors will be treated to an exhibition form photographers such as Peter Degnan and Stuart Edwards marking the past 100 years of stalls and characters that made the Barras a world-famous institution.

There will also be a heritage exhibition collecting some of the best memories from visitors to The Barras, with plans to also release a film charting the past 100 years of the East-End market.

Glasgow Times: Pics: Peter DegnanPics: Peter Degnan

The film is set to be released online later this year.

Stephen Sheriff, director of Friends of The Pipe Factor, said: “The Barras is a Glasgow institution and holds a place in the hearts of many around the city, and indeed, the world.

"100 years is an incredible milestone, and testament to the traders, who are known for their heritage of enterprise and endeavour.

"Like all events over the last year, Barras100 has been delayed due to the pandemic, so we can’t wait to get into the market this weekend and chat to folks about their memories.

"The market has been busier of late than it was pre-pandemic, and I think this is due to the atmosphere and the amazing people. There’s life at the Barras!

"If folks can’t make it to the market to share their stories, we’d love to hear from them on social media or by email.

"As we look to the future of the market, it’s vital that we celebrate and preserve the rich history and culture of the Barras, for generations to come.”