No rest in Marco's party year

In 1992, Marco Giannasi bought the derelict Battlefield Rest tram shelter, opposite the Victoria Infirmary, for a token £1.

He spent the next two years restoring the B-listed building, which finally opened its doors as a restaurant in 1994,

Twenty years later Marco is still there and business is thriving.

Both the building and the restaurant boss's family have a long history in Glasgow.

In 1900, his grandfather, Luigi, opened a fish and chip shop on part of the site where John Lewis now stands.

Half a century later, Marco's father, also called Luigi, decided to open what Mr Giannasi believes to be Scotland's first Italian restaurant.

He said: "In 1952, my father opened Canasta, beside my grandfather's fish and chip shop, in Parliamentary Road.

Marco was born above the restaurant but, aged six, was sent to live in Tuscany.

He grew up there and for several years studied architecture but returned to Scotland in 1974 following his dad's death.

As a result this year marks several special anniversaries for Marco.

He celebrates his 60th birthday, it is 100 years since the Battlefield Rest building was granted planning permission, 40 years since he returned to Scotland from Italy and 20 years since his restaurant opened.

And Marco is hoping that within days he may have further cause for celebration.

The Battlefield Rest has been shortlisted in two categories in the Scottish Italian awards - best bistro and best pizza.

He will find out on Sunday if the restaurant has been successful in either or both categories.

The gala night will be held just hours after Marco and his wife Yellena take part in an 'ice bucket challenge' during a special event at the restaurant to raise funds for cancer charities on behalf of a friend who is suffering from the condition.

The Rest is also a finalist in the best restaurant category at the upcoming Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association awards.

Those awards will be decided in London on November 13.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk