Following the eviction notice handed to residents of the grassroots cultural centre Trongate 103, arts writer Derek McArthur assesses how far removed Glasgow is from what was once named the cultural capital of Europe.

In 1990, Glasgow was named the European City of Culture.

You would think that it was much more recently than 36 years ago, considering how the city has rested on the laurels of the title ever since.

What is left now after the constant Creative Scotland funding quandaries, the attacks on our communal arts spaces, the decimation of small music venues, public museums and galleries being left to rot, the dire lack of council preservation work, theatres having their funds frozen, or vital lifelines being pulled from arts community programmes?

There is not enough space here, even, to get into the neglect of the city’s strong architectural heritage, which Glasgow City Council are proud to allude to when it suits but with little actual interest in meaningfully preserving. No point in maintaining our past legacies if there’s a developer with a plan for student flats and an enticing offer.

Ask around and it’s hard to find arts organisations in the city that are happy and thriving currently, that aren’t commercial-minded and tied to industry and business. The city cares about the arts, but I suppose only when it benefits someone’s coffers.

Well, there’s always........

© Herald Scotland