i-on magazine, July 2010

My i-on Glasgow, Stephen McKechnie, Kelvin Properties As managing director of one of Scotland’s largest privately owned investment companies, Stephen McKechnie is a man constantly on the move but Glasgow is most definitely home. With properties throughout Scotland, the Kelvin Properties boss regularly travels all over the country to source new properties and has successfully steered his company through a turbulent time. Here he gives us an insight into his life and his city. Are you a true Glaswegian? Yes, I grew up in the Calton area of Glasgow’s East End but now live in Dowanhill in the West End. What’s a typical day? I’m always on the look out for prospective property purchases but one of the main objectives I’m focusing on at the moment is consolidating and managing my existing portfolio. What’s your next big move? I have a few pending transactions on the horizon, but my next big purchase will be for my niece, Lori. I promised her years ago that when she was old and competent enough on a horse, I would buy her one. That day is just around the corner. After that happens, no doubt her younger and not so shy brother, Lewis, will be on my case for something.

What gives Glasgow its spark?
It has to be the people and their sense of humour.

Your preferred areas in Glasgow and why?
The West End as it is green and leafy, and has a wider mix of people from all walks of life. It also has a good selection of bars, 11shops and restaurants, as well as being easy to get around due to the underground. Which is just as well as parking is a nightmare.

Your earliest memory of growing up in Glasgow?
Playing football in the streets until dark o’clock when your folks called you in – cue for a hiding session to avoid going to bed. It’s something you never see anymore. Shame really.
Where in or around the city do you go for a
quick escape?

Loch Lomond; the views are magnificent and can arguably hold their own against anywhere. World class, although so are the midges.

If you could change one thing about the city...
Gang culture, it’s well out of hand. Glasgow has changed so much in recent years but unless something gets done about this and quickly, we’ll go back to the ‘mean city’ and knife gang reputation of the 1960s.

The best place to go on a Sunday?
As a creature of habit, I like a long lie, with or without a hangover, with the Sunday papers, followed by – weather dependent - either a game of golf or some sport on TV. Then over to my mother’s for a Sunday dinner, she’s a terrific cook.

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