“Germiston,” a name that might not ring a bell for those outside Glasgow. It’s often overlooked by those passing through. Today we will explore the hidden corners and surprising stories of Germiston.
Germiston sits north of the River Clyde. It is nestled between Blackhill and Royston. Some call it the “wee sister” to these better-known neighborhoods. But Germiston has its own unique history.
Once upon a time, Germiston centered around Germiston House. Robert Dinwiddie built this mansion in 1690. He was a tobacco lord from Virginia. Two of his sons were born there. One became Governor of Virginia. The other became Lord Provost of Glasgow. Lawrence Dinwiddie inherited the house. He raised his 21 children there. Imagine the bustling family life within those walls.
In 1864, Rev Dr George Stewart Burns acquired the house. He was a minister of Glasgow Cathedral. Later a railway line was placed beside it. This ruined the setting of the house. Around 1890, it became housing for laborers. Times changed and Germiston House adapted.
During Glasgow’s Industrial Revolution, Germiston became vital. It was part of the city’s locomotive manufacturing industry. Germiston Works was one such factory. Later the Cape Asbestos Company bought it. They made fireproof insulation materials there. Today Promat owns the plant. It now uses safer Calcium Silicate.
A narrow gauge underground railway once existed here. It transported coke to Provan Gas Works. This was used for the manufacture of natural gas. Most of its path has now been filled in. The tunnel, known as the “Blind Tunnel,” remains. It now carries a single-track road. Traffic lights control the passage of vehicles and pedestrians.
From 1967, three 18-storey tower blocks rose in Germiston. These were on Coll Place and Forge Place. The Coll Street project created 306 new dwellings. But these blocks were demolished in 1992, 2008, and 2011.
In the early 21st century, new private housing arrived. This injected investment into Germiston. Much of the existing housing stock dated from the 1930s. Combined with developments on the old railway yards, this breathed new life into the area.
Even today, Germiston lacks a passenger railway station. But bus routes connect it to the city. Once, Glasgow’s tram route number 2 served Germiston. It was replaced by a trolleybus service in 1949. The trolleybus ran until 1966.
Germiston is not just a place you pass through. It is a community with a rich past. From tobacco lords to industrial workers, Germiston has been home to many. Its story is one of change and resilience. As new developments rise, Germiston continues to evolve. It keeps its identity alive.