Glaswegians urged to make ‘People Make Glasgow’ signs in honour of key workers

It is a place that prides itself on offering a warm welcome to all. Now Glasgow residents have been invited to show their appreciation for key workers by creating a unique display of the city’s famous marketing slogan.

Scarlett Shaw (6) hands her customised People Make Glasgow poster to ambulance driver John Connolly at the Springburn Ambulance Centre, for display in the depot’s window. Picture: Ross MacDonald

Local council bosses hope Glaswegians of all ages from every corner of the metropolis will create their own “People Make Glasgow” banner for display in their front windows, as a way of showing solidarity during lockdown.

For a city where around 70 per cent of homes are some kind of flat, that could mean a sea of colourful homemade signs lighting up the streets.

The People Make Glasgow brand was launched by council bosses in 2013 as a way of promoting the city internationally and has was described at the time as a “bold, friendly, confident” statement that evokes “a real sense of pride”.

The 'People Make Glasgow' brand is displayed prominently on the former Charles Oakley college building overlooking George Square. Picture: John Devlin

It has become a familiar image across the city centre, with the distinctive pink branding reproduced in giant form on the landmark Charles Oakley college building that overlooks George Square.

“Glasgow’s people have always been at the heart of this great city and Glaswegians have responded brilliantly to the Coronavirus crisis by staying home, restricting their movements and looking out for more vulnerable neighbours,” said depute council leader David McDonald.

“The People Make Glasgow window display campaign is designed to celebrate the spirit of resourcefulness, generosity and kindness that personifies this city, and to express solidarity with our frontline workers and each other during this difficult period.

“As demonstrated by the hugely popular rainbows campaign, there are no limits to the ways people might respond to this challenge, and I think we can look forward to some very imaginative displays that reflect Glaswegians’ shared affection for their city, as well as showing their love and care for their neighbours, their communities and our hard-working frontline workers.”

The People Make Glasgow template can be downloaded for free from the Glasgow Life website.