There was plenty happening in Glasgow back in 2002. Let's go over some of the key events.
Ned culture was at its peak and the now iconic look of sports gear (often Kappa tracksuit) combo with white trainers, rolled up socks and baseball cap set at jaunty 40 degree angle was a regular sight on city streets in ‘02. For those too young to remember that particular look, check out Ken Loach’s excellent 2002 film Sweet Sixteen, starring a very young Martin Compston.
Speaking of non-educated delinquents, there was plenty of ned-parodying going on on telly too as what would turn out to be the final series of legendary Scots sketch show Chewin’ the Fat was aired. The BBC Scotland comedy, which was created by and starred Still Game pair Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, is still lauded - even if one or two of the more non-PC jokes might struggle to make it past 2022 censors.
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One of the big local news stories of the year arrived at the end of July as the Glasgow Floods wreaked havoc in the east end. Outdated sewage systems and antiquated flood prevention schemes were blamed as hundreds were evacuated from their homes with costs spiralling into the millions.
Glasgow’s Millennium Bridge - not to be confused with the Clyde Arc (Squinty Bridge) - opened, providing a helpful pedestrian link over the Clyde from the SEC to the new Science Centre.
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Supermarket shopping reached its zenith in Glasgow with the opening of the big Tesco at St Rollox - the city’s largest.
Glasgow Pop Idol contestant Darius Danesh was making waves in the UK charts. The Scots-Iranian singer was top of the pops for two weeks in July and August with his debut single Colourblind. Fellow Glaswegian Michelle McManus, who would emerge through the TV talent show the following year, was clearly taking notes (forgive the pun) herself.
In health news, there was a major development as Maggie’s opened their first Glasgow cancer centre at the Western Infirmary. The amazing cancer support charity now has drop-in centres all over the UK.
We can’t talk about 2002 without mentioning the football. Domestically, defending champions Celtic swept all before them as they racked up a record 103 points to lift the 2001/02 title. There was a wee bit consolation for Rangers as they lifted both domestic cups, but Alex McLeish’s men would finish the season 18 points adrift in the league.
And there were celebrations over in Maryhill, as Partick Thistle made a welcome return to the top flight by winning the old First Division.
While Scotland were enduring a rotten run under Berti Vogts with defeat after defeat, Hampden Park still managed to take centre stage as the historic stadium hosted the 2002 Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. THAT goal by Zinedine Zidane is still talked about in hushed tones to this very day.
