AMONG my family, friends and colleagues, I’m known for my love of the Glasgow trams.

I love the cars, the lines, the rosettes on pre-1962 buildings. I love our photos showing them at the heart of Glasgow’s hustle and bustle. And I love the way Glaswegians are still proud of their tramways almost sixty years after they disappeared from the city’s streets.

Civic pride in Glasgow’s trams is nothing new and the city has seen many a tram anniversary celebrated over the years. In fact, this year marks a century since Glasgow Corporation Tramways celebrated its Golden Jubilee on August 19, 1922. It was a significant milestone in the city’s public transport history.

To recognise this achievement, the Corporation arranged for a civic luncheon as well as a reception and dance at the City Chambers. In addition, each of the Tramways’ 8700 staff were presented with £1 apiece.

However, the most spectacular and public celebration was a pageant of tramcars showcasing the five decades of progress. Since the 19th fell on a Saturday, the celebration was held on Friday, August 18.

Thousands lined the route and flocked to the city centre by – what else? – tram. Each of the ordinary cars carried a miniature flag especially for the occasion. The pageant itself set out from St George’s Cross just as the first public car did fifty years previously.

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The special cars selected for the pageant illustrated the three ages of the city’s tramways history - horse-drawn vehicle (1872 – 1898); double-decked electric cars with open tops (1898 – 1904); double-decked electric cars with enclosed tops (1904 – 1922).

Pomp and ceremony were the order of the day. Led by an outrider in a postillion jacket and tartan cap, the cars set off accompanied by the Tramways Department Pipe Band and the Glasgow Police Band.

Their route took them along New City Road, Cambridge Street, Sauchiehall Street, Renfield Street and St Vincent Street before reaching George Square where they were given a musical welcome from the Band of the 31st Infantry Regiment of France.

Inside the City Chambers, luncheon awaited the passengers who included tramway experts from around the world. Hosted by the Lord Provost, Thomas Paxton, the meal included the well-named Jubilee Pudding.

Those sitting at the centre table ate their lunch in front of miniature model tramcars.

This August, there will be no pomp, no ceremony and no pageantry to mark the hundredth and fiftieth anniversary of the city’s first public tram service. The Glasgow Tramways are no more.

But I’ll be among those who look back and celebrate them – because I do love the Glasgow tram....