My Life before Govanhill: Nicola Scott
In our latest segment of My Life Before Govanhill, A South London–born creative reflects on mixed heritage, film, community and belonging, tracing a journey through museums, grassroots arts and finally finding home, friendship and inspiration in Govanhill.
Interview by Marzanna Antoniak
Where are your roots?
Being made up of multiple ethnicities, my identity feels very personal – I don't feel like I can affiliate myself with anywhere in particular. In terms of places I feel at home, Scotland has been part of my life since I was born. I haven't visited Jamaica, but my grandma's Jamaican food was so comforting, just cooking with her was such a special way to connect with her and that part of my heritage. But when it comes to how I think of myself – even after living in Scotland on and off for 17 years – I am a South Londoner! It was great growing up in London because anything we would think of doing we could do. There were breakdance clubs, skateboarding competitions were common – and there were loads of gigs to go to. It was fun having that all there.
How did you enjoy spending your time as a child?
As a child, I enjoyed coming up to Scotland to spend time with my grandma, cousins, aunties and uncles – we were up here during the summer holidays and at Christmas too. It was a lot of being bundled up in the living room or in the garden playing.
I have always loved going to the cinema and did that all the time when I was a teenager. It feels like the first place where you feel like an adult, hanging out with your friends without your parents about! As a grown-up, I still love watching films, especially at the cinema on an afternoon when I’m off work. The cinema is my favourite place in the world.
What about your education?
I have always been into art and was drawing from an early age. I saw a TV show on BBC about designers at Central St Martin’s College of Art and decided then I wanted to go there. I did my foundation year, but I am very bad at making decisions and couldn’t choose what subject I wanted to specialise in. So, I decided to go to the University of Glasgow to study English and Film. Film has always been such an escape for me, and I was getting into writing at the time too, so it made sense. I don't think I am very academic so I was very lucky when I got a practical traineeship in the heritage sector in my 20s. Heritage and objects are really about culture and storytelling – working with these things has been such a lovely way to connect with people.
What about your working life?
I have had so many jobs! I worked at Blockbuster Video and used to stay up all night to watch the films. I worked in many shops during my 20s but was terrible at making sales. Then I worked in the museum and heritage sector for 10 years. I was a collections assistant, packing objects and installing exhibitions. I went on to be an exhibitions and events coordinator, and I got to design exhibitions, working with artists and community groups. After that I got work as a community engagement officer and got to combine this role with my first love – film!
What made you come to Scotland?
I came to Scotland for university. I hadn't spent any time in Glasgow before, but when I visited it seemed like such a great city, it looked amazing and had a real buzz about it. It didn't seem far from London because I was so used to seeing my family up here. I lived in the West End bubble as a student, and when I came back after I trained in museums I moved to the Southside. A lot of my friends were here and it meant a lot to me to be close to them.
One of the best things about Glasgow is the grassroots art and music scene. The city bubbles with creativity and there are so many people just doing amazing things all of the time and sharing them. I have also led a few sessions at my friend's Wee Writing Club, which I go to also.
How do you feel in Govanhill?
I really love living here. I like the sense of community, bumping into friends on the street and seeing them with their kids in the park. The place has a real energy to it. Café Buena Vida is so fun to walk past, whether it's just seeing the DJs in the window or to stop in for a coffee. I like listening in when I'm at home too. The Glasgow Zine Library is such a haven from the bustle. It is welcoming and just full of beautiful things. I love a charity shop too, so I am spoilt here. There is one wish I have which would make me feel absolutely happy – I'd love to live next to a cinema. I wish the Govanhill Picture House would open again. It is such a beautiful building. I'd love to have a cinema like that open in the heart of my neighbourhood.