Tag Archives: Glasgow local news

Pollok House exhibition coincides with Black History Month

Celebrating Glasgow-Ghanaian artist Maud Sulter with a new exhibition

The National Trust for Scotland is to present a new exhibition of the work of the internationally renowned Glaswegian-Ghanaian artist, Maud Sulter (1960 -2008) at Pollok House, Glasgow.

Maud Sulter was an award-winning artist and writer, cultural historian and curator of Ghanaian and Scottish heritage who lived and worked in Britain, and whose work is now in museum collections around the world, including the V&A and Tate. Throughout her career and across different media, Maud Sulter’s work interrogated the representation of black women in the histories of art, the media and photography. An activist and feminist, she was often inspired by African American activists, artists, and writers. Her work explored the many connections between Africa and Europe, the often-hidden lives of black people, and the complex experiences of the African diaspora in European history and culture.

The exhibition features a range of works across Maud Sulter’s career including selections from her series Zabat and Hysteria. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience her recollections of growing up as a Black child in Scotland in the 1960s through her photographic series and suite of poems, both called Memories of Childhood.

Caroline Smith, National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager at Pollok House, said: “We’re thrilled to feature the work of Maud Sulter in this new exhibition at Pollok House. The exhibition’s opening in October coincides with Black History Month and so is especially appropriate given Sulter’s exploration and representations of black artists, women and culture across history.”

The Estate of Maud Sulter said: “It’s such a pleasure to see Maud Sulter’s work centre stage in her hometown of Glasgow. We’re delighted that this beautiful and historical institution is showcasing her art so new audiences will be able to connect with the engaging themes of her photography including Memories of Childhood.”

Inspiration for the exhibition has come from the National Trust for Scotland’s Facing our Past project, which has set out to investigate connections between the places and properties in its care and the wide diversity and identity of people involved throughout their history, including through links to slavery. As with many Trust properties, the heritage of Pollok House and its family history have multi-generational links to West Indian plantations and so provides an appropriate context within which to explore and understand themes contained within Sulter’s work.

Pollok House was the graceful 18th-century seat of the Stirling Maxwell family and was gifted along with its world-class collection of Italian and Spanish art by its family to the people of Glasgow in 1966. Glasgow City Council remains responsible for Pollok House, which is operated by The National Trust for Scotland on the city’s behalf. The Trust opened the changing exhibition gallery at Pollok House in 2017 and earlier this year, it featured an exhibition exploring the art and photography of Glasgow Boy E.A. Hornel, his Glasgow connections, and the identity of his sitters from Scotland and from around the world.

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pollok-house

The exhibition runs from 15 October – 4 December 2022 and 6 January – 15 January 2023

Maud Sulter


University publishes a book of its own knitting patterns

The University of Glasgow has launched its own book of knitting patterns inspired by its architecture. 

Designers from across Scotland contributed their designs for a range of knitted items based on the splendour and beauty of the University’s architecture – from the ornate details in the cornicing and spires to the sweeping arches and grand windows and the modernism of the library.

Knitters will be able to follow a pattern for a teapot cosy inspired by the windows on the historic main building or a beanie hat based on the Cloisters arches, or a scarf whose design is based on the University spires that pierce the Glasgow skyline.

Knitting the University of Glasgow book was compiled by Professor Lynn Abrams and Professor Marina Moskowitz – both historians of Scottish knitted textiles – and Christelle Le Riguer, research co-ordinator at the University’s School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan. All three are keen knitters.

The book is the result of a collaboration between historians, the University Archives & Special Collections and a talented band of independent Scottish knitwear designers, including staff and students at the University. It is a part of the Fleece to Fashion project, which is researching the history of knitted textiles in Scotland from around 1780 to the present day. It will be sold through the University’s gift shop.

Professor Abrams of School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan at the University of Glasgow said: “The genesis of this book of knitting patterns, inspired by the built environment of the University of Glasgow, lies in research carried out by historians at the University of Glasgow into the economies and cultures of hand knitting in Scotland from the eighteenth century to the present. 

“Scotland’s long tradition of knitwear production is rightly celebrated. It feels fitting therefore to celebrate the beauty of the University of Glasgow’s iconic buildings in knitted form. We hope that this book will be as well received by knitters around the world as our own branded wool – Cochno Wool – was when we launched that in 2018.”

Professor Moskowitz of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, said: “Our aim as historians is to investigate the place and significance of hand-knitted textiles to Scotland’s economy and culture, in the past, the present, and the future.

“Studying knitting can be used to think about the role of craft in linking individual creativity to economic pursuits, local design traditions to national heritage, and domestic economies to the creative economy of Scotland. Scotland’s rich heritage of hand-knitted textiles contributes to other national industries, such as tourism and fashion.”

Christelle Le Riguer said: “We hope this book will make its own contribution to help increase public understanding of the ways in which knitting enhances health and wellbeing and cultural enrichment. 

“We also hope the patterns will inspire people to visit the University of Glasgow and to knit your own little bit of the university.”

