OUR hunt for the greatest Glaswegian of all time continues.
Who do you think should be number one?
Over the next few weeks, we will be revealing more men and women who have put Glasgow on the map through politics, the arts, business, science, sport and more.
Once all 100 have been revealed, it’s over to you – we will be launching a public vote to find out who you think should be crowned Greatest Glaswegian.
Today, we reveal the next two contenders for the title – Mary Barbour and Andrew Watson.
While her birthplace is not Glasgow - she was born in Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, Mary Barbour has become synonymous with the city thanks to her role in the Rent Strikes of 1915.
Mary lived in Govan with her husband David, who was an iron turner on the Fairfield shipyards, and her two sons. After the First World War started in 1914, thousands of workers flocked to Glasgow to take up jobs in the shipyards and munitions factories and property owners started to raise rents for tenement flats. The reaction was swift and furious, with many tenants refusing to pay. Landlords tried to evict them, but a co-ordinated response by Glasgow’s women, who became known as ‘Mrs Barbour’s Army’, ensured bailiff’s officers were thwarted at every turn.
READ MORE:
Doctor Who Peter Capaldi and scientist Muriel Robertson up for Greatest Glaswegian title
Local hero Mary went on to became a councillor and fought for free school milk, children’s playgrounds, municipal wash-houses, and an end to slum housing.
Trailblazing footballer of the 1880s Andrew Watson, the man believed to be first black footballer to play at the top level of the game, carved out his early career in Glasgow.
Born in Guyana, Andrew lived in Govan and played for Queen’s Park.The Glasgow University student overcame prejudice to excel in the sport, captaining Scotland three times. Not only was he Scotland’s first black international, he was also the world’s first black football administrator, the first black player to win a national football trophy and the first black player to play in the FA Cup following a move to London Swifts in 1882.
READ MORE:
Our hunt for the Greatest Glaswegian continues - give us your nomination
Don’t miss tomorrow’s Evening Times, when another duo in the running will be revealed. See all contenders so far at eveningtimes.co.uk
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here