New Living Wage Trail launches in Glasgow, encouraging people to explore the city and support fair pay
Glasgow City Region has launched a Glasgow Living Wage Trail, a new interactive trail encouraging people to explore local spots across the city while supporting businesses that pay the real Living Wage.
The trail features 15 accredited Living Wage employers across Glasgow, spanning cafes, museums, retail, live music venues and more.
People can follow the trail using an interactive online map, or a printed map and flyer to tick off stops along the way. Each featured business pays staff the real Living Wage – an independently calculated rate based on the cost of living.
Jennifer Clapp, owner of Peacock’s Ice Cream, said:
“We pursued Living Wage accreditation because it’s simply the right thing to do. We believe that if people work hard, they deserve to be paid fairly for their time and effort.
“As a small independent business, we try to lead by example and stay true to our principles.
“Being a Living Wage employer reflects the kind of business we want Peacock’s Ice Cream to be – one that values and respects the people who help make it a success.”
Gillian Frew, Co-Owner of Fat Buddha, said:
“Looking after our team has always been important to us.
“We recognise that our staff are at the heart of the business, and we wanted to make sure they were paid a wage that genuinely reflects the cost of living, not just the legal minimum and makes sure they can afford to come to work each day.”
The trail was developed by Glasgow City Region in partnership with Living Wage Scotland, and is part of the ongoing campaign to Make Glasgow City Region a Living Wage Place.
The campaign, which launched in November 2024, aims to increase the number of accredited employers across the Region and raise awareness of the real Living Wage.
Stefan Hunter, Founder and Director of IOLLA, said:
“Our commitment has helped make an impact on the lives of people who live in our economy and community.
“We hope that by IOLLA making this commitment we can lead the way for other retailers to do the same, so we can all collectively live happier, more fulfilling lives.”
Fern Coffee Bar and Sandwich Shop, said:
“As a proud, accredited real Living Wage employer, Fern ensures its team works in sustainable, fair conditions – a care that directly reflects in the expertise and daily effort they pour into the menu, and the warm energy of the space.”
Explore Glasgow’s culture and history at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or The Mitchell Library, home to one of Europe’s largest public library collections and the Glasgow City Archives.
Dive into arts and culture at Tramway, Glasgow Film Theatre, Street Level Photoworks and Glasgow Women’s Library – from contemporary art and independent cinema, to a creative space and photography gallery, and the only Accredited Museum dedicated to women’s history.
Go shopping at IOLLA for unique, Scottish eyewear or pop into Fat Buddha, a family-run streetwear and lifestyle store.
Stop for a coffee or some food at the Wild Olive Tree Café and Fern Coffee Bar and Sandwich Shop, and treat yourself at Tantrum Doughnuts and Peacock’s Ice Cream.
And end the night with some live music at McChuills Music Bar and Venue or by enjoying a drink at home from The Good Spirits Co.
The trail offers a new way to discover Glasgow while backing businesses that choose to pay their staff fairly.
The real Living Wage currently stands at £13.45 an hour, independently calculated each year based on what people actually need to cover the cost of living – including household bills, food, transport and more.
Explore the trail at: glasgowcityregion.co.uk/livingwagetrail
To find out more about Living Wage accreditation, visit scottishlivingwage.org