In 2014, the University of Glasgow established the ‘Knitting-in-the-Round’ network which developed collaborations with a range of sectors – business, heritage, education, tourism and culture and arts – and explored the emergence of knitting as the pin-up craft for sustainability, creativity and authenticity. 

The University employed a knitter-in-residence, Susan McComb, who took the University architecture as her inspiration to produce some original designs, some of which appear in the new patterns book. 

Since then the team of historians have engaged with the University and the wider Scottish knitting community in all sorts of ways, drawing on the enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise of hand knitters to knit all the Commonwealth flags for Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and to test knit nineteenth century patterns for so-called Shetland lace.

In 2018, the team produced University of Glasgow Cochno knitting yarn. The University’s Cochno Farm has a large sheep flock, primarily to service the needs of veterinary sciences. The fleece from the Scotch Mule sheep was turned into a double-knit worsted yarn and sold through the University gift shop.

A competition amongst staff and students to produce original knitting patterns inspired by the built environment of the University and capable of being knit in our wool elicited designs that reference our gothic architecture and several of those items are included in this collection.

The brief for the new pattern book was to produce an original design for a hand-knitted garment or accessory referencing the built environment of the University. The designers toured the main campus and the archives where they viewed original plans of the University’s Gilmorehill site in the West End of Glasgow. Their designs are inspired by old and new elements of our buildings, from the ‘gothic’ tower and cloisters to the modern perpendicularity of the University Library.

Simon Community Scotland’s Rucksack and Handbag Appeal

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A Scottish charity to help the homeless is looking for 500 sleeping bags this winter. They have also put out a call for rucksacks and handbags filled with essentials such as food, clothes and toiletries.

The campaign run by the Simon Community Scotland is called the Rucksacks and Handbag Appeal, and is intended to be a practical way of helping those who are homeless or in danger of living on the streets.

The charity operated in Glasgow, North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire, but has chosen Edinburgh actor Moray Hunter to star in its promotional video.

A team of volunteers is ready and waiting to accept donations.

Donations day, December 4, is being held at a warehouse on 24 Rosyth Road, Shawfield, the space donated by Robert Morris, of Morris Furniture. Donations are being collected between 10am and 4pm.

There is an additional venue, near the Simon Community Scotland HQ and open between 12pm and 4pm: The Barn Youth Centre, 37 Abbotsford Place, Gorbals (the space donated by Crossroads Youth & Community Association).

For more details of the types of items being sought by the Rucksack and Handbag Appeal, visit www.simonscotland.org.

Or twitter.com/simoncommscot.

 

The Great City Swap begins today

Scotrail Great City Swap.22/9/16Picture © Andy Buchanan 2016

Scotrail have launched a new campaign today to encourage you to go to Edinburgh. They are also suggesting that those living in Edinburgh will come here for the day. The Great City Swap is supported by the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Marketing Edinburgh and it promises ‘memorable experiences and hidden gems’.

Research into the Central Scotland journey found that 90% of those questioned thought that the train trip would make the day out an attractive option, but that only around a third of those actually made the plan a reality. This campaign should help you do just that.

Nesta Gilliland, head of marketing and sales at ScotRail said : “Glasgow and Edinburgh both have great shopping, incredible culture, lively nightlife and family days out.  However, 90% of those we spoke with agreed that both cities are different in their own distinctive ways. That means those who live in either place are in an enviable position. When they travel by train, in less than an hour they can easily be in the other city soaking up amazing experiences.  That’s what our Great City Swap campaign celebrates.

“We want people to travel from East to West, and vice-versa, with ScotRail. It’s not that the cities don’t like each other – they do – it’s just that they need to take the time to get to know each other again. And we’ve got lots of creative ways to encourage people to take the plunge and get swapping.

“Through train travel, we’ll show how easy and enjoyable it can be to discover the real Edinburgh and Glasgow.”

Councillor Frank McAveety, the Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Our two great cities share so many common bonds, with outstanding sights and attractions on offer. We know that People Make Glasgow and I would urge everyone, not least our neighbours in Edinburgh, to come and experience our welcome and hospitality. From world-class museums and family attractions, to shopping and great food and entertainment, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

As part of The Great City Swap, ScotRail will also be highlighting the affordability of leisure fares between Glasgow and Edinburgh.  Outside peak times, return fares between Glasgow and Edinburgh are £12.60** or less.  Kids go free*** and over 50s receive a discount if they are members of ScotRail’s Club 50.  Passengers can speak with ticket office staff at train stations who are on hand to help people get the best deal.

**Off peak adult day return is £12.60

***Kids go free up to age 16 on off-peak returns

Photos Andy Buchanan

Glasgow Childrens’ Hospital Charity appoints financial expert to board

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A director with investment managers Brewin Dolphin has joined the board of directors at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

With her financial expertise Vicki Drysdale hopes to help the charity in its work to support children, babies and young people treated at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.

Shona Cardle, chief executive, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Vicky to our board of directors. I have no doubt that her considerable financial acumen will help us continue to deliver the highest level of support to the patients and families from across Scotland who attend the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow.”

