HOW atmospheric to see your “Those were the days feature” on the Kingston Bridge taking shape, from the air, vintage 1969 ("1969: The Kingston Bridge, seen from the air as it takes shape", The Herald, May 30).

The shell of St Andrews Halls is prominent, bottom left; with what was once the St Vincent Street/Stobcross Street junction, bottom right. I think Rennie Mackintosh now graces virtually the same site; in spirit, if not reality. Yes, the loss of the Grand Hotel, Charing Cross is regretted; but Charing Cross Mansions, and the Woodlands Road gushet still enhance the scene here.

The “dear green place” has certainly witnessed metamorphosis, on a mammoth scale, in the intervening 50 years; with a new vibrancy, and vitality, in the air. Yes, quite a transformation.

Brian D Henderson,

Glasgow G42.