by Bill Heaney
There is something ugly and unsettling in this afternoon’s announcement from Police Scotland that a dispersal zone will be introduced in Glasgow city centre as part of ongoing work to address antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.
The announcement that major parts of the city centre will become a No Go area has been made just three days before the notorious Rangers V Celtic match is due to take place at Ibrox Park.
Recent matches between these teams have led to widespread disruption and violence which included the St Margaret of Scotland Hospice charity bus being surrounded in Argyle Street, clashes between the police and hooligans and shoppers running for their life.
There was also a march of jubilant Rangers supporters from Ibrox Park into George Square which escorted to George Square which was brutally vandalised.
Celtic fans were at it too with outbreaks of fighting and clashes with police and Rangers fans in the Gallowgate, London Road and the Merchant City.
From Friday, 20 March, 2026, the temporary zone will cover an area bounded by St Vincent Place, Glassford Street/Stockwell Street, to the far side of the riverbank, and York Street/West Campbell Street. Glasgow Central Station, St Enoch Square and Union Street all fall within the zone and have been identified as areas of particular concern.
The zone will allow officers to direct groups of two people or more to leave the area, if their behaviour is impacting on the safety and wellbeing of others. Those directed to leave will not be permitted to return to the area for 24 hours.
The measures will be used proportionately and only when necessary. This will take place alongside ongoing work with partners including Glasgow City Council, local businesses, and support services to provide reassurance and promote a safe and welcoming city centre for those who live, work and visit.
Superintendent Jackie Dunbar said: “This is a temporary measure being introduced alongside ongoing partnership activity to address behaviour that is having a negative impact on the city centre.
“We have listened to concerns from members of the public and local businesses about antisocial behaviour and disorder and this approach is about providing reassurance and promoting a safe and welcoming city centre.
“The vast majority of people who visit the city centre do so responsibly without causing any issues. This measure is about ensuring we can deal proportionately with those whose behaviour impacts others, and it will only be used when absolutely necessary.
“Our focus remains on working with partners and the community to reduce disruption and make sure the city centre is a place people can enjoy safely.”
Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for City Centre Recovery, said: “Glasgow city centre is a safe place to be and a fantastic place to live, work and visit.
“With footfall across the city centre rising, it is important that the Police are able to use the powers at their disposal to address localised and persistent issues of antisocial behaviour caused by a very small minority of people.
“For its part, the Council in its Budget decisions this week agreed additional investment to expand CCTV security monitoring in the city centre, supporting Council officers and police colleagues to work together to respond to issues that may arise.
“The city centre is a massive asset for Glasgow that draws in almost 70 million visitors each year for food and drink, shopping, entertainment, business and culture. We are committed to working closely with partners across the public and private sector including Police Scotland to ensure it continues to be a welcoming and attractive place for everyone.”
