THE junction of Buchanan Street and Argyle Street was a bit of a free for all in 1961, with pedestrians dodging cars and lorries to reach their destination.

Trams were never allowed to run in the street.

Before Buchanan Street was partially pedestrianised, in 1972, it was one of the main north/south traffic arteries through the city.

Initially the pedestrian zone was limited to the southern end of the street and part of Gordon Street, and only operated between 11am and 4pm, with vehicles allowed access at other times. However, by 1978 traffic had been banished from the entire length of the street.

Also creeping down the street was the ever- expanding House of Fraser store, which would later swallow up H Samuel, the fancy jeweller's shop on the corner.