10 Jun 2025
Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.
With 300 volunteers now registered across all 23 of the city’s wards, from Partick to Pollokshields, the milestone highlights the passion for Glasgow’s 850th birthday from people from all corners of the city.
The achievement is being recognised as Volunteers’ Week 2025 comes to a close – a weeklong initiative to thank volunteers across the UK and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills.
To mark the occasion, Glasgow 850 hosted a lively thank you event at Lambhill Stables, offering a space for volunteers and the wider volunteer network to reflect on their achievements and contributions.
The drop-in event offered a wealth of activities, including scenic boat trips provided by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, a creative souvenir-making station managed by In the Making, and engaging talks exploring the history of the Lambhill area.
The Glasgow 850 volunteer scheme – developed in conjunction with Volunteer Glasgow – allows people to register for a rolling programme of volunteer and learning opportunities throughout the anniversary year.
Volunteers’ efforts so far have included supporting a giant Strip the Willow on Sauchiehall Street, Clyde Chorus three day music event at venues along the River Clyde and the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women’s Final at Glasgow Green. They have also had the chance to take part in a range of engagement and development opportunities, with everything from first aid sessions to author talks on offer.
With the scheme open to applications throughout the year, the network of Glasgow 850 volunteers continues to grow, fostering new connections between local businesses and communities, and creating lasting memories. This summer will see volunteers help out at the Glasgow Mela and Merchant City Festival, staple events in the city’s summer events programme.
Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, said: “As Volunteers’ Week draws to a close we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers across Glasgow making an invaluable contribution to the city. The ongoing support and enthusiasm of volunteers are central to the success of Glasgow 850, and to reach a remarkable 350 hours of activities is a credit to the strength, and passion of Glasgow’s volunteer community. The volunteers’ contributions over the course of the year so far have not only supported the smooth running of Glasgow 850’s signature events, but have made a tangible impact within local communities. Each volunteer should be very proud of the part they have played in celebrating Glasgow’s past, present and future.”
For more information on volunteering and getting involved in Glasgow 850th birthday celebrations, visit glasgow850.com
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Port Stones Project carves a legacy for future generations
Glasgow’s medieval roots have been commemorated in stone as part of a project to preserve its history and provide valuable hands-on experience for stonemasonry students in the city.
The Port Stones Project, part of the year-long celebrations commemorating Glasgow's 850th birthday, mark the city's rich history by placing four stone markers at the approximate locations of the original medieval city gates.
In collaboration with the Merchants House, Trades House, and City of Glasgow College, the project is a unique endeavour that honours Glasgow's past and engages young people in preserving this heritage, while working on a practical project with valuable learning opportunities.
The project involved the design and production of the port stones by students from the City of Glasgow. Each stone, designed by construction apprentices, after discussions with students and senior pupils as part of the college’s Schools’ Partnership Programme, incorporates Glasgow City Council’s coat of arms as well as the crests of Trades House and Merchants House of Glasgow, Glasgow Dean of Guild Court Trust and City of Glasgow College.
Bethan Baillie from Cathkin High School, said; "It was amazing to be part of something that marks Glasgow’s history in such a permanent way. We had a look at old maps, talked about the layout of the stones, and discussed where they were going - and now people will see our work as part of the city."
Each Caithness stone marker is also engraved with a compass point denoting the ‘port gate’, the Glasgow 850 logo, a brief historical description and the year it was laid.
Blending traditional skills with modern laser cutting technology modern apprentices painstakingly cut individual pieces, with precision, to form the full flagstones.
Callan, a first year stonemasonry apprentice at the college, said; "Getting to be involved in the cutting of these stones for the city’s 850th was a proud moment. It’s not every day you work on something that’s going to stand in Glasgow for generations. It really brought home why I chose this trade."
Medieval Glasgow ran from the River Clyde, up through the Saltmarket, along High Street and up to the Cathedral. The historical locations for the stones, installed by the council, are based on the approximate sites of the original medieval city gates.
These locations were chosen based on historical documents and maps, including the "Medieval City Map: Glasgow’s Medieval City development between 1150 and 1550" produced by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with West of Scotland Archaeology Service.
The markers are located:
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said; ”This project symbolises the unity and collaboration of three historic civic institutions in Glasgow, and one that reflects a shared commitment to civic pride and legacy.
“Together, with the College, this project has allowed the students to contribute something tangible in this special year – something that they can be proud of and that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
Lord Dean of Guild Merchants House of Glasgow, Andrew McFarlane, said: ”The marker stones are intended to be a reminder to future generations of both the development of the city and the celebrations to mark its 850th birthday."
Deacon Convenor Trades House of Glasgow Richard Paterson, said; “The marker stones are a legacy to the city’s past and a reminder that ‘People Make Glasgow.”
The Glasgow 850 celebrations mark a significant milestone in the city's history, commemorating 850 years since Glasgow was granted burgh status, in 1175. The year-long programme includes a variety of events and activities designed to engage and inspire people of all ages, reflecting Glasgow's dynamic past, present, and future.
More information on the Glasgow 850 at glasgow850.com
Pictured: Lord Dean of Guild; Lord Provost; Deacon Convenor and Andy Pollok, City of Glasgow College
