The Hielanman's Umbrella

The Scot's nickname for the glass walled railway bridge which carries the platforms of Glasgow Central Station across Argyle Street is the Hielanman's Umbrella. During the 2nd phase of the Highland clearances in the 19th century 30,000 Highlanders who spoke Scottish Gaelic and no English came to Glasgow to find work. They were housed in various parts of the city but would keep in touch by meeting under the bridge mostly at weekends. Because of the city's inclement weather it became know as the Hielanman' Umbrella.