Relative of Springburn’s Reid family celebrated in civic ceremony
THE GRANDDAUGHTER of influential industrialist Hugh Reid has returned to Glasgow in support of ongoing efforts to revitalise one of her family’s civic legacies.
Joan Reid, aged 90, and her family were welcomed by the city council and local campaigners to Springburn, where her family made its mark in the locomotive industry.
At the height of Hugh Reid’s success, the North British Locomotive Company was the largest builder of steam locomotives in the world and dominated employment in the Springburn area of the city.
The family’s major philanthropic contribution was funding the construction of Springburn Park and the Springburn Winter Gardens in 1900.
In a statement, the Trust said: “The entire family joined Paul Sweeney for his Doors Open Day tour of Springburn Park on Saturday, where they took great delight in witnessing at first hand the outstanding legacy their ancestors have left to Springburn as they visited the various buildings and monuments around the park.
“The Reids returned to Ireland on Sunday but wish the Springburn Winter Gardens Trust well in its ongoing efforts to restore the A listed building as a fitting legacy of their family’s contribution to Glasgow.”
However, the gardens – which were open for 83 years – now lie derelict.
Joan Reid showed support for local efforts to restore the venue by the Springburn Winter Gardens Trust, formed in 2014.
Meeting trust secretary Paul Sweeney and council leader Frank McAveety, Reid passed over a number of personal effects from the early 20th century so they can be preserved as part of the city’s historic archives.
Picture courtesy of Springburn Winter Gardens Trust
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
