EXCLUSIVE: The Chris Mitchell Column
Glasgow is facing a rat crisis — bold action is overdue
EXCLUSIVE By Chris Mitchell, GMB Convenor, Glasgow
The scale of the problem is undeniable. From Sighthill to Scotstoun, residents are reporting infestations so severe they’re being forced from their homes.
Just last week, one man had to move in with his mother after an electrician halted work, discovering rats in his walls, cavities, and floorboards.
Entire communities are mobilising, joining forces with GMB to demand urgent action from the council.
In the Kingsway High flats, the stories are harrowing: lifts shut down after cables were chewed through, and concierge stations abandoned for safety reasons. Workers have found 30 to 40 rats at a time — some dead, some alive — caught in the bait. It’s out of control.
This isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a public health emergency.
In Sighthill, a newly regenerated area, the contrast is stark. Modern developments sit alongside older, retrofitted flats that remain hotspots for infestations.
Residents — in the old homes — are overwhelmed. Larger families, struggling with inadequate bin capacity, face overflowing rubbish, creating a feeding ground for vermin.
This is no longer an isolated issue. Videos and reports are flooding social media, showing the crisis spreading citywide.
The council has made efforts — creating 200 new jobs and promising increased pest control staffing — but it’s not enough. Glasgow needs a comprehensive, citywide strategy. And that starts with leadership.
Glasgow needs a Rat Czar.
New York faced a similar crisis and appointed a dedicated Rat Czar to coordinate efforts across departments. Glasgow must follow suit — appointing a senior figure with the power to cut through red tape, drive action, and deliver results.
This isn’t just about pest control — it’s about protecting public health and restoring faith in our city.
We also need an emergency rat hotline — a fast, reliable way for residents to report infestations. This should link to a centralised logging and tracking system, helping the council identify hotspots and respond faster.
Data must guide our response. If a street like Earl Street gets multiple calls in a week, that area should be escalated for immediate action.
But we can’t just fight the symptoms — we must tackle the root causes.
Glasgow’s drainage system hasn’t been inspected in over a decade — an unacceptable oversight. Scottish Water must partner with the council to inspect and repair sewers, cutting off a major breeding ground.
Demolition sites must also be properly baited before work begins to prevent disturbing nests and spreading infestations further.
Let’s be clear: this is a citywide crisis.
Workers are being bitten and hospitalised. People are falling ill. Entire blocks are becoming uninhabitable.
We cannot allow this to continue. Glasgow deserves better.
It’s time for the council to face the reality, appoint a Rat Czar, establish an emergency hotline, and prioritise sewer inspections. Anything less is more than negligence — it’s a betrayal of this city and its people.
We’re asking the people of Glasgow: Do you think there’s a rat problem? How would you fix it?
Glasgow cannot wait any longer. The council must act now. It’s time we stand united, demand accountability, and reclaim our city’s future from this infestation.
Big thanks to our new paid subscribers this weekend — we couldn’t keep The Splash going without you!
We’re committed to delivering independent, community-driven journalism — free from clickbait, pop-ups, and big corporate influence from London. If you enjoyed Chris Mitchell’s latest column, consider upgrading to a paid subscription for more premium content each week — and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping keep quality local news alive.