A traditional gated lift tucked away down a hidden lane in Glasgow city centre is still in operation, manned by a smartly dressed attendant known as a 'local legend'. The vintage elevator is one of very few remaining in the city, where traditional-style lifts are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
The lift is located inside 14 Mitchell Lane, part of Gordon Chambers, a Category B-listed red sandstone building completed in 1906 and designed by architect Frank Burnet. The operator, named Shug, safely carries passengers between the floors of the historic building, and a ride on the lift has been described as 'like stepping back in time'.
Social media video sparks praise
A TikToker under the username @the_genealogy_girl shared a video of the ancient lift online, and it drew considerable praise from locals. The caption explained that a friend who works in the building had messaged about the old-fashioned lift, adding: "She was absolutely right. Meet Shug, the attendant of this gorgeous old gated lift at 14 Mitchell Lane in Glasgow. John Macintyre & Son have been in the building since 1975, and the lift has been retained rather than replaced over the years."
The post also asked: "Glasgow, please tell me there are more hidden gems like this."
Locals share fond memories
In the comments, Glaswegians who recognised Shug rushed to share their appreciation. One wrote: "Great guy always talks away, more people in Glasgow should learn from Shug." A second praised: "This guys a gent, he made my mum feel better when she got her first wig in illness and told her she looked lovely."
"Shug is a legend," chimed in a third. Another added: "There's only one Shug! Love hearing his mad stories everyday." The creator replied: "I love that so many people know him and his stories, he is clearly a Glasgow legend."
Few vintage lifts remain
There are few lifts like this left in the city centre, and Glaswegians recalled others from memory, naming a few that may still exist. One commenter wrote: "I worked a Saturday job in this type of lift in Goldberg's Store in Candleriggs Circa 1971." A second added: "Used to be on in Watt Brothers, hope it's still there."
A third commented: "There used to be one in the old Argyle market now Sports Direct, don't know if it's still there." A fourth recalled: "Stockwell China Bazaar. Remember going up in the lift to the Cafe on the top floor... late 80s." Someone else penned: "60 and 52 St Enoch Square have old lifts like this with guys that operate them.. used to work in there, the guys are so lovely!"
