Pollokshaws



Pollokshaws is a district on the southside of the city of Glasgow, Scotland. The housing stock mostly consists of some sandstone tenement housing, tower blocks and modern brick tenement-style buildings. According to the 2001 Census Pollokshaws has a population of 4,295.

Its residents are a mixture of working class and middle class social groups, and the area also has a large South Asian community.

History
Pollokshaws was originally a village predominantly dedicated to weaving in the 1600s. A group of Flemish weavers were brought to the area in the 1800s by the landowners, the Maxwells of Pollok on account of their exceptional weaving skills.

Pollokshaws was a burgh until 1912 when it was annexed to the City of Glasgow. An industrial area, this changed in 1957 when it was proposed as the second Comprehensive Development Area in Glasgow (the first was Hutchesontown). The area was demolished and started anew. A large number of tower blocks were built of which 4 are being demolished in the Shawbridge Corridor regeneration. The areas where these blocks were will have a mix of social and private housing.

Sport
Pollok F.C.'s Newlandsfield Park is in the area, adjacent to Pollokshaws East railway station.

An important role in the community has been played by the Pollokshaws Bowling Club which has been going strong since 1854. The club moved in 1954 into Pollok Country Park and has remained there ever since, offering a relaxing and scenic surroundings. The land was donated by Sir John Stirling-Maxwell. The club celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2004, and were honoured with a civic reception in the Glasgow City Chambers.

Notable people from the Shaws

 * John MacLean - early 20th century socialist and Scottish Nationalist
 * Alex Norton - Actor
 * Bobby Collins - Footballer (Celtic, Leeds United, Pollok F.C.)
 * James Maxton - Political Activist
 * Bobby Evans - Celtic Footballer
 * James Tassie
 * Frankie Boyle - Stand Up Comedian