A SEA of shopping bags full of pasta, cereal, tins and soap filled a whole corner of George Square at the weekend.

It was the second food collection and peace rally by the organisers behind Glasgow's Needy Food Bank. And for me their act summed up exactly what a civic centre should be about.

People gathering in the middle of Scotland's biggest city is not a new thing- just think of Nelson Mandela in 1993.

But at times it has felt like we've lost our way on the purpose of George Square.

During the summer there was barely a space as people queued out the doors of the huge Commonwealth Games merchandise tent. Of course we all wanted a cuddly Clyde toy.

But Glasgow boasts one of the best shopping experiences in the world so was there any need for retailers to take over George Square, too?

Similarly, when Christmas comes there is nothing more annoying than being banished to the outer corners as the ice rink and fairground take over the whole space.

It also gets on my nerves when members of the public are banned during ticketed events, such as the Christmas lights switch on.

This square should be for everybody. On the other hand I can see how people would want to make money from such a busy city spot.

The purpose of our civic centre seemed to be reclaimed during the referendum campaign.

Each day a reporter was sent down to find out what was happening at George Square.

It was a ready-made story. There were always thousands of people willing to talk and there was always something going on.

The giant pink People Make Glasgow banner hanging from the college overlooking the square was a fitting frame for the scenes below.

Things turned ugly at times. On the Wednesday before the referendum there was a stand-off between both sides outside the City Chambers.

But that was nothing compared to the violence that flared on Friday night after voting day.

Whenever, there is tension in the city, you can guarantee George Square will have a role.The Battle of George Square in 1919 saw tanks brought in for fear of a workers' revolution.

Fast forward 95 years and citizens are using George Square as a food bank collection drive to support the city's hungry.

The future of George Square is still going to involve commercial activities. So maybe it's about reaching a happy medium. How about installing a permanent Speakers' Corner?

For if people make Glasgow, talking, arguing and gathering is what makes Glasgow's people.