The Way I see it...By Eric Baxter
Published 1 Feb 2012 15:00
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WITH all the carry-on over introducing Edinburgh's trams, many people may wonder why Glasgow got rid of its system 50 years ago.
The anniversary of their demise is marked in a new book by Allan Morrison of Gourock - Last Tram Tae Auchenshuggle, told through the eyes of conductress big Aggie MacDonald.
Buses were thought to be a better option, but cities around the world still have popular tram systems and Edinburgh hopes to have one eventually.
Amsterdam's are among the most famous, clanging their way frequently and efficiently around the canal-fringed streets.
I've also enjoyed tram trips in the French cities of Montpellier and Grenoble, where they glide along with the greatest of ease.
Allan's memorable book features a less than flattering cartoon drawing of Aggie, a typical Glasgow tram conductress with a cigarette dangling from her lips.
He assures me the 'clippies' of the day did indeed smoke while they dished out tickets and advice, including the famous contradictory admonition to 'come oan, get aff'.
Smoking was supposed to be allowed only upstairs on trams and buses.
Years ago I always went upstairs on buses to get a better view and, like many others, never thought anything of the clouds of smoke surrounding us.
Changed days.
Glasgow's trams survive now only in the city's Riverside Museum.
Will Glasgow try to emulate Edinburgh and bring them back?
As Aggie might say: 'Nae chance big man'.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 01 Feb 12
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