ST VINCENT Crescent, in Finnieston, a gracious sweep of white sandstone tenements and townhouses, is one of the city's hidden architectural gems.

Were it in Bath, we'd boast about; as it's not, we keep schtum about its beauty.

The tenements, long since cleaned up, were once as black as the coal in this fellow's cart. With every flat or house having at least three or four coal fires, not to mention an open cooking range, the soot soon accumulated, covering the whole city in a jet-black overcoat.

Thankfully, to stone has now been returned to its original, honey-coloured hue.

Among the famous faced who have lived in the crescent are actors John Cairney and Daniella Nardini and musicians Jimmie MacGregor and Sharlene Spiteri.