Local community group make case for Hampden

The Hampden Collection community group which was set up to highlight how lives are enriched in the local community by the national stadium have launched an emotive video to showcase their campaign.

Hampden Park. Pic: SNS

The ‘Mount Florida Bloodline’ film showcases a poem by Scottish poet Stephen Watt and highlights characters from the south side of Glasgow and how Hampden impacts on their life.

The Scottish FA lease the ground from its owners Queen’s Park on a deal that runs out in 2020 and the governing body is considering whether to take ownership of the 52,000-capacity stadium or switch Scotland games and cup finals to the national rugby stadium at Murrayfield, with a decision expected within days.

The Hampden Collection highlights the three grounds that sit within hundreds of yards of each other and were all national stadiums for Scotland. The first Hampden is where Hampden Bowling Club now resides; the second is at Cathkin Park that became the home of the defunct Third Lanark; and the third is the current ground which has been the home for 115 years.

Watt’s poem and video showcases the three historic venues and was produced in response to a film released by the Scottish Rugby Union which made the case for Murrayfield.

Hampden Collection spokesperson Graeme Brown said: “This film is the culmination of hard work and constant campaigning to #KeepHampdenRoaring. The SRU produced a film on what the home of Scottish Football would mean to them. We have come up with our own unique Hampden Collection Production to show what Hampden means to us.”

You can view the video here.