Glasgow Crest: The Bell That Never Rang

Òran Mór dressed for a wedding. Source: Òran Mór

By Robbie McAvenue

Òran Mór, Gaelic for ‘Big Song’, has been the go-to spot for nightlife on Byers Road since it reopened nearly two decades ago, and the West End’s most popular parish-turned-pub’s bells are still pealing each year.

The entertainment venue, which overlooks the Botanic Gardens, comprises five different bars and restaurants, caters for weddings and events, and hosts club nights, live music and plays.

Originally Kelvinside Parish Church, the venue’s eclectic design combines the building’s original gothic style with contemporary decor and furniture, setting the scene for what guests can count on to be an unforgettable night, whenever they set foot in building.

Òran Mór’s Head of Events, Jo Wright, said: “I think it’s the history of the church, and the old Glaswegian style of architecture that really attracts a lot of customers.”

Construction began on the building after the site’s main investor, John Blackie Senior, had commissioned for a church to be erected in the West End, to accommodate for the area’s new residents.

Rachel Kacir, spokesperson for Glasgow City Heritage Trust, said: “Much of the Glasgow we see today dates from the 19th century. It was an exciting time for the city, achievements were celebrated by the constructions of extravagant buildings like Oran Mor’s.

“It’s important to note, at the time, that Glasgow was also a city of contrasts, with the spectacularly rich living alongside some of the poorest people in Britain.”

Built September 4, 1862, the church was designed by architect J.J. Stevenson, whose Italian Gothic pyramid spire wasn’t just a sign of the times but is said to be the first in Glasgow to exhibit overseas influence.

Oran Mor’s bells, which ring to this day, were gifted to the church by Nicol Paton Brown, whose son lost his life fighting in war after the bells had been put up. They rang for the first time on Christmas Day, 1917, and were used in a 1918 war memorial service.

Wright said: “Every year, Òran Mór likes to mark Remembrance Day by ringing the bells at 11 in the morning. It’s lovely to hear the bells ring whenever they do, and it gives you the opportunity to meet some of the original church members.”

The church closed in 1978, after merging with Hillhead Parish, and later became Glasgow Bible College, which moved elsewhere in 1998, leaving the B-listed church derelict. Thankfully, Entrepreneur Colin Beattie bought the church over in 2002, with plans to repurpose the old building as an arts and leisure centre. Òran Mór eventually opened its doors in 2004, complete with an incredible ceiling mural by esteemed Scottish artist and writer Alasdair Gray.

Wright said: “Colin Beattie is a massive fan of Alasdair’s work, and Alasdair had a vision of what he wanted to paint in the auditorium. He started the work in 2002 and was working on it all the way up until his passing, in 2019.”

Since reopening, Òran Mór has made a name for itself among Glaswegian entertainment venues. It’s perhaps best known for ‘A Play, a Pie and a Pint’, a midday matinee showcasing new works by upcoming playwrights. The lunchtime performances, which run from Monday to Saturday at 1PM, have been giving West-Enders their cultural fix for the past 17 years.

Like so many of its kind, however, Òran Mór has had a particularly tricky time over the past year-and-a-half. In adherence with the Scottish Government’s COVID guidelines, the venue was shut for 18 months. Not only had the plug been pulled on West End nightlife, but Òran Mór’s customers were left disappointed, as live shows, concerts and weddings were postponed.

Wright said: “COVID had a massive impact on us. It affected all areas you can think of. Weddings, theatre, events, dining, bars, and clubs were all closed. Our staff were badly affected too of course, but we managed to retain as many members of staff as we could through the furlough scheme.”

Luckily, Òran Mór were able to reopen with a reduced capacity in May 2021, as they were allowed a reduced capacity of guests drinking outside, and again in August, without a limit put on the number of guests they could have.