Glasgow Barras - memories of chat and chancers at city's famous market

“Your story and photos brought back some memories,” he told us.

“I am 84 now, but when I was growing up, my aunt and my gran regularly took me there on the tram from Govan.”

Joe can remember the characters who populated Glasgow’s famous market, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The Barras. Pic: Herald & Times

The Barras was founded by entrepreneur and forward-thinking businesswoman Maggie McIver in 1921.

It was at a time when the city council was trying to stop street trading and Maggie provided land where traders could set up their stalls and sell safely to the public.

She died a multi-millionaire in 1958, having inspired generations of businesswomen.

Many visitors to the Barras love it for the patter - the stream of cheeky chat from stallholders and chancer customers alike.

“I can remember the Irishman who would get the audience to tie him up in chains and padlocks that he would escape from,” says Joe..

“Your photo of the guys selling dolls from the back of vans was interesting.

READ MORE: The Barras is 100 years old - send us your memories

“That particular photo would have been taken just before Christmas - there were always dozens of punters round the van right up to midnight on Chrismas Eve, when the dolls were cheaper.....”

Joe remembers the same man selling packs of playing cards.

“He announced that these cards were best quality and the numbers would never wear off, “laughs Joe.

“In fact, he said ‘buy these cards today and wash or scrub them and if the numbers rub off, bring them back tomorrow, next week or next year, - and I won`t be here....”

He adds; “He said that the first person to raise their hand to buy the item would receive a ring, so my gran put up her hand and bought a pack.

“When nothing was handed over, she shouted: ‘where’s the ring?’

“The man apologised, produced a large handbell and ‘gave’ her a ring....”

Alec Watt, from Govan, remembers being ‘deafened’ by the ‘two-for-a-pound’ man.

“It was quite something when he was in full flow,” he laughs. “I remember standing at the side of the stall with my mum and he suddenly yelled right above me, and launched into this tirade of words I could barely keep up with.

“It was brilliant - a sight to behold.

“I also remember the smell of the food stalls on a cold Saturday, and getting a toffee apple.”

Our Barras story prompted many readers like Joe and Alec to share their happy memories of the place.

Ena Dawson, now in her 50s and living in East Kilbride, recalls; “I can still remember the day my dad took me to the Barras to get me a hula hoop.

The Barras. Pic: Herald & Times

“They were hanging up on a stall, all these brightly coloured hoops, blowing in the wind, and it was such an eye-catching, vivid sight I can still see it.

“All my friends had hula hoops, so this was a big deal for me, to get one of my own.”

She groans: “I was never any good at it though. That and majorettes’ batons - could never get the hang of either...”

Send us your memories of the Barras.

Did you run a stall there? What bargains did you find there? We’d love to share your stories and photographs.