THE Scottish Greens have backed the campaign to save First Hampden, calling for the historic site to remain open and accessible to all "as a celebration of Scotland’s football history".
Hampden Bowling Club, the site of Scotland's first national football ground on Kingsley Avenue in Glasgow's southside, closed earlier this year.
It was Scotland’s first national football ground and the world’s first purpose-built international football stadium.
Following the closure, concerns have been raised over the future of the site, with campaigners calling for it to be protected as both a community hub and a football heritage site.
The original Hampden hosted international matches and Scottish Cup finals from 1873 to 1883 and is considered the world's first international football stadium.
Remains of the original stadium, where Scotland famously routed England 5-1 in 1882, were discovered following an archaeological excavation at the site in 2021.
MSP Holly Bruce has lodged a motion backing the First Hampden for All campaign and is calling for the site to remain in community use rather than being lost to commercial development.
Bruce said: “First Hampden is a hugely significant, site, not just to Glasgow’s Southside, but also to the history of football itself.
“It is where Scotland’s national football story began. As our first national football ground, and the world’s first purpose-built international football stadium, we cannot simply lose such a unique community asset to the highest bidder.
“It’s deeply concerning that the closure of Hampden Bowling Club, which has operated on this site for the past century, puts the future of this much-loved space at risk.
“As I understand it, City Property Glasgow is planning to put the site forward for commercial use or development. I’ve heard loud and clear from constituents that this is not what they want for First Hampden.
“As their representative, and as a big football fan myself, I’m proud to be supporting the First Hampden for All campaigners in their bid to keep this historic site open to all. It should be kept as both a community hub and a place where Scotland’s football heritage can be celebrated.
“I’ve lodged a motion that is picking up support and have raised the issue directly with the First Minister in Parliament. I’ll continue working alongside local campaigners every step of the way to protect First Hampden for future generations.”
Calum Cameron of the First Hampden For All campaign said: "We're delighted to see First Hampden raised in the Scottish Parliament and would encourage MSPs from every party and every part of the country to back this motion. This is an opportunity to make sure Glasgow and Scotland hold onto something we should be proud of and celebrate.
"As local residents, we're focused on bringing this site into community hands and creating an active hub that serves the community while showcasing its history. First Hampden is one of a number of sites across Glasgow connected to the city's extraordinary role in helping invent modern football. We have a window of opportunity now to preserve First Hampden and help tell that story.
"The Euros come to Glasgow in 2028, with the Women's World Cup expected to follow in 2035. People will travel here from all over the world. They should be able to walk a few minutes from Hampden Park and stand on the ground where it all started. That's good for Glasgow, that's good for Scotland."
