TEENAGE girls wearing tartan, and ready to scream at a moment's notice - it can only mean one thing - Rollermania. And for younger readers here's something to think about. These young girls are pictured outside the Glasgow Apollo in 1973, according to the date attached to the picture, although my Apollo pedants tell me it is more likely to be 1974 or 1975, which means these girls are now in their mid fifties, likely with families of their own.
So next time your mother makes a disparaging remark about what you are wearing, just slide this photograph across to her, tap on it, and look at her in a disapproving manner.
The Bay City Rollers - they took their name allegedly from a band member throwing a dart at a map of America and it landed near Bay City, Michigan - were all from Edinburgh, and really did become one of the biggest bands in the world appealing to teenage girls, particularly in America, Australia and Japan, who would ape their tartan-lined cut-off trousers.
It is estimated that they sold 120m records worldwide but being Scottish, life kicked them in the teeth. They never saw the money due to avaricious record companies and managers, and are still locked in legislation trying to recover some of it even today.
But just mention the words "Shang-a-lang" and "Bye Bye Baby" and we can all burst out with a chorus or two. It was 40 years ago, but without even thinking I can quietly sing "Well we sang shang-a-lang as we ran with the gang, doin' doo wop be dooby do ay." If only I could remember Shakespeare as easily.
Not that I was a fan I hasten to add. I was at the Apollo in 1974, but it was to see The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Jethro Tull, and Roxy Music. Happy days indeed.
THE Kirkin' of the Council at Glasgow Cathedral in 1949 when Glasgow councillors would attend church once a year for some divine intervention. The council officers still wear similar outfits today but without the top hats or halberds - probably too dangerous to walk about Glasgow streets with such weapons.
The minister of the cathedral, the Rev Dr Neville Davidson told them: "If you are to give and do your best in the management of this great city there can be no place for jealousy or animosity, for rancour or resentment, least of all for personal prejudices or petty ambition."
Good luck with that Neville.
AS I have mentioned in previous school photographs, teachers today can only dream about having such rapt attention from pupils as this violin teacher is receiving at Abbotsford School in Gorbals in 1949. I must admit that these girls are looking very smart for post-war Gorbals - perhaps this was the posh end of the south side area. Abbotsford was designed by brothers Hugh and David Barclay in 1879. They were well known for their school designs which included Glasgow Academy, still in use today over at Kelvinbridge.
Abbotsford, near the M74 extension, closed as a school and was converted to offices for a while, and although no longer in use is at least still standing..
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