New book looks at Donegal Diaspora’s connection to Glasgow transport

A NEW book entitled Glasgow Corporation Transport and the Donegal Connection by regular contributor to The Irish Voice, Hugh Dougherty, was launched recently in the County Museum in Letterkenny.

Hugh, who delivered an illustrated presentation at the event, penned this book—the sixth in the Donegal Heritage Series—in conjunction with the County Donegal Heritage Office, which is funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council as part of the County Donegal Heritage Plan.

“We’re delighted that Hugh agreed to write this insightful and engaging account of working on the Glasgow Corporation Transport buses, trams, trolleybuses and subway to highlight the work experiences of Donegal men and women,” Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, said. “Glasgow Corporation Transport was an important employer of many Donegal people over the years so this company will be familiar to many Donegal families.

“As a history student at Glasgow University, Hugh worked part-time as a conductor on the West Scottish Motor Traction at Means and Thornliebank Garages from 1969 to 1971 and as a driver in 1972. Through his experience and his knowledge of Glasgow Corporation Transport, he is well-placed to give us a flavour of the working conditions and work experiences of Donegal people in this profession.

“Donegal people such as Máire Rua Gallagher from Anagaire, Mary Cullen from Carrigart, Christopher Britton from Ballintra, Madge Boyle from Meenatotten near Dungloe, and Joe Doherty from Rathmullan are among those featured in the book.

“We’d also encourage people with first-hand accounts of working with Glasgow Corporation Transport or who had family members who worked on the buses, trams, trolleybuses or subway to share their memories or stories with us.”

The launch of the booklet and presentation was part of the Working Over By: Donegal Emigrant Working Lives in Scotland, project undertaken by the Culture Division of Donegal County Council in partnership with the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies.

A travelling version of the exhibition is available to view in the Glasgow City Archives in The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow until January 2026.

“Drivers, conductors and conductresses from County Donegal played a vital part in keeping Glasgow on the move” Hugh explained. “They proudly wore the green uniform of Glasgow Corporation which ran horse trams in the city from 1894 to 1902, electric trams from 1898 to 1962, motorbuses from 1924 to 1973, and the subway—the city’s underground railway—after the corporation acquired it in 1924. Donegal staff also served on trolleybuses, which hummed their silent way beneath their wires from 1949 to 1967.”