Paddy's Market bags last bargains

Advertisement

The market was named after the 19th century Irish immigrants who used it

One of Scotland's best known markets has opened for the last time, after operating for nearly 200 years.

Paddy's Market in Glasgow has seen generations of families running stalls underneath the railway arches, selling anything from shoes to cookers.

The market in Shipbank Lane, named after the 19th century Irish immigrants who used it, has become an institution.

Recently it was branded a "crime ridden midden" by Glasgow City Council, which vowed to clean up the area.

Councillor Gordon Matheson said the nature of the market had changed and there were real concerns about the amount of crime associated with it, including drug dealing and the selling of contraband items including alcohol, cigarettes and music.

"The hottest of crime hot spots in the city of Glasgow is Shipbank Lane itself," he said.

Current traders have been given notice to vacate the site by Friday In Pictures: Paddy's Market

"Slums and outside toilets are part of the history of working class Glasgow, but we're not going backwards to that.

"Unfortunately Paddy's has moved backwards. There are opportunities for traders to move on, but Glasgow also needs to move on."

Traders have blamed a nearby homeless hostel for the area's problems.

Last year they launched a proposal to save the market by offering to run it themselves, and helping to cut crime by fencing off lanes and vetting stall holders.

However, their bid failed and the council decided to press ahead with plans to transform the area to accommodate artists' studios and craft stalls.

Buyers and sellers have been marking the market's demise by likening the closure to a bereavement.

A coffin has been set up and people have been laying flowers and lighting candles.

Current traders have been given notice to vacate the site by Friday. Some plan to move up the road to Glasgow Barras Market.