The Gorbals (Scottish Gaelic: Gort a’ Bhaile) is an area on the south bank of the River Clyde in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. By the late 19th century, it had become over-populated and adversely affected by local industrialisation.
Many people lived here because their jobs provided this home and they could not afford their own. It became widely known as a dangerous slum and was subject to efforts at redevelopment, which contributed to more problems such as homeless people and diseases spreading. In recent decades, some buildings have been demolished for a mixture of market and social housing; others are being refurbished and restored to a higher standard.
The Kilkie connection here is to James Kilkie from Lismacarol, who moved to this part of Glasgow between 1881 and 1891 (according to the census). Many of his family were already present in the nearby Pollokshaws.