greater pollok heritage

Greater Pollok is situated on the south west of the city of Glasgow in Scotland. The Greater Pollok area covers many different districts, including: Pollok, Old Pollok, Crookston, Priesthill, Nitshill, South Nitshill, Arden, Carnwadric, Darnley, Hurlet, Craigbank, Househillwood and Househillmuir.

More recent additions include Deaconsbank, Parkhouse and Southpark Village. This heritage site collects and exhibits archive photographs of the social history of the area, ranging from 1905 to the present day plus maps and illustrations, some going back to the 17th century.

Contributions (photos or memories) are very welcome from any era.

PHOTO: Marbeth & The Driftwoods at the Cavendish on Nitshill Road c.1968

Many people now living in Greater Pollok came from the old districts of Glasgow like Kinning Park, Govan, Gorbals, Townhead and Tradeston and moved here between the 1940s-1960s as the City Council 'regenerated' the old areas, i.e. knocked them down. Therefore, our collection of archive photographs covers old and new areas.

Pollok housing estate began in the late 1930s but areas likes Carnwadric had houses there in the 1920s.  The oldest photograph we hold is of the Hurlet area in 1905 but of course, the oldest building is Crookston Castle which dates back to the 15th century. Only Glasgow Cathedral is older. The castle formed part of the estates of Lord Darnley, husband to Mary Queen of Scots. In the past, the lands of Darnley stretched to the current boundaries of Greater Pollok and way beyond. The castle is open to the general public and you can climb right to the top on the inside for great views across Pollok and right out to Cardonald and Paisley on a good day.

PHOTO: Crookston Castle 2005