Squatting

Squatting

The history of squatting is Glasgow is often overlooked but, in the 1940s, mass homelessness led many families from the Gorbals and Govan to move into abandoned buildings, often supported by Govan Housing Association and Community Party activists. They formed squat committees to organise heating and electricity, and defend themselves from violent police eviction. The collection documents this history together with examples of squatting occupations in the city from the 21st century including the student takeover of the University of Glasgow’s Hetherington House in 2011 as part of wider protests against cuts and the privatisation of higher education.