Plea to save Glasgow's first Hampden taken to Scottish Parliament

Holly Bruce, MSP for the city's Southside. has asked for help from the government to help secure the fate of the first Hampden which is currently closed.

The site marks Scotland's first national football ground and the world's first purpose-built international football stadium, which was recently occupied by Hampden Bowling Club prior to their closure.

Holly Bruce MSP at Holyrood. (Image: Parliament TV)

City Property Glasgow - an arms length company owned by Glasgow City Council - is planning to market the site for commercial use or development.

However, campaigners and residents in the area want assurances that the space can remain within the community.

First Hampden CIC are a group of locals who have been in communication with City Property Glasgow over the future of the site they call an important part of the area's heritage.

Addressing the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament, Holly Bruce said: "The site of Scotland's first national football ground and a vital community space sits within my constituency, Glasgow Southside, and a group of neighbours known as First Hampden are fighting to keep that site as both a community hub and football heritage site open to all.

"Does the First Minister agree with me that this space should be protected and ran by the community instead of sold off to the highest bidder?"

John Swinney, replied to Bruce, declaring that he would need more time to follow up on the legal issues surrounding the case.

He said: "I am very sympathetic to the issues that I have raised, but I would better ensure that I can give an accurate answer to Holly Bruce about the relevant issues that have been wrestled with around ownership and use.

"I will write to her in due course with the detail of what the Government can do in that case."