Words by Scott Hope
Our Flag, Our History – Maryhill Barracks
The Maryhill Barracks opened in the 1870s to replace Glasgow’s aging Infantry Barracks at Duke Street in the east end – although at the time, Maryhill wasn’t even a part of Glasgow yet!
The building of the barracks brought our burgh and the city ever closer together. The new presence of soldiers gave Maryhill a garrison town feeling. You’d have seen soldiers in their trews and kilts on Maryhill road and you’d have heard marching drills and training over the walls of the barracks. And in 1918 you’d have seen soldiers leave the barracks, destined for France and the trenches.
Maryhill Barracks Gate
The barracks are an important part of Maryhill’s history and might even feature on your flag design…
Some design elements to consider:
Elephant and Bugle (The Emblem of the HLI, a regiment based at the barracks. The Lockhouse pub used to be called the Elephant and Bugle and there was another pub simply called the HLI, whose decorative solider sign can be seen in the burgh halls to this day)
Wynford Housing Estate (After the Barracks were decommissioned, in the 1960s they became a new High Rise living complex, The Wynford has a tremendous sense of community and the building form an Iconic part of the Maryhill skyline)
The Barracks Wall (Despite the sites redevelopment in the 60’s, the original perimeter wall remains, creating a striking distinction between the modern architecture and Victorian barracks wall)