Four new ‘Port Stones’ marking the approximate locations of the original medieval city ports have been unveiled as part of the Glasgow 850 programme, leaving a lasting legacy of our past for future generations. 

The initiative was a collaboration between the Merchants House, Trades House and the Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability Department of Glasgow City Council. Students from City of Glasgow College with heritage masonry skills were tasked with designing and producing the stones.  Carved from Caithness stone, each marker has been set into footpaths at the sites of the former North, South, East, and West ports- historic entry points that once served both defensive and administrative roles.

Project partners alongside the Lord Provost at the unveiling

The Port Stones were officially unveiled on the 16th May, with a tour starting at Glasgow Cathedral and visiting all four locations. The event was followed by a Civic Reception at the City Chambers.  In recognition of the project, commemorative Glasgow 850 plates were presented by the Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, to all partners. This limited edition plate was commissioned by Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren to mark the 850th anniversary of Glasgow. Produced by Make It Glasgow CIC, the plate pays tribute to the city’s rich ceramic heritage. Its design echoes a piece made at Bell’s Pottery factory in the late 1880’s and is layered with meaning, symbols and images representing Glasgow’s past and present. Notable elements include the Mackintosh rose, the city crest, and even Billy Connolly’s Big Banana Boots!

The North Port Stone

Glasgow 850 commemorative plate

For more details on the Port Stones project visit a previous article here

Images credit Steve Hosey