Bob Law – A Trip to the Barras Market

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Bob Law – A Trip to the Barras Market

A couple of weeks ago a friend asked if I fancied a visit to the Barras Market. The market has been going since the early 1920s when an enterprising woman (Maggie McIver) rented barrows selling a range of goods. I occasionally used to go with my parents as a small child during the 1960s to wander round the district.

Barrowland Ballroom

Mainly the Gallowgate and London Road area just off the Saltmarket. Amazingly it is still open with a wide range of subject matter from dark gothic creations, to religious artifacts, to seafood, burgers, genuine antiques, film posters and memorabilia, old records, and unusual bargains.

A selection of items for sale. The Barras Market

Creepy but semi-cute

It is open on weekends Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. We arrived on a sunny Sunday and it is better to visit on a dry day as it has both outdoor stalls and covered sheds. Even today it’s still a surprise with some of the low level buildings leading into a warren of different stalls under various roofs selling articles you just can’t find anywhere else in the city. It is unique, certainly in Scotland, and there was a good crowd visiting, including groups of tourists, students, and young people.

Stained Glass St Alphonsus

St Alphonsus Church

St Alphonsus

As well as the Barras District, and St Alphonsus, the church of the Barras, several other districts around the East End of the city are within easy walking distance of this flea/street market. The nearby district of the Calton has it’s own heritage trail booklet highlighting important old buildings as does the High Street around Glasgow Cross and The Necropolis. Glasgow’s city of the dead.

Gallery of Modern Art

The Merchant City

Trongate

The Merchant City and Glasgow City Chambers is also within walking distance a few streets away from the Barras. Alternatively you can wander round the Trongate, Argyle Street and Queen Street, which we did, visiting various art galleries and the GoMa, the Gallery of Modern Art.