Maggie McIver, born Margaret Russell on May 9, 1879, in Bridgeton, Glasgow, was the daughter of Alexander Russell, a policeman, and Margaret Hutcheson, a French polisher. Growing up in a working-class environment during the industrial expansion of Glasgow, she experienced firsthand the challenges faced by her community. At the age of 12, she began her entrepreneurial journey by looking after a friend’s fruit barrow at Parkhead Cross. This experience sparked her interest in business.
In 1888, Maggie married James McIver. Together they opened a small fruit shop in Bridgeton and later expanded their business to hire out horses and carts to local hawkers. Their venture was particularly significant as it provided essential support to many street traders, especially women who relied on this income for their families.
After World War I disrupted their operations with James serving in the army, Maggie took charge of the business. Recognising the need for a dedicated space for street trading amidst increasing police crackdowns on hawkers, she established what would become known as The Barras market in the Calton area of Glasgow. Initially an outdoor market with over 300 barrows rented out to traders, Maggie’s vision led to its transformation into a covered venue by 1928 to protect vendors from harsh weather conditions.
Following her husband’s death in 1930 due to malaria contracted during the war, Maggie sought new ways to sustain her family and expand her business. In 1934, she opened the Barrowland Ballroom above the market as a venue for social gatherings and dances for local traders and their families. This ballroom quickly became popular and was known for hosting various musical acts over the years.
Maggie McIver passed away in 1958 but left behind a lasting legacy as “The Barras Queen.” Under her stewardship, both The Barras market and Barrowland Ballroom flourished into iconic landmarks within Glasgow. Her contributions have been recognised through commemorative plaques at these sites and other honours from organisations like Historic Environment Scotland.
Today, The Barras remains an integral part of Glasgow’s cultural landscape while the Barrowland Ballroom continues to be a celebrated music venue that has hosted numerous famous artists throughout its history.
