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You are here: Home / Blog / People, not Poverty: Unlocking the Story of North Glasgow

People, not Poverty: Unlocking the Story of North Glasgow

Scotland’s canals run through a number of areas that have fallen on hard times, but none more than North Glasgow. An area defined by horrifying health and social welfare statistics and plagued by drug and alcohol abuse, the average life expectancy for a man in North Glasgow is the lowest in the UK with mortality rates 43% above the national average. A baby born in Libya today can expect to live longer than one born in North Glasgow. But, with the help of our partners, funders and volunteers, we’re working to transform North Glasgow and secure a brighter future for the people who call it home.

North Glasgow is intrinsically linked with the history of the Forth & Clyde Canal and, knowing that the past informs the future, we set about capturing some of those stories – working to reconnect the community with the incredible resource on their doorstep and encouraging them to visit, explore, learn from and enjoy the canal which is today one of the city’s most important heritage, health, leisure and greenspace amenities.

Fifty years after the Forth & Clyde Canal closed, the communities of North Glasgow helped shape and celebrate their personal memories and connections to the world’s first man-made sea-to-sea canal through an interactive interpretation project, ‘Unlocking the Story’. The project explored, conserved and promoted the rich history and natural and cultural heritage of ‘Glasgow’s Canal’, which has played a defining role for the communities of North Glasgow from its industrial heyday, through the decline of the 1960s to its current renaissance.

A key part of the Glasgow Canal Regeneration Project, ‘Unlocking the Story’ saw the community share their personal stories, memories and photographs of the historic Forth & Clyde and its key role in the history of Glasgow. Largely thanks to the efforts of a network of local volunteers who gained skills in the collection and collation of oral history, the project resulted in the creation of a heritage trail that turns the towpaths into a tarmac time machine, bringing to life the many stories of the Great Canal and North Glasgow.

From Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger paying a visit to Maryhill to tales of giant meteorites hitting Possil, the project left us in no doubt that Glasgow’s canal is bursting with extraordinary stories. The development of an innovative smartphone app was also part of the project, giving an insight into the canal’s past and allowing visitors walking or cycling along the waterway to check out their location on an illustrated map, identify over 100 sights of interest and bring up archive photos, videos and audio clips at the touch of a button.

It was an incredibly rewarding project for all involved, from the volunteers collecting the many, many tales, to the people of North Glasgow itself. ‘Unlocking the Story’ brought vibrancy to the waterway, helped conserve and improve access to the natural and cultural heritage of the Forth & Clyde Canal and bring it to life for future generations to enjoy, and provided opportunities for the communities of North Glasgow to tell the story of their canal and what it means to them.

But it was only possible thanks to the support of people like you. We’re working to transform the future of North Glasgow, and the many areas like it, but we can’t do it alone. Whether you’re interested in leading a walking group along the new heritage trail, capturing one of the many still-untold tales of the canal, or helping fund our next big project, we want to hear from you. Get in touch and find out how you can help us create a brighter future for the people of North Glasgow and beyond.

19th November 201419th November 20141
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Upcoming Events

Kenneth Street, Inverness
5sep10:00 am- 4:00 pmHighlands Doors Open Days: Bona LighthouseExplore the history and heritage of Bona Lighthouse

Event Details

The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by [...]

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Event Details

The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering.

Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by Thomas Telford. Inland lighthouses are uncommon in Scotland and the stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal in its heyday, remains the focal point of the cottage. The octagonal shape of the building closely follows the types of design Telford used elsewhere for tollhouses.

Join our Canal Officer for Cultural Heritage for informal talks and guided tours of Bona Lighthouse which don’t need to be booked in advance.

Scottish Canals has recently refurbished the building which can now be booked as a holiday let.

www.scottishcanals.co.uk

www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk

Architect: Thomas Telford
Building Date: 1815 approx

Time

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

Bona Lighthouse

Kenneth Street, Inverness

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ
5sep10:30 am- 1:00 pmWildflower Survey 5

Event Details

Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can [...]

