The sight of our Scottish streets draped in Americana would usually turn my stomach. Akin to finding the dripping black shrink-wrapped cucumber that’s been stinking up your fridge for the last six weeks. But when I wandered down to Bothwell Street the other day, all those flags and banners were a wonder to behold - for the city has not been appropriated by hero-worshipping MAGA clowns. It has been transformed into the great city of New York for the greatest superhero, Spider-Man.

The scenes are an incredible spectacle to behold. Explosions, Spidey swinging around Bothwell Street, Tom Holland in spandex. It is no doubt the most exciting thing to happen in Glasgow city centre this summer. Even better than the filming itself is seeing enthusiastic fans kitted out in their Spider-Man best, watching the action unfold before their eyes. The unbridled joy on children’s faces at seeing their favourite hero on a familiar street brings a tear to my eye. The crowds around the set grow larger each day.

The Marvel (or, um, Sony) production took over the streets on July 31, and it has since been revealed that the shoot has been extended. Previously due to wrap up on August 15, Glasgow will now keep its Big Apple costume on until August 26. Bothwell Street, Blythswood Street, and West Campbell Street are among the roads closed for Spider-Man 4, or Spiderman: Brand New Day. Further filming is set to take place around the Merchant City area, with road restrictions in place there as well.

“It’s the first time you can say Spiderman made you late for work,” one of my colleagues joked.........

© Herald Scotland