In 1997, Ann Laird published “Hyndland”, a local history, and joined the Friends of Glasgow West at its inception. Her professional career started in teaching Chemistry, moving later to Computing. As chair of Friends of Glasgow West, she curated Glasgow University’s West End Lectures for 20 years, and after 30 years, still organises the West End Festival’s Heritage Talks in the Kelvin Hall, and the Guided Walks. Ann co-founded Glasgow Civic Forum for amenity groups, was a Scottish Civic Trust trustee, and is a long-standing active member of Glasgow Urban Design Panel.
She continues to lead the Friends of Glasgow West team who have always monitored all West End planning applications in detail – around 350 per year – submitting objections as required. Ann’s core interest remains in protecting and promoting the highly-valued Glasgow West Conservation Area, with its outstanding Victorian and Edwardian architectural heritage, its public spaces, and its leafy communal gardens.
About the talk
Why do many of us love the “quirkiness” of the West End – and what does this mean anyway? Join Ann Laird of Friends of Glasgow West to investigate some of the places and buildings that consistently charm and delight visitors and residents, and consider some influences that may determine their future.