Shawfield Greyhound Stadium, Glasgow
Shawfield Stadium in Glasgow has a rich and varied history, transitioning from a football ground to a prominent venue for greyhound racing, and later hosting speedway events. Located in Rutherglen, just south of the River Clyde, the stadium's evolution reflects broader trends in Scottish sports and urban development. Established in 1898 as Barrowfield Park, Shawfield became the home of Clyde Football Club. Facing financial challenges, the club sought additional revenue streams. In 1932, an agreement was reached with the Scottish Football League to introduce greyhound racing, leading to the formation of the Shawfield Greyhound Racing Company Ltd (SGRC). The track opened on November 14, 1932, featuring a 473-yard oval circuit with 125-yard straights. By 1935, the SGRC purchased the stadium from Clyde FC, although the football club remained as tenants.
In the post-war years, Shawfield became a central hub for greyhound racing in Glasgow. By the 1970s, many of the city's other tracks had closed, leaving Shawfield as the primary venue. In 1970, the Scottish Greyhound Derby was moved to Shawfield, and the St Mungo Cup was introduced in 1973, both becoming prestigious events in the racing calendar. The stadium underwent significant improvements in the 1970s, including the installation of a state-of-the-art totalisator system and photo finish equipment. However, a devastating fire in 1975 caused extensive damage, leading to a period of decline. Despite these challenges, Shawfield continued to host major events, including the National Intertrack final in 1976.
By the early 1980s, Shawfield faced financial difficulties. In 1983, the stadium was put up for sale. Clyde FC was informed in 1986 that they would need to vacate the premises. Following a period of uncertainty, the Shawfield Greyhound Racing and Leisure Company Ltd, led by bookmaker Billy King, purchased the stadium and reopened it on June 11, 1987. The Scottish Greyhound Derby returned to Shawfield in 1989, and the St Mungo Cup was reintroduced. In the late 1990s, Shawfield also hosted speedway events, with the Glasgow Tigers using the stadium between 1988 and 1998. However, the stadium's condition continued to deteriorate, and by 2020, it had become Scotland's last licensed greyhound track. Greyhound racing ceased at Shawfield on March 14, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the stadium remained closed thereafter.
In 2023, ambitious plans were unveiled to redevelop the Shawfield site as part of the Clyde Gateway regeneration project. The proposed £500 million redevelopment includes 450 new homes, a 150-bedroom hotel, commercial spaces, and green areas. The design aims to preserve the stadium's historical layout while integrating modern amenities and sustainable features. The redevelopment is expected to contribute significantly to the area's economic and social revitalisation.
