Anderston

Anderston is a well-known district in the Scottish city of Glasgow. It is situated on the north bank of the River Clyde and extends to the western fringes of the city centre. It was an independent Burgh of Barony from 1824 until it was incorporated into the city of Glasgow in 1846.

The area was laid out for development in 1725 by James Anderson of Stobcross House, the planner of the village and owner of the land. It was named Anderson Town in his honour, later becoming Anderston. From its origins as a weaver's village, the area became an industrial centre with the growth of Glasgow's cotton industry. Other industries included engineering, brewing and glassmaking. This led to a large Irish immigrant population moving to the area, and they formed a key part in the character of the area. Thomas Lipton opened his first shop in Stobcross Street.

Anderston is home to the Finnieston Crane, a prominent Glasgow landmark. Built in 1932 and standing 175 feet in height, its purpose was to install boilers and engines in ships. The area was much changed by the building of the Clydeside Expressway and Kingston Bridge in the 1960s. Today it is home to a number of international hotels.

Notable Anderstonians include Sir Thomas Lipton, Billy Connolly, Michael Martin, the Scottish actor Roddy McMillan and writer/actor Tony Roper.