RARE photographs showing life in a Glasgow barracks during the First World War are on show in Scotland for the first time.
The pictures, captured by Scottish medical officer Fred Davidson during his time serving with the 1st Cameronians, show action from the front line as well as daily life at the Maryhill Barracks, now the site of Cube Housing Association’s Wyndford estate.
His pictures, which are said to be among the earliest images of the conflict, have now “come home” in a special exhibition at Maryhill Burgh Halls to mark the centenary of the end of the war.
The photographs were unearthed and catalogued by Fred’s grandson, Andrew Davidson, who said: “These pictures are special because they show how the barracks, and the soldiers who lived there, were part of life in Maryhill.
“For example, when the battalion left to go to France, the whole community was out on the streets to wave them off.
“Maryhill Barracks was a community in itself, with different regiments stationed there. It was home to 1000 people.
“Fred was one of the few who took photographs of the barracks so these are rare pictures.
“I think he would have been tickled to see his pictures in the exhibition so close to where he was living.”
The Victorian barracks was decommissioned in the 1960s and the site given over to social housing.
Cube, part of Wheatley Group, and its community partners are supporting the exhibition as part of a wider project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to explore the history of the area.
Cube director David MacKenzie said: “I am thrilled that Fred’s pictures have finally come home. They offer a unique glimpse of life at the barracks, which is now home to so many people. They really bring the past to life.
The photos will be on display at Maryhill Burgh Halls until December 31.
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