Pollokshaws

Pollokshaws is a suburb on the southside of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The housing stock mostly consists of some sandstone tenement housing, tower blocks and modern brick tenement style buildings.

Its residents are a mixture of working class and middle class social groups, and the area also has a large South Asian community.

In recent years the area has seen an influx of asylum seekers being housed in the area's high rise tower blocks.Fact|date=February 2008 It has caused tension amongst some of the areas tenants,Fact|date=February 2008 while most residents welcome them.

Pollokshaws was a burgh until 1912 when it was annexed to the City of Glasgow. An industrial area, this changed in 1957 when it was proposed as the second Comprehensive Development Area in Glasgow (the first was Hutchesontown). The area was demolished and started anew. A large number of tower blocks were built of which 4 are being demolished in the Shawbridge Corridor regeneration. The areas where these blocks were will have a mix of social and private housing.

Pollok F.C.'s Newlandsfield Park is in the area, adjacent to Pollokshaws East railway station.

An important role in the community has been played by the Pollokshaws Bowling Club which has been going strong since 1854. The club moved in 1954 into Pollok Country Park and has remained there ever since, offering a relaxing and scenic surroundings. The land was donated by Sir John Stirling-Maxwell. The club celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004, and were honoured with a civic reception in the Glasgow City Chambers.

Pollokshaws is also known as the birthplace of the early 20th century socialist and Scottish Nationalist John MacLean.

There is a group in the Pollokshaws area that is passionate about the local history of the area; they are The Pollokshaws Heritage Group [http://www.pollokshaws.org.uk]

Notable people from the Shaws

* John Maclean MA - Socialist Politician
* Alex Norton - Actor
* Bobby Collins - FootballerCeltic, Leeds United, Pollok F.C.)
* Brian McIlroy - Footballer Kilmarnock F.C
* Betty Thomson - Robert Burns Daughter
* James Maxton - Political Activist
* Bobby Evans - Footballer Celtic
* James Tassie
* Frankie Boyle

References