RIDING in carriages over cobbled streets was uncomfortable, so the introduction of Glasgow’s first trams must have been a huge relief.
It was 1870, and the first tracks were a two-and-a-half mile stretch from St George’s Cross to Eglinton Toll.
Can’t imagine the roadworks were much fun in 1946, however – our photographs show men at work repairing and replacing the tram lines around the important city spot.
Of course, by the time this picture was taken just after the war, the days of the trams were almost over and by the late 50s and early 60s, the distinctive cars would have all but disappeared.
Eglinton Toll, 1960. Pic : Herald and Times
In this picture, from 1960, the tracks are still visible but there’s not a tramcar in sight…
Eglinton Toll was also known as St Andrew’s Cross (said to arise from the saltire-shaped arrangement of the roads) and situated as the southern entry to the Port Eglinton industrial area (roughly between Pollokshields to the south and Tradeston to the north).
Originally intended as a dock area serving as the Glasgow terminus of a waterway (the Glasgow, Paisley and Johnstone Canal) established in the early 19th century by Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, it was never fully completed and in the 1880s the canal was replaced by a railway.
Workmen busy at Eglinton Toll, 1946. Pic Herald and Times
The area was once home to a power station, printworks and the Plaza ballroom.
READ MORE: I Grew Up in Glasgow - Pokey hats and candy apples, sweet Shettleston memories
What are your memories of Eglinton Toll? Get in touch with Times Past to share your stories and photos.
Email ann.fotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk
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