Fantastic night-time shots of the WE

[Deleted]

Dropped in to Merchant Square tonight on my way to the ATM and chanced on a stall at the Craft Fair selling stunning framed prints and postcards.

I was particularly struck by a beautiful night-time shot of Ashton Lane so bought a smaller print for framing:
www.stuartbrownphotography.co.uk/p92301969/hb2fb7b3#ha531f16

Also got this one of Patisserie Francoise, where the wean and I still spend happy Saturday lunchtimes (ever since the Grosvenor Cafe closed.. )
www.stuartbrownphotography.co.uk/p92301969/hb2fb7b3#hb2fb7b3

Got this one as well. Mitchell Library, not cos I'm a swot or anything, but cos it's on the front cover of Raintown, the first and finest Deacon Blue album.
www.stuartbrownphotography.co.uk/p1018780287/h56728294#h56728294

Mr Rolo's been toiling to wallpaper our hall this week before he heads out on tour, so these three lovely prints will be lovely, personal, finishing touches.

Karma? I think so. ;D ;D ;D

[ozneil]

Great Pics Rolo

I never knew Ashton Lane existed in my day.

You supervising the wall papering?

[Deleted]

It existed, Oz, but not as we know it...

Bormes is far more of an expert than me on the history of the Lane.
But I do remember from Uni days circa 74-78 that the first building to the left was a former factory that produced thread.

Circa 1980 it was bought by Ron McCullough and the Cul De Sac was born. I think probably our first French brasserie themed restaurant, with two floors of ubercool bars above. Hangout (and workplace!) of musos, artists, filmmakers at the time.

Where Wur Chip is now, a bit further down, on the left, was a former stable building I believe. Is that right, Bormes? ;D

The late Ronnie Clydesdale (note irony) was the first to see the potential of these old buildings and developed Wur Chip back in 1971. The original *muriels* by Alasdair Gray remain, as do the screenprints by wee Kaye.

Brel (on the right with black painted frontage) followed in the mid-80s thanks to entrepreneurs Billy McAneney and his business partner Robin Morton, a lawyer and band manager.

The one and only Gros Cafe was next door, where you see the red Vodka Wodka sign.

Most of us elderly pretty much avoid the Lane and run for the hills after 5pm on a Friday--- when it becomes a tourist attraction for what've been dubbed 'weekend millionaires'