We sometimes forget what an important role working horses once played in the life of Glasgow. From delivering milk, to hauling coal, the clip-clop of their hooves was a familiar sound for centuries.

These 'trace horses', enjoying a well-earned rest and nosebag in West Nile Street, in the 1920s, were waiting for their next fare - helping heavily-laden wagons up the steep incline to the goods yard at the old Buchanan Street Railway Station. Once hooked up, they would give equine companions the extra muscle they needed to reach their destination. Look closely, and you can see the giant cart-trail stones set amongst the granite setts, offering a smoother ride for the wagons.

The legs you can see sticking out, right, belong to the trace boys, harum-scarum tykes, who would often gallop back down the hill, standing on their trusty steed's back, to claim their spot again in the hire queue.

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The Herald Picture Store is proud to present these images in their actual condition. We haven't manipulated these photographs and are proud of their character.

Please be aware that due to their age some images may show imperfections. This is as a result of the technology available at the time they were captured and/or scanned and saved for our records.