For the past two decades, Pat Byrne’s West End blog has been a fundamental part of the community in Glasgow. As one of the earliest people to become a blogger, Pat is a walking encyclopedia of the people’s, places’, and events’ appreciation of the West End in Glasgow. Bursting with competent reviews and local happenings, the blog has become an ultimate in salvage resource in the quest to explore this fascinating region of the city.
Pat Byrne launched her West End of Glasgow online guide when the art of blogging was still closely akin to infant stage. Initially, it was just a section for her charm for the place, but it soon transformed into the content of 36,487 pages and over half a million images most of them shot by Pat’s husband Jim.
“I don’t come from the West End, but I fell in love with it,’’ says Pat.
In her work, which champions the cause of the community in such ways as supporting local businesses, artists and events, one can see evidence of her affinity towards the area. Every type of entertainment venue from restaurants to galleries has been advertised on Pat’s Blog for the advantage of several businesses located in the West End that would otherwise be under promotional siege. This in turn has helped in creating exposure for the businesses and restaurants that were in need of it.
The primary objective of the blog is not limited to only elevating local places. Over the years, Pat has also offered other poets, photographers, and bloggers the chance to be published. Therefore, her very own blog has developed into a community, where people showcase their art and interests.
Pat recalls the milestones reached through her blog stating,
“It will be twenty years of the website. It is actually unbelievable. It has completely changed my existence.”
Still, in coping with the existing dynamics of the internet, where everything feels too crowded for a simple blog, Pat has not backed off.
“Oh gosh, I don’t think I will retire. I love it too much,” she states.
Getting money isn’t her primary aim of the activity. It is to show how beautiful the West End of the town and its inhabitants are to her.
Pat Byrne’s blog has supported and promoted many things. The reach of the blog into the local culture is quite large. As Michael Dale, the West End Festival director puts it,
“Pat’s energy and knowledge – not only of shops, cafes, landmarks – but also worth mentioning people is phenomenal. Her blog has been invaluable in documenting this beautiful area of Glasgow.”
The blog has also been able to unite people in its purpose, and this has been commendable. Louise Welsh, who teaches Creative Writing in Glasgow University notes,
“The site does encourage that in a very constructive way where local artists and businesses or events are appreciated as they should be. Pat is still very much involved in what goes on in the West End of Glasgow.”