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The Barras MarketHome > Shopping > The Barras Market
The Barras is a major street and indoor weekend market in the East End of Glasgow, Scotland. The term "barra" is Glaswegian dialect for "barrow", relating to the market's early years, where traders sold their wares from handcarts. Barrowland is sometimes used to describe the district itself where the market is located, which is actually officially known as Calton. One of Glasgow's most famous institutions, The Barras was founded by James and Margaret McIver in the interwar years. Several of the smaller 1921-era market halls still bear the McIver name, although the main Barrowland Ballroom building was rebuilt after a fire in 1958, reopening in 1960. The ballroom has become a world famous musical venue (see main article). There was a 'barra's queen. The original building opened in 1934 in a mercantile area east of Glasgow's city centre. The Barrowland building includes large street-level halls used for the weekend markets, with a sizeable weatherproof dance hall above. The front of the building is decorated with a distinctive animated neon sign. Today there is truly something for everybody at the Barras. There are a large number of indoor covered markets, and plenty of stalls in the street markets as well. It is possible to buy a bargain at the market, with anything from fresh fruit & veg, boots and kilts to antiques and collectables. If you want it, it is probably somewhere to find here, so it is always worth while spending a couple of hours rummaging. There is now even a new farmers market, held every Sunday on Stevenson Street. Although the Barras may not be what it was in the 50's to 70's, there is still plenty to offer, the people are friendly, and if you are lucky you may get involved in a good old bit of Glaswegian patter. A great visit for tourist and locals alike.
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