𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒚

Name: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒚
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The key events described in the book take place on one specific First of May in the early years of the 21st-century. Around the skeletal of framework of these events, Brendan, the proprietor of the renowned Scotia and Clutha Vaults bars, weaves a tapestry of reflections, ruminations and recollections on his whole life, accompanied by a few rants.

In The First of May, Brendan narrates the events that harmonised his profound understanding of our discordant world. Penned in an analytical voice that confirms the depth of his introspective insight, his riveting reflections on his experiences chart a piercing perspective on modern life.

Brendan takes readers on a profound delve into Glasgow’s intricate social, political and cultural history. Rooted deeply in Glasgow‘s rich culture, The First of May branches into myriad topics that cast a harrowing shadow upon contemporary life. It is a powerful memoir that is certain to sow seeds of riveting discussions about coming of age, socialism and the importance of the arts, politics, and people.

The book has the almost unique benefit of a Foreword by James Kelman, Scotland’s greatest living author. Kelman concludes “Art and politics, laughter and struggle, people the gether, taking on the authorities, fighting back, not being scared to go forward, get up and bloody fight. That was Brendan, lending support, helping people make a difference. That fighting spirit, Brendan McLaughlin, the guy we loved. All his pals, we loved the guy.”

Though the historic day returns every year, will we ever again see a Glasgow man who so embodies the socialist spirit of the First of May.

The First of May was described by one reviewer as “A political, social and cultural autobiography of outstanding merit from a great Glaswegian. A fitting permanent memorial to a much lamented man who touched so many lives.” Sandy Jamieson. Author of A Subtle Sadness

Another Reviewer said “This book is the first serious Scottish contribution to the new genre of autobiographical literature pioneered almost single-handedly by a young Frenchman, Edouard Louis, of “angry autobiography as a political weapon” starting with The End of Eddy. The First Of May is a major Scottish addition to this genre; warm, mature, positive and uplifting along with the inevitable anger, as a powerful call for social and political change.”

Brendan wrote, sang and produced a CD with 15 powerful songs, as a soundtrack for the book. 14 of the tracks were written by him, and the 15th , already a legendary song, Jimmy The Painter Man, was co-written with his son Kevin. It was always Brendan’s wish that this CD be made available to all readers of the book.

Hoodstone are making this CD available free to early buyers of the book from their website.

My name is Brendan McLaughlin. 71 years of age. I was brought up in Toryglen, a Council Housing scheme on the Southside of Glasgow, Scotland. I attended Holyrood and St. Mungo’s Secondary schools. On leaving, I became a telephone engineer till age 28, when I went to Strathclyde University to study Economics, Politics and Sociology before moving onto Glasgow University to do a Post Grad in Social Administration and Social Work. My involvement in the politics of music and literature has informed most of my adult actions and interests.
In 1988 it led me to lease the Scotia Bar with the hope of restoring it to the political/art community it was in the 1960s. I promoted it as a political, music and literary venue. Hosting the ‘Scotia Bar Writers Prize’ hoisted it onto the International Media Wire which brought people from all over the World ... America, Canada, Australia and many parts of Europe, but especially Scotland, Ireland and the rest of the UK. Before the first year was out, it had gone from being more or less empty to being one of the busiest pubs in Glasgow.
In 1993 myself and my wife bought the Merchants Pub across the road from the Scotia. After demolishing the entire interior, we opened the refurbished pub as the Clutha Vaults to complete a campus of creativity in what I christened the Stockwell Village. After 16 years in the License Trade, I retired from the pub game to write and record my own songs. I undertook a Masters in English with the Creative Writing Department at Glasgow University. To date, I have produced four albums and had a number of short stories and essays published. The First Of May is my first book. I live in Glasgow with my wife Joni, her daughter Katie, and our wee dug Ruby Tuesday.
This description was written by Brendan shortly after learning that Ringwood would definitely publish his book, but before being admitted to the Hospice where he died on 13th July 2022.
For fuller details about this remarkable man, including a full eulogy published after his death, click here to see the separate Author’s Page.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒚

About the Author