
From the margins to the mainstream: How Arkbound is empowering new voices
Arkbound’s innovative workshop series, 'Our Economy', is opening doors for typically marginalised communities to engage in economic discussions through creative writing. This unique approach is not just about learning but about fostering change and amplifying voices that are often unheard.
Reviewing Citizen Miko – Screened as part of CineRoma 2.0
Last week, CineRoma 2.0 brought powerful narratives to the forefront as the UK’s only Roma Film Festival returned for its second year. Curated by young Roma from Govanhill, this year’s selection delved into themes of self-perception, identity, and resistance.
Creating Crosshill Conservation Area: Discovering Robert Duncan, the Architect of Dixon Avenue
As a resident of one of Robert Duncan's beautifully designed homes on Dixon Avenue, I’ve come to appreciate the lasting impact of this overlooked architect. His 21 distinctive houses, with their unique bay windows and ornate details, have given Crosshill its special character and earned it conservation status. Duncan's work is a hidden gem in Glasgow’s architectural heritage.
80 Bankhall Street: Over a century of life in one tenement
This article is a semi-fictionalized attempt to track one Govanhill building over time. None of the people in this story are the real inhabitants of 80 Bankhall street; characters have been created around what would have been ‘typical’ in Govanhill at the time.
The lasting legacy of the Pollok Free State
In this article, Katherine Mackinnon goes digging in the archive of the Pollok Free State protest movement, to tell the story of a legendary struggle against the expansion of the M77 through Pollok Park, via four of its objects.
How Pakistani Honey Mangoes Mark the Start of Summer
The arrival of the pop-up honey mango stalls around Govanhill and Pollokshields has come to mark the beginning of summer in the neighbourhood. During South Asian Heritage Month, Samar Jamal delves into the heritage of this popular fruit and what it means to South Asian communities across the Southside.
This is our legacy: Getting to know the shopkeepers around Govanhill
In Govanhill, the heart of the community beats through its vibrant local businesses. From bustling corner shops to long-standing family-run stores, these shopkeepers not only provide essential services but also preserve the area's cultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the stories of Govanhill's shopkeepers, uncovering the histories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the daily life of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood.
Volunteer Spotlight: Gurdev Singh Pall
In our Volunteer Spotlight, we highlight those making a difference in Glasgow. This time, we meet with Gurdev Singh Pall, who is dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage in the city. He’s building an archive of photos and memories to document the Sikh community’s contributions and running the EKTA Group Elderly Care Forum to support and unite Glasgow’s Sikh and Asian elderly population.
An interview with Peter Mohan, author of "Cheers, Govanhill!"
Peter Mohan, the voice behind the popular blog "Cheers, Govanhill!", shares his journey to becoming a celebrated local writer, and insights into his views on the ever-changing landscape of Govanhill, as well as the inspiration behind his new book.
Scotch Broth from the Glasgow Cookery Book
This classic Scotch broth recipe is from the Glasgow Cookery Book, first published in 1910. Known as ‘The Purple Book,’ it was a go-to for women learning domestic skills at The Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science. Enjoy a taste of tradition with this timeless recipe.
Tony & Andrea: In conversation at the Star Bar
Located in Eglinton Toll, The Star Bar has stood the test of time, serving up Glasgow’s cheapest three-course lunch in a historic setting. We caught up with regular Tony and manager Angela for a bar-side blether.
South Asian Heritage Month: ‘I had internalized this sense of halfness.’
South Asian Heritage Month is a celebration of South Asian identities and cultures. This year’s theme, ‘Free to Be Me,’ prompted Sofia to reflect on her own complex sense of identity. Sofia shares her experience of growing up in Glasgow's South Asian community, struggling with her mixed-race background and the challenges of fitting into Scottish and Asian cultures.
Govanhill Carnival: a powerful anti-racist celebration – in pictures
On 3 August, hundreds gathered for the annual Govanhill International Carnival Parade, celebrating diversity and unity in one of Scotland’s most multicultural neighbourhoods. It provided a powerful counterpoint to the rise of far-right activity across the UK.
Govanhill Festival and Carnival gets underway with a full programme of events!
Now in it’s eighth year, and featuring over 50 different community organisations, the anti-racist festival and parade is a real celebration of Govanhill and its people. A huge programme of free and ticked events awaits.
Alternative Glasgow with Angie of Invisible Cities
Glasgow has a long and storied history, but too often the stories that we hear are those belonging to the rich and powerful men who write the history books. I set off to discover something new about my city by joining two very different tours that brought new perspectives. In this article, I share my experience with Invisible Cities.
POV: Dee & Talitha
Talitha discovered a community at Dee's salon, Pamoja, seven years ago. More than just a place for hair styling, Pamoja offers support, friendship, and cultural connection. Dee’s dedication transforms routine appointments into essential social lifelines, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness for her diverse clientele.
Whose City? Our City! Radical Glasgow Tours
Glasgow has a long and storied history, but too often the stories that we hear are those belonging to the rich and powerful men who write the history books. I set off to discover something new about my city by joining two very different tours that brought new perspectives. In this article, I share my experience with Glasgow Radical Tours.
‘Stop Fly Tipping’ Says St Bride’s P6s
Primary 6s at St Brides are are taking a closer look at the issue of fly tipping and went on a walkabout to identify the issue. To raise awareness, they have made posters and below are extracts from some of the letters they wrote to Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie to call for action.
Community Growers: How Agnew Lane Community Garden’s bid for land ownership offers hope and opportunity
After a long battle, Agnew Lane Community Garden’s bid for community ownership was approved. The proposal comes after years of transforming the derelict space into a community garden after the original vegetable garden was bulldozed, without warning by Hunters Homes.
The Sound of Collective Action: We Are Many
Radio Buena Vida, a Govanhill-based online radio station, launched in 2020. Now a radio cafe on Victoria Road, it features diverse community content. The newest show, We Are Many, channels grief, pain, and determination into impactful, anti-racist resistance and the decolonial struggle for liberation in Palestine and beyond.