Milton is a neighbourhood with a rich and resilient history. Developed in the late 1940s as part of Glasgow’s post-war reconstruction, it was designed to provide urgently needed housing for families displaced by slum clearances across the city. By 1952, the first wave of homes was complete, and Milton quickly became a popular and vibrant place to live.

In its early years, the area offered quality social housing, and streets named after Scottish islands gave it a unique identity. However, as time passed, the lack of local amenities and job opportunities began to take a toll. By the 1980s, unemployment was high and social challenges increased, with many families leaving in search of better prospects.

Despite this, Milton has remained home to a strong, proud community — one that continues to push for regeneration, opportunity, and a better future.
 

Milton Through the Years: Key Milestones 

• 1775 – Construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal begins near the area
• 1836 – Milton Parish officially established
• 1850 – Ironstone mining supports local industry, including the famous Saracen Foundry
• 1947 – Large-scale housebuilding begins, creating hundreds of new homes
• 1952 – St Andrew’s Methodist Church opens to serve the growing community
• 1965 – Balmore Industrial Estate is established to support employment
• 1974 – The original Milton Community Hub opens
• 1976 – Milton is designated an area of priority for regeneration by Glasgow City Council
• 1996–2006 – Major housing redevelopment, including demolition of the Scalaway Street high-rises
• 2015 – Demolition of the Milton Community Hub, leaving a gap in local facilities
   

Today, we’re building on this legacy with the redevelopment of the Milton Food Hub & Community Garden — a space designed to meet today’s needs while honouring the community’s past.