In the heart of Glasgow lies a pub that holds a special place in the hearts of many Still Game fans. The Clansman, a fictional pub in the hit Scottish sitcom, was actually based on a real-life pub called the Ruchill Tavern, which stood on Ruchill Street in the city’s north. While the physical building may no longer be there, the memories and legacy of the Clansman live on in the hearts of fans and in a replica built in the Glasgow North media park in Maryhill.
The Rise of the Clansman
In 1965, Beechwood Taverns opened the Ruchill Tavern, which was later affectionately known as the Gimlet and eventually the Clansman. The pub was run by husband-and-wife team Joseph and Netta Robb, who served the local community for years. Little did they know that their establishment would go on to become a beloved symbol of Glasgow’s pub culture through its portrayal in Still Game.
For the first three series of the show, the exterior of the Gimlet was used as the iconic Clansman pub. The pub served as the central hub for characters like Jack, Victor, Winston, and Isa, where many of the show’s most memorable moments took place. From hilarious mishaps to heartfelt conversations, the Clansman was more than just a setting – it was a character in its own right.
The Demise of the Ruchill Tavern
Unfortunately, the Ruchill Tavern met its end in 2004 when it was demolished to make way for flats. The loss of this historic pub was felt by many, but its memory lives on through the show and the replica built in Maryhill. While the physical building may be gone, the spirit of the Clansman lives on in the hearts of fans who fondly remember the laughs and tears shared within its walls.
The demolition of the Ruchill Tavern marked the end of an era for many in Glasgow who frequented the pub for years. The loss of such a beloved establishment left a void in the community, but the legacy of the Clansman continues to be celebrated by fans of Still Game and those who appreciate Glasgow’s rich pub culture.
The Legacy of the Clansman
Despite the physical absence of the Ruchill Tavern, the legacy of the Clansman lives on in unexpected places. In 2021, pub owner Cliff Morton decided to model his bar in Corby after the Clansman, complete with Still Game memorabilia and a bottle of Midori reserved for Big Innes. The homage to the iconic Glasgow pub has garnered a strong following in Corby, demonstrating the lasting impact of the Clansman beyond its fictional portrayal on screen.
The Clansman represents more than just a fictional pub in a TV show – it embodies the spirit of Glasgow’s pub culture and the sense of community that such establishments foster. While the physical building may no longer stand, the memories and experiences shared within its walls continue to resonate with fans and patrons alike.
As we reflect on the legacy of the Clansman and the Ruchill Tavern, we are reminded of the importance of preserving Glasgow’s rich pub culture and the role these establishments play in bringing communities together. The Clansman may be gone, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of all who fondly remember the laughs, tears, and camaraderie shared within its walls.
In conclusion, the Clansman may have been just a fictional pub in a TV show, but its impact on Glasgow’s pub culture and the hearts of fans is very real. The memories and legacy of the Ruchill Tavern live on in the hearts of those who frequented it and in the replica built in Maryhill. As we raise a glass to the Clansman, let us remember the joy, laughter, and sense of community it brought to so many, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Glasgow’s pub culture.