Glasgow’s East End Tourist Gems (1) : Scottish Industrial Treasures

There are no more than 5 miles stretch between Parkhead and Uddington, and yet this part of the east end of Glasgow is home to some Scottish world-famous-enterprises. Some are more than 150 years old.
While the east end of the city is stereotyped as the home of neds, Billy Boy sectarianism and some of the worst deteriorating housing schemes in Europe. It is without a doubt rich in its history, and the true sense of the declined Industrial Glasgow magic.

The famous Tunnock’s factory is situated on Old Mill Road in Uddington - Birth place of the famous Tea Cakes, Wafer Thins and Caramel Bars.



The BARR's IRN-BRU company factory - sadly now demolished - was in Parkhead’s Gallowgate.


Dewar’s Scottish whiskey factory is located on London Road, Parkhead. Dewar’s is a Scotch whiskey brand created by John Dewar in 1846.

McVitie's Biscuit factory works are also located in Parkhead’s Maukinfauld Road. While taking a stroll in Parkhead; one can still smell the mouth-watering baking aromas of yummy McVitie & Price original products - that were founded in 1830.



It’s amazing how such an enormous portion of Scottish and Glaswegian heritage is present on the streets of the East End, and yet no governmental active involvement is taking place. Although, some individual initiatives, mostly charitably or privately funded do exist now, but their extended efforts are not translated into actual benefits yet.