Window on the Past

20 YEARS AGO
Men of industry - Archibald Barr and William Stroud set up engineering firm Barr and Stroud in Anniesland around 1913.Men of industry - Archibald Barr and William Stroud set up engineering firm Barr and Stroud in Anniesland around 1913.
Men of industry - Archibald Barr and William Stroud set up engineering firm Barr and Stroud in Anniesland around 1913.

It was being claimed that crucial medical research was at risk if councillors turned down a controversial planning application.

They held the power to block or allow continued research at the Beatson Laboratories at Glasgow University’s Bearsden campus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And experts said the permission was vital to the future of research there.

Planning permission for an extension to the research lab was granted - but on condition the building could not be serviced from the existing entrance to the campus.

The proviso was that the building could not be occupied until a new access road was linked to Switchback Road.

After consultation roads bosses decreed that the access should be opposite the junction of Larchfield Road. They stated: “It is indeed the only acceptable location for a new access on this stretch of road.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The university had a design team draw up plans and the application went to committee, with a recommendation for granting by the chief planning officer, backed by the planning convener.

But after hearing objections, the committee of five split on a three to two vote against.

Refusal was on the grounds that tree loss would result in visual detriment of the high amenity area.

Speaking in support of the application Councillor Margaret Cameron had said: “Keen as I am on trees...I do not rate the safety of trees as highly as I do the safety of the human species.”

15 YEARS AGO

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Work had begun on the construction of West of Scotland Water’s temporary testing facility at Milngavie Treatment Works.

The operation was part of WoSWA’s plans to further improve the quality of drinking water from Loch Katrine.

The project team were to run trials of different treatment processes to assess which was most effective for the water typically available from Loch Katrine.

The pilot plant was being erected on a site between the present laboratory building and Commissioner’s Road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Construction was to take about six weeks and WoSWA said every effort would be made to minimise disruption to residents and to allow continued public access to the works and pathways around Craigmaddie and Mugdock reservoirs.

East Dunbartonshire Council approved the planning application for the erection of the pilot plant after no objections were raised about the plans.

A condition of the planning consent required WoSWA to reinstate the land once the pilot work was complete.

Gus Watt, WoSWA project manager, said the site was chosen to cause least disruption to neighbouring householders.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

West of Scotland Water was proposing to build new treatment works in order to meet European water quality standards by 2005.

10 YEARS AGO

Up-and-coming bands dream of getting a record deal, but for one Milngavie band that was now a reality.

The Towers who played a sell-out gig at King Tut’s on Boxing Day, had just signed their first record deal with brand new Glasgow label S and M Records. They put pen to paper after playing to a packed out audience at the 13th Note.

The band were working on material for the recording session and played two of the singles at the gig which they said went down well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Towers, so called because all five members were over six feet, said things were moving fast. The group had another booking at Nice and Sleazy’s in Sauchiehall Street.

Speaking to the Herald, guitarist Gavin Somerville, 22, from Bearsden said: “The single is untitled but we have a rough recording of it which the record label like.

“We are all quite focused at the moment and everyone is contributing to the creative input. There is a really good feel in the band at the moment.”

The group had built up a steady following of committed fans since forming almost four year previously.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gavin added: “This will be the first time we have heard the songs played back to us and it is an exciting time. The guy from the label was good enough to come out to see us and get a demo tape.”

The other band members were Jamie Sellers, Ali Rankin, Andy Greig and Gavin’s brother Niall.