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Fraser of Allander Report highlights significant contribution by Trades House to Glasgow economy and people

A new report by the Fraser of Allander Institute examines the economic impact of the Trades House of Glasgow, identifying both the contribution that Trades House makes to the Scottish economy as well as its support to the most deprived areas of Glasgow.

The study was commissioned by Ex-Deacon Convener of the Trades House, Keith Brown OBE as a result of a newly introduced Deacon Convener Scholarship and was undertaken by MSc student Chanyong Sim in collaboration with the Fraser of Allander Institute.

The main findings of the report are:

Supporting stone masonry and related trades

Last week, on behalf of the Incorporation of Masons, Deacon Gordon Weetch presented a magnificent statue of St. Mungo to the Depute Principal of City of Glasgow College. The statue is located on the college's new campus.

The Sculptor, Roddy McDowall attended the ceremony and spoke very eloquently about turning a huge piece of Portland Stone into the magnificent one and one third life sized statue of St. Mungo.

Govan Man becomes 3rd Citizen of Glasgow

Tom McInally has been elected Deacon Convener of the Trades House of Glasgow and 3rd citizen of Glasgow. Tom was brought up in Govan until his family was relocated due to the area’s development plans.

Tom became involved in Trades House as a member of the Incorporation of Coopers in 2006, helping to run many of its charity initiatives. The Trades House donates more than £750,000 annually to deserving causes and individuals across the West of Scotland.

Tom (pictured, right, with Collector Ken Dalgleish) said: “It is a great privilege and honour to have been elected as Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow. My work has given me first-hand experience of many of the social issues that exist in Glasgow and strengthened my resolve that Trades House should highlight where assistance is needed, particularly when supporting young people in the City.”

‘Royal’ windows will give view of city’s traditional trades

One of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings – Glasgow Royal Infirmary – will be home to a suite of stained glass windows commemorating the city’s 14 traditional trades, incorporated into the Trades House of Glasgow for over 400 years.

From Bonnetmakers to Bakers and Masons to Maltmen, each of the Incorporated Crafts will be brought to life once again thanks to the design skills of students from the City of Glasgow College and backing from The Trades House.

The collaboration is the brainchild of the late Alex Graham, a former Estates Manager within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde who was also an Auld Deacon of Trades House. Alex had a passion for education, history, healthcare, and The Trades House of Glasgow and this project links all these areas together. Alex sadly died in 2017.

NHSGGC acting North Director John Stuart said: “We are honoured that the Royal will be home to these magnificent windows which will be installed in our link corridor that runs between the old and new parts of the hospital. There will be a new one installed each year.

“Alex was a very dear colleague who worked for the NHS for many years. As well as his dedication to the NHS, Alex also loved his history and was an intrinsic part of The Trades House of Glasgow. I am glad we are bringing his dream to life through these windows, and that members of his family were able to unveil the first window, which is dedicated to the work of Wrights - the skilled carpenters of the day.

“I very much look forward to seeing the corridor when the 15 windows are in place and we are grateful to Trades House and the City of Glasgow College for choosing the Royal to be their home.”