Graeme Smith

Graeme Smith wanted to be an investigative journalist and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Much of his career has centred on financial investigation and project management including the building of New Towns and of urban renewal. As a researcher and communicator his interests include economic development, business history, geography, history, shipping, shipbuilding, architecture and theatres.

Before publishing The Theatre Royal: Entertaining a Nation followed by its sister book Alhambra Glasgow he contributed to Ships for A Nation the story of John Brown`s of Clydebank. As chairman of The Friends of Glasgow University Library he originated and co-edited The University of Glasgow Library: Friendly Shelves, celebrating the library`s development and scholastic initiatives over six centuries, and portraying its major holdings from the 15th century to the present day. He is also co-author of Newton Mearns Through Time.

The latest publication Glasgow's Blythswood is the first full history of the New Town from 1800 onwards, west of Buchanan Street and rising to Blythswood Square, the wealthiest and healthiest part of the city centre; its streets, people, commerce and arts.