New heritage trail remembers Glasgow's legendary nightclubs

The closure of some of Glasgow's best known nightclubs has inspired one of their regulars to delve into their history - through a new walking trail.

The Lost Nightclubs tour takes in Archaos, the Arches and the Tunnel, as well as some of the city's lesser known hotspots.

It was created by archivist Nella McNicol - who believes Glasgow's nightlife deserves just as much celebration as its A-listed buildings and Gothic architecture.

The tour is taking place to mark Doors Open Day, which will see scores of locations across the city open up over the weekend to allow visitors a look around.

Traditionally the buildings showcased during Doors Open Day are historic churches, theatres and celebrated pieces of architecture like the Mackintosh Tearooms.

But Nella, who works at the University of Glasgow, believes that heritage should include more modern landmarks which are also culturally significant.

"Heritage can be something that is living and constantly evolving," she said.

"People have said to me 'oh I can't believe that was 30 years ago' - but that's a long period of time to go through, with the way things are constantly changing."

That evolution has not been beneficial to the city's overall nightlife.

Many clubbing giants have fallen by the wayside, from the much publicised closure of the Arches to southside institution the Shed closing its doors in 2024.

Even the Garage - which often boasted of welcoming clubbers 365 days a year - has reduced its hours in recent years and been put up for sale.

It was the frequency of the closures that made Nella start to consider the walking tour.

"Over the last few years I've seen so many clubs shut, and it made me think what is being done to preserve these stories," she said.

"I'm highlighting the spaces themselves, but also the stories that come from them. Two of my friends first met in the Tunnel (on Mitchell Street) and now they have been married for 25 years.

"I know of someone else who sent in demo tapes to various clubs and ended up with a career in music because of it.

"When these spaces are gone, as is happening more and more, where are these opportunities for young folk to meet their future partner, or somewhere they can send in a random demo tape to and get a chance to perform?"

The tour begins at a personal favourite of Nella's - the old Flying Duck on Renfield Street which closed earlier this year.

She said it was through clubbing that she really found herself as a person, figuring out her identity in her teens.

"I was a bit of a strange teenager, and I was into quite random music," she said.

"I liked weirder stuff and the Flying Duck was the perfect place for that – it was a free-for-all in terms of what each night had on. I was obsessed with Bjork and there was a Scandinavian-themed night there that I went to.

"Bonjour in the Saltmarket was great too - they had the most fun nights imaginable.

"I remember it was the first one I went to after the Covid lockdowns, and it was genuinely euphoric."

Although the tour is based around the city centre, an accompanying exhibition at the University of Glasgow's advanced research centre offers more memories, photos and memorabilia.

It also lets people share their own memories, too. Although not featured on the walking tour, Nella says Cleopatra's on Great Western Road - known as Clatty Pat's - often pops up in nostalgic conversation.

"These things are a big part of your life and form part of your identity", says Nella.

"Chatting to folk at the exhibition means you're reminiscing, you're sharing stories and you're connecting with people."

Tickets for the tour sold out within a week, and Nella is optimistic the success of this weekend might lead to similar events in the future.

She is also hoping the struggles of the city's nightlife can be overcome, or at least replaced with something else.

"I appreciate that socialising and how you do that has changed over time, but regardless, you need something to replace these places, something that offers the same social value," she said.

"You can sometimes forget the social value of clubbing. It's a respite from reality. It can be silly and unserious and you can leave your problems at your door - because you are going out to have fun with your pals.

"Having fun is part of being human."