Event Details

Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can develop your plant ID skills, make new friends and have fun.

Surveys are led by Anna Canning of Floramedica.

Time

(Saturday) 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location

Water of Leith Conservation Trust

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ

Organizer

Anna Canning

07790 885969 or [email protected]

15sep - 20sep 1510:00 amsep 20Glasgow Doors Open Days: The White House InnExhibition in Maryhill's oldest building

Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to [...]

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Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to passing boatmen. There will be an exhibition for visitors, detailing the history of the building and the canal.

The White House is an important early historical landmark in the Maryhill area. It was built in the late 18th century, around the time of the construction of the west side of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the oldest and the longest canal in Scotland, which was completed in 1790.

The White House Inn was built as a public house for those using the canal network – it even served as Maryhill’s first post office. It is situated at the head of Maryhill Locks, near where the main canal joins the spur to Speirs Wharf.

Throughout the week, the building will host an exhibition by Scottish Waterways Trust, detailing the history of the canal in the area.
The White House is now occupied by cycling charity Free Wheel North, who will be organising rickshaw rides along the canal towpath during the Doors Open Day weekend.

Discover Glasgow’s Industrial Heritage: The White House, Maryhill, has played an important role in the history of Scotland’s canal network. In 2015, newly repurposed as a cycling hub which takes advantage of the extensive network of canal towpaths and river walkways, the White House is still relevant to how people of the area think about transportation.

Opening Times - Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

Access - Full Disabled Access

Facilities - Disabled Toilet, Toilets, Refreshments Available

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Maryhill, Kelvindale & Summerston
Parking: Car Park Available On-Site – Free of Charge
For more information: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/white-house-inn/

Time

15 (Tuesday) 10:00 am - 20 (Sunday) 4:00 pm

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD
20sep11:00 am- 5:00 pmGlasgow Canal Water Taxis from Lambhill StablesTake a guided boat trip along the canal as part of Doors Open Days

Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

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Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

A route to link the Firths of Forth and Clyde by canal had been raised on several occasions. After much debate and deliberation over different schemes, construction of the privately-owned Forth & Clyde Canal was approved by an Act of Parliament in March 1768. The canal was designed by John Smeaton and completed in 1790.

The 35-mile long canal served as a trade route between east and west, carrying coal and other commercial goods between Scotland’s towns and cities. It was to be large enough for seagoing vessels to develop links with trade in Europe and America.

At a time when the road network was limited and generally in a poor condition the canals offered an alternative means of transport that was efficient, relatively fast and tailored to the needs of the growing industrial sector.

The tour will take you through the industrial landscape of North Glasgow. Departing from Scottish Canals Head office on Applecross street you will see one of the remaining historic Bascule Bridges and one of the oldest Canal buildings dating from the late 1700’s. From there you will sail through Firhill Basin and onto Maryhill Locks were the boat will turn before heading to Lambhill Stables. The stables date from the 1820’s and serviced the horses that pulled the ‘Swift Boats’ that brought passengers into the heart of the city.

These and many other historic sights will be highlighted by the on board guides.

Tour Times

Sun 11am & 3pm; 2 hours

Advanced Booking Essential. Booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 26th August 2015. Details of how to book will be updated on this webpage shortly. Please be aware that Doors Open Day events are very popular and will book out quickly.

Please book on the Doors Open Days website: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/glasgow-canal-water-taxi-from-lambhill-stables/

Access

Limited Disabled Access
There is access for the ambulant disabled into the boat. Access is by steps down onto the foredeck. There may also be a step up to the boat.

 

Getting Here

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Possil & Parkhouse

Parking: On Street Parking Available – Free of Charge

 

Organisation

Scottish Canals

Time

(Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

Canal Towpath by Balmore Road Bridge

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

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  • 1 day ago Budding bridge builders at the Trust stall at Kirky canal festival. http://t.co/hena7B3tCC
  • 1 day ago Gemma is at the Kirky canal festival today! Come say hello. http://t.co/8BbSbEGQ55

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