64 Clyde Place corner of 1 West Street, Glasgow. G5 8AQ. Demolished.
The last pub on this short street was the Ceilidh Bar owned by James McWilliam. Mr James McWilliam was in partnership with John McWilliam and traded under the title of J & J McWilliam. The firm acquired a licence for 64 Clyde Place in 1877.
James and John already had premises at 3a – 5 Stirling Street now known as the Strathdie Bar and Wardrop’s Court, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow.
James McWilliam the senior partner of the firm was living at 32 Grafton Square before moving to better accommodation at 300 St Vincent Street. John was living at Fairfield, in Paisley.
Read more on Andrew McWilliam another member of the family. Click here.
James was a prominent member in the Scottish Licensed Trade and the Scottish Licensed Trade Defence Association since 1865. He was elected Director from 1870-1890 and became President. James sadly passed away in 1901.
His funeral processed to Central Station and conveyed by the 10-25 train to Wemyss Bay thence to Campbletown. His remains were interred in the Kilkivan Churchyard. He was missed by various members in the Scottish Licensed Trade.
After Mr McWilliam’s death the premises were taken over by the trustees and Alexander McWilliam became the licensee. A few years later the pub was sold to William Urquart another well known publican in the city.
William Urquart also ran a pub at 148 Nelson Street at the corner of West Street not far from the Ceilidh Bar. William paid an annul rent of £76 10/- (shillings).
Other licensees were Patrick Lavelle and Robert Martin.
The pub was demolished shortly after the above photograph was taken.
In 1875 these premises were occupies by the London Clothing Company.
In 1870 McAllister & Co., wholesale and retail grocer occupied the site.
Do you remember this old Pub? If so please leave a comment.
END.
Born and bred just round the corner No15, remember it well, Murray McVinnies next door
After I got my provisional driving permit, I would drive my Dad and his pals to The Ceilidh. As The the bar’s Gaelic name indicates, it was a gathering place in Glasgow for those who hailed from the Scottish highlands and islands. My Dad would often take us on a circuitous route to our destination — we lived in Sunny Govan — thereby affording me more driving practice and experience. Upon arrival he’d ensconce me in The Ceilidh’s snug, a cosy hideaway to the right of the bar’s entrance, much quieter than the lively main thoroughfare. That’s where I swotted for my O-level exams, little thinking that I’d pass all seven I sat. Upon doing so I was rewarded in the snug one celebratory evening with a half-pint of lager and lime, my first alcoholic beverage.
PS — One of my Dad’s best friends was Phil Fisher, who lived with his wife, Jennie, right above The Ceilidh. We’d deliver groceries to Mrs. Fisher from my Dad’s shop at 148 Craigton Road in Govan.