Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
Great Western Road 1980
Take a virtual stroll down the streets of Glasgow’s iconic Great Western Road in this 1980s Scottish Film Archive remake of two comparable films shot in 1914 and 1922.
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Overview
Enjoy a colourful production from the Scottish Film Archive documenting life on the iconic and bustling streets of Glasgow’s Great Western Road in 1980. It was shot as a modern comparison to two earlier films, one from 1914 and the other from 1922, both of which feature on the Scottish Screen Archive’s website. Immerse your senses in the hustle, bustle and beauty of some of the road’s most notable landmarks including the Botanic Gardens, Byres Road and the Grosvenor Cinema.
The footage features shots of the grand Grosvenor Hotel under reconstruction after it was severely damaged by fire in 1978, two years prior to this film being made. The carnage was believed to have started when a chip pan fire roared out of control. The damage was exacerbated by a firemen’s strike, which left poorly equipped military stand-in crews overwhelmed. The marines and sailors involved argued that they could have stopped the flames sooner had they not been equipped with outdated “Green Goddess” reserve engines. The hotel was rebuilt and is currently owned and operated by the Hilton group. Note: The Scottish Film Archive became the Scottish Screen Archive.