Once the beating heart of maritime Glasgow, the Broomielaw was where steamers puffed their way up the Clyde, docking amid a throng of porters, passengers, and hopeful emigrants. This stretch of riverfront, just west of the city centre, was more than a quay – it was a portal.
This postcard of the Broomielaw not only showcases the architectural features of the wharves and bridges, but also captures the bustling energy, trade, and interconnection that defined Glasgow during its industrial peak.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands boarded steamers here bound for Rothesay, Arran, or the Kyles of Bute, while others stepped aboard ocean liners headed for Canada or the United States. For many, a wave at the Broomielaw was a last farewell to Scotland. For others, it was the start of a summer escape “doon the watter.”
Today, the Broomielaw may be quieter, but its legacy endures in stone, story, and song. It’s immortalised in folk tunes and literature, and in this weathered postcard lies a whisper of steam whistles, cobblestones, and the clang of cranes.
Broomielaw Postcard Details
- Unposted
- Publisher – WR&S Reliable Series
- Date: around 1900