03 Jun 2025
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These locations were chosen based on historical documents and maps, including the "Medieval City Map: Glasgow’s Medieval City development between 1150 and 1550" produced by Glasgow City Council in conjunction with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
