IT WAS a common cry at Glasgow’s Barras market, where the patter was often off-the-scale funny.
“Come a wee bit closer, madam, I don’t do mail order,” a witty stallholder would shout, as the gathered crowds lapped it up in delight.
“They’re your lucky knickers,” was another catchphrase, this time from the legendary lingerie trader Lucky Knickers Josie, who would add with a theatrical wink: “They’re your American knickers,...one Yank and they’re off….”
Now these excellent examples of Barras patter, along with six others, are to be given a permanent honour in the east end market.
As part of the Barras’ 100th anniversary celebrations, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust is unveiling a series of pavement engravings capturing some of the market’s most famous phrases.
It is part of GBPT’s My Historic Neighbourhood project, a programme of creative activities celebrating the heritage of communities around Glasgow, from the rich history of Govan to roller skating in Anderston.
The engravings will be unveiled by Gavin Mitchell and Alison Thewliss MP at the corner of Kent Street and Moncur Street on Sunday, August 21, at 1pm.
READ MORE: Fantastic photos capture Glasgow's Barras market through the decades
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded My Historic Neighbourhood a grant of £58,600 towards the project, which is also supported by Glasgow City Council and delivered in partnership with Articulate Cultural Trust, Friends of The Pipe Factory, and the Margaret McIver Company.
The Barras started in 1921 as a safe space for people to trade from their barrows. It was created by Maggie McIver, who was sometimes known as the ‘Barras Queen’.
Over the next 100 years, it grew into the permanent fixture it is today, central to Glasgow’s heritage, filled with memories and cherished connections to the local community.
The engravings are the culmination a two-year creative heritage project centred around the 100th anniversary of the Barras Market.
In 2020 and 2021, Articulate Cultural Trust and Friends of The Pipe Factory delivered Barras100, which involved the gathering of stories and memories through a programme of community activities and events.
These stories included memories of first Saturday jobs on the stalls, roller skating at the Ballroom, family traditions, and the stallholders’ legendary calls, designed to draw the crowds and secure sales.
After a community consultation held in April 2022, the eight best-loved phrases were chosen to be engraved into pavements around the market as a permanent celebration.
One of Maggie McIver’s favourite phrases, “work hard and keep the heid”, will also be included in what organisers hope will be a fitting celebration of the spirit of the place and its people.
READ MORE: I Grew Up in Glasgow: Allotments were 'wee green oasis' in 1960s Oatlands
Also on August 21, there will be another chance to experience Sounds Like a Bargain, the sonic sculpture created in a collaboration between St Mungo’s students and artist Adam Stearns at the beginning of 2022.
The sculpture was created using field recordings and objects bought at the market.
There will also be tours of the Barrowland Ballroom, run by the Margaret McIver Company.
For more information visit www.glasgowdoorsopendays.org.uk
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