In the 115 years since, the Glasgow subway has rattled and shoogled its way beneath the city streets carrying millions of passengers every year.
In that time it has undergone just two major upgrades, first electrification in 1935, then a full refurbishment closing the network between 1977 and 1980 and creating the current 'clockwork orange'.
So it is due its next modernisation, currently under way with the first work at Hillhead, to bring it shuddering into the 21st century.
The Subway is vital to keeping Glasgow moving, as without it there would be around 14 million extra journeys made above ground every year, placing more strain on the road and rail network.
It has had its problems in recent years, mainly down to the ageing infrastructure and cash spent on essential maintenance was increasing every year reaching unsustainable levels.
The cash and effort spent by our Victorian forefathers was visionary and we have a duty to protect that legacy and invest in it for the future.
The hundreds of millions being spent on the modernisation will secure the Subway for the next generation and see it through many more anniversaries.
