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Glasgow: Iconic Bridgeton ‘Umbrella’ returns after £400,000 restoration

Publication: ReGlasgow

Bridgeton Cross Clock Tower is back in place after £400,000 restoration work was carried out on the category A-listed, Victorian-era bandstand.

Bridgeton Umbrela | Photo by ReGlasgow | Licensed for use on Scottish Beacon | All rights reserved

The intricate cast iron structure — known as the Bridgeton Umbrella — has been a focal point since it was gifted to Glasgow by Sun Foundry, a manufacturer of ornamental ironwork, in 1875.

It was entirely removed and restored inside a specialist workshop as part of a regeneration activity by Clyde Gateway.

Its return was celebrated at an event today with schoolchildren, local writers, performers and politicians participating.

It was repainted before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, but this was the first time it had been completely removed for restoration works.

Local MP and Chair of Clyde Gateway board, Alison Thewliss, said: “The Bridgeton Umbrella is synonymous with the East End of Glasgow, and to see it back and looking better than ever is brilliant for Bridgeton.”

Local representative, Cllr George Redmond, said: “Seeing the magnificent Bridgeton Umbrella return is an excellent day for our community. Clyde Gateway has overseen an incredible transformation of the local area.

“The recently completed New Olympia House, which overlooks the bandstand, highlights this and shows that encouraging investment and boosting civic pride can go hand in hand.”