Talisman: 'Eyesore' Glasgow pub finally to be demolished as locals declare victory in long-running saga

Work will begin tomorrow to tear down the Talisman following years of wrangling and mounting pressure from the local community to take action. 

The Balgrayhill Road building, described as a "visual and environmental blight", has been derelict for more than two decades and the move comes shortly after council officers agreed to explore a compulsory purchase order on the land. 

READ MORE: Work set to start on compulsory purchase plans for eyesore Talisman pub in Springburn

Councillors have hailed the demolition work, expected to last until the end of March, as a win for the "people of Springburn". 

Springburn/Robroyston man Graham Campbell said: "The Talisman was the very symbol of total neglect and lack of respect for the residents of Balgaryhill Road having to look at that monstrosity all this time.

"Getting the Talisman down is only the first step in the recovery of our community. I'm so excited that the pressure we put on the owners, working alongside locals these last six years, has finally paid off. The Talisman is coming down as promised, and it's about time." 

Councillor Christina Cannon, of the same ward, added: "The community, in partnership with elected members, has been working tirelessly to transform Springburn’s image.

"Local residents were adamant The Talisman had to go after being neglected for decades. We listened and we acted. The demolition of The Talisman is the first step in changing the area." 

The pub has endured a long and chequered history with talks repeatedly stalling between the local authority and its current owner, Ameen Mirza. 

In November last year, council officers opened discussions over purchasing the land if pleas to tear down the building continued to be ignored. However, in December, it was revealed the owner had committed to carrying out the work and a demolition warrant had been granted. 

Late last year, Mr Mirza signalled his intent to purchase land surrounding the building from the council and asked for talks to reopen with the local authority. 

Anne Mclaughlin, MP for Glasgow North East, said: "We’ve been fighting alongside the community for so many years to get this eyesore down so this is an emotional day. 

"The reason we persisted is because of the message it gave to local residents – that they didn’t matter. That sort of attitude affects people’s self-esteem." 

Keiran O'Neill, Labour candidate for Maryhill and Springburn, also hailed the move. He said: “This is a fantastic result for the community which has put pressure on the owner to tear down this eyesore for two decades now.

"It should never have taken this long, but this news is a victory for local residents." 

READ MORE: Talisman owner wants to purchase land surrounding derelict pub

Former Labour & Co-operative MP for Glasgow North East, Paul Sweeney, said: "This long-running saga should be a cautionary tale about the insufficient powers available to Councils to deal with private landlords. The Scottish Government must make legislation to force Compulsory Sale Orders (CSOs) on negligent owners a priority now." 

Councillor Ruari Kelly, chair of the Glasgow City Council's contracts and property committee, said: "I am determined that this will act as a catalyst to address other sites where private owners think they can force communities to live with such buildings while the council sits powerless to act."

It's unclear at this time what will happen to the land. Mr Mirza had been granted planning permission to create a retail centre but these proposals stalled.

The Springburn Regeneration Forum, led by Springburn Community Council, previously called on the space to be redeveloped. 

The Glasgow Times made attempts to contact Mr Mirza for comment.