Bruce Downie

Realised today, that I need to do a bit of studying about Glasgow's connections to the slave trade. Any recommendations for books, articles or videos?

That's the Govanhill Festival over for another year. What a great show it has been, as always. So much happens in a just a few days. I think it's a real highlight of the year on the southside of Glasgow, and one of the best community festivals anywhere.

Normally, I start my walking tours on George Square. Despite all the marquees for the World Cycling Championships, it's still possible to walk around the square. I wonder when the championships start, how big the crowds will be and how easy it will be to move around and be heard?

Ray McKenzie's book 'Public Sculpture of Glasgow' has been invaluable for my walking tours, identifying statues around the city. It doesn't put a name to the solitary figures between the columns, outside the City Chambers. Has anyone ever discovered who these 4 figures represent?

Last August, Norry Wilson of Lost Glasgow and I, helped out on the Australian edition of 'Who Do You Think You Are?'. The celebrity in question was John Waters, whose father grew up in Govanhill. The programme will be broadcast today in Australia theguardian.com/lifeandstyle…

Found an interesting old book from 1834 I hadn't come across before called 'Glasgow illustrated in a series of picturesque views' by John Cullen with illustrations by J. Scott. Here's the Merchant's Park cemetry, or as we know it today, the Necropolis

'Bruce was a great and charismatic guide! We were a small group, which was awesome. He gave us great advices for pubs and restaurants and his tour in general was just awesome. Very interesting places and he had an answer to every question :) Go to Bruce, he is awesome !'

The next walking tour by SGHET will in July, round Old Cathcart. Sure to be a good response for this one, so book now.

Last night's talk at The Deep End was very good. Paul Noble showed us the treasures that he discovered under his floorboard and made many connections to the history of Giffnock. Some impressive research.

I bought my two parents two tickets for the Andre Rieu concert at the Hydro next week, on Friday 26th. Unfortunately, they are no longer able to attend, so I'm looking to sell the tickets on. The tickets weren't cheap but any reasonable offer accepted. DM me if you're interested

review 'Bruce led us through central and east Glasgow. His stories and notes of history deepened our understanding and appreciation for the center city, how it developed over time and many of the key historical figures. This is a wonderful, very enjoyable tour with a great guide'

The sun was shining, so I walked along Argyle Street to see the new map of Glasgow by Will Knight. Wasn't going to, but I gave in and bought a copy, and a copy of the Sulman map. Now I just need some frames - and the wall space

My dad, on the left, aged 13 at the previous coronation, guarding the coronation bonfire. One of many around the coast of the country, that were lit up together, like beacons

The next SGHET talk at The Deep End is a bit of detective story -

It was a cold day last Saturday. Maybe we'll try some photos again when the weather's a bit better

A privilege to give a platform to @AtGF1988 who have started a great project to document what has happened to the many artefacts that were on display at the Garden Festival in 1988. Well done to @deirdrenotes for organising and thanks to @GovanhillBaths at The Deep End as hosts

Really enjoying doing walking tours around Glasgow recently. Feels good to be creative again. Come join if you can.

Ok, just for fun. What do you think this is?

Taking tourists around recently, I've realised the High Street is a really tough gig. There are highlights but the walk between the Cross and the Cathedral is a bit bleak. Tourists want to take photos not look at gap sites, student flats and sewage works