Originally opened in August 1879, Central Station became a Glasgow landmark and one of Scotland's great buildings following a rebuild between 1901 and 1905 supervised by Caledonian Railway chief engineer Donald Matheson. The Edwardian ticket offices and information building still survive, as does the Central Hotel, while the glass-walled bridge which carries the station building over Argyle Street, known as the 'Hielenman's Umbrella', is one of the iconic views of the city. Generations of Glaswegians have used the station as a thoroughfare, while also taking in its hustle and bustle. Among the changes experienced by Glasgow, it has been a solid reminder of the city's industrial and commercial heritage. This great building has seen the rise of Glasgow's industrial age and has grown with it. It has also seen the decline in our industries but has risen again in splendid glory, reflecting a new-found confidence in the people of Glasgow.

Michael Meighan is a Glaswegian writer with a commitment to recording Glasgow life, culture and humour. Born in Glasgow, he grew up in Anderston, within sight of the locomotives being craned on to ships to be exported worldwide. He tells the story of Scotland's industrial powerhouse from the Ice Age to the present day. Originally a writer of business books he used his skills to record his memories of Glasgow Life in his books. Michael is married and lives in Edinburgh.