EXCLUSIVE: Residents Terrified as Rats Overrun Glasgow City-Centre Backcourt

Video nasty as footage captures rodents climbing old washing shed

EXCLUSIVE By Gary Fanning

City-Centre residents have been left horrified after a video surfaced showing at least half a dozen rats scurrying around a back court in Sauchiehall Street.

The footage, shared by Garnethill Neighbourhood Watch chairman William Beckett, has raised serious health and safety concerns among locals.

The video, filmed by a resident from her window, captures the rodents climbing over bins and even scaling old washing shed behind the tenement flats in Sauciehall Street, near the Bank of China.

Audibly distressed, the woman can be heard exclaiming: “Oh no, look at it. Oh my Christ. They are climbing the walls!”

The clip was shared on the Garnethill Community’s Facebook page, where Mr. Beckett commented: “GNW received this this afternoon. Terrified residents refuse to take rubbish out due to the increased infestation.”

Flashback William Beckett at the backcourt in Sauchiehall Street in August

Infestation Fuels Public Anxiety

Speaking to The Splash, Mr. Beckett emphasised the urgency of tackling the problem.
“I would like to see an education programme in place on how to dispose of waste properly. Dumping rubbish on the ground defeats the purpose of pest control and leads to permanent infestations,” he said.

He added that while most residents are cautious with their waste disposal, a minority are exacerbating the issue by dumping black bags on the ground.
“People are scared to go near the bins now, forcing them to find alternative ways to dispose of waste,” Mr. Beckett explained.

It is understood that pest control have been out in the area in this morning

Residents are expected to have an onsite visit with the Factor to discuss the issue.

Glasgow City Council have been asked for a comment.

Long-standing Problem

This is not the first time Garnethill has grappled with severe rodent infestations. In August, The Splash reported Mr. Beckett’s intitally called for urgent action after rats were spotted in back courts near the Bank of China on Sauchiehall Street.

He warned then that the problem could spread to Garnetbank Primary School on Renfrew Street, as holes in nearby walls and disused washhouses provide easy access for the rodents.

“The rats are breeding there, and you can hear them squealing. My concern is they could gain access to the primary school grounds,” he said.

Mr Beckett called for the derelict washhouses to be demolished, but no action has been taken.

Authorities Under Pressure

Residents have repeatedly contacted the property factor and Glasgow City Council about the issue. However, complaints about overflowing bins and uncollected waste persist, with no clear resolution in sight.

Mr. Beckett also pointed to the long-term nature of the problem, noting that it predates the Glasgow School of Art fire, which some believe worsened the situation.

“This has been an issue for over a decade,” he said. “There is a lot of food waste lying about, and bins are not getting collected, so the rats are increasing.”

Despite calls for action, the factor declined to comment when approached by The Splash in August.

Health and Safety Fears

With the infestation worsening, residents are urging the council and local authorities to prioritise the problem. Fears are growing over potential health risks and the impact on the local community, including children at nearby schools.

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