The story of the most 'romantic' spot in Glasgow Central

We asked our readers where they thought the most romantic spot in the city was, and we were inundated with brilliant stories of how and where they meet their sweethearts.

One spot that seemed to stick out for many of you, however, was the clock in Central Station.

One reader said: “Used to meet my late husband under the clock, Central Station. Holds great memories for me.”

“So did my young parents. My mum worked in the Central Hotel and my dad waited there!” one replied.

Another said: “Central Station under the clock… so many first dates meet there.”

One reader explained that when they first arrived in Scotland, their future husband asked them to meet him at the clock, but when they arrived, he wasn’t there and had slept in… at least it worked out and he still got to propose!

It is no coincidence that so many of us in Glasgow recognise the clock as a romantic spot. In the days before constant communication and texting, dates or friends or anyone meeting each other in the city chose the clock as an easy-to-find location in the heart of a busy station.

Soldiers would bid farewell to their sweethearts during both world wars, and thousands of locals gather under it every summer for their annual trips ‘doon the watter’ to the beaches of Ayr, Largs and Troon.

The four-sided clock we know today hangs suspended from the middle of the ceiling almost like one of the lamps, but many years ago it looked remarkably different.

Standing at an impressive 15ft tall, the clock was featured in an elegant wooden framework in a cupola which stood in the station’s centre.

It closely resembled the many distinctive wooden concourse buildings that remain in the station today and are occupied by more modern commuter conveniences like Costa and WH Smith.

It was a typical newspaper kiosk where commuters could grab a copy of the Evening Times, look above them to double-check the time and make a quick dash for their train.  

This structure was replaced in 1962, but this was an unpopular decision and a replica of the original – albeit hanging in the air rather than part of a kiosk – was reinstated in 1992.

Over the years some more famous faces have walked under it, including comedy stars Laurel and Hardy, David Soul from Starsky and Hutch, and Brad and Angelina walked under it when they disembarked a train to head for a stay at the station’s Grand Central hotel.

In 2021, the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge William and Catherine were flooded with fans as they arrived at the station for the climate conference COP26.

Today the clock is one of many highlights on the hugely popular Central Station tours. With a history dating back to the Victorian era, the station has been a crossroads for some of the most historically and culturally significant events in Glasgow.

The station’s guides take curious visitors back in time and from the platforms down into the catacombs to learn all about its fascinating history.