An expert in financial markets and understanding the economy, Vicky has demonstrable success in manging clients’ investment portfolios. She has strategic and hands on experience in brand development, marketing and client engagement, and is a fellow of the Securities Institute.

Vicky Drysdale said: “The Charity is fantastic and makes a real difference to the children who attend the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow and I am very proud to join the board of directors.

“I wanted to join a charitable board as I was keen to put my skill set to use to give something back to society. I have learned so much during my professional career and wanted to put it to good use out with the private sector. I never take anything for granted and know there are so many people that need help and support and I am happy to contribute in some small way.”

Vicky was matched to the charity by iMultiply, a recruitment agency which offers charities seeking new board members access to its extensive network free of charge.

Following the appointment, Debbie Shields of iMultiply said: “We are passionate about supporting non-for-profit organisations and have successfully worked with a number of registered charities across Scotland.

“It’s been great to make the introduction with Vicky and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Working with both has been a real pleasure and I’m sure it will be a great appointment for both parties. I look forward to hearing about their continued successes!”

Nominate your new community councillors by the end of the week

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Glasgow City Council is currently seeking nominations for community councillors in 16 areas across the city, all before the end of this week. .

Nominations for the elections will close on 16 September 2016.

Election meetings will take place in each of the areas in October (details to come once nomination deadline has passed) to appoint qualified residents to the respective community councils.

Anyone over 16 years of age who resides within their community council boundary area can stand for election. All that is required is that the candidate, proposer and seconders’ names, as stated on the nomination forms, also appear on the Electoral Register.

Valid nomination forms should be submitted to Glasgow City Council using the details on the online form by noon on Friday 16th September 2016.

The following community councils are holding elections:
Carmunnock
Castlemilk
Crosshill Govanhill
Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside
Dumbreck
Garrowhill
Gartcraig
Hillhead
Hillington North Cardonald and Penilee
Hutchesontown
Molendinar
Newlands and Auldhouse
Jordanhill
Simshill and Old Cathcart
South Cardonald and Crookston
Wallacewell

Community councils play a very important role in serving to bridge the gap between local authorities and communities.

Unlike other community organisations they are formally included in the consultation process for all planning applications and can make representations regarding them. They can also comment on licensing applications that affect their area.

The introduction of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 could also mean that community councils have increased powers in the future.

In addition to influencing decision making, as a community body, the groups are also eligible to apply for council funding for instance to run events and purchase items, for the benefit of the local area.

Councillor Soryia Siddique, executive member for communities and citizens, said: “These elected volunteers have a key responsibility in helping to express the views and articulate the needs of local areas. We are looking for a wide variety of people to join these groups and make them representative of our diverse city.

“So young or old, from the high school student or unemployed person looking to add to their CV, to a retiree, a local business owner or parent with ideas about improving an area for families – all have a vested interested in making the place where you live better . If you can spare some time to influence and make decisions about what happens in your neighbourhood, we want to hear from you.”

For its part the council has a duty to ensure that the community councils are accountable, governed and run correctly. The council also hosts development, training and capacity building sessions to build and ensure the groups’ sustainability and longevity as a thriving community organisation.

Delta now flies to JFK from Glasgow

Two weeks after Delta Air Lines started service between Edinburgh and New York-JFK, the U.S. airline has announced it will double its Scottish network in summer 2017 when it begins flying between Glasgow and the Big Apple.

New York

The service, which will begin on May 26, 2017, will be the only nonstop fight between Glasgow and New York-JFK and will operate daily throughout the summer. From JFK, customers will have a choice of 60 same-day onward connections throughout the United States, including the popular cities of Los Angeles, Orlando and San Francisco. The flight will be operated in conjunction with partners Virgin Atlantic Airways and this new service adds to Virgin’s seasonal service from Glasgow to Orlando.

“As a core component of our global strategy, we are eager to build our network across the U.K. and this new flight shows our commitment to Scotland,” said Dwight James, Delta’s senior vice president trans-Atlantic. “With this service, Delta will operate from four airports in Scotland and England offering our customers more choice of local services to reach their chosen U.S. destination, as well as offering tourism and business opportunities for Scotland.”

 

The schedule for the service between Glasgow and New York-JFK is:

Flight Departs Arrives
DL266 Glasgow at 1.00 p.m. New York-JFK at 3.40 p.m.
DL466 New York-JFK at 11.45p.m. Glasgow at 11.25 a.m. (+1 day)

 

“The arrival of Delta Air Lines in Glasgow is fantastic news for Scotland and we really can not underestimate the significance of this announcement; especially since it comes just as Glasgow Airport is about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its official opening,” said Amanda McMillan, Chief Executive of AGS Airports Ltd and Managing Director of Glasgow Airport. “Routes such as this enable Scotland to maintain and increase its global competitiveness. Not only will it play a major role in supporting our growing tourism industry, it will provide Scottish businesses with yet another direct link to what is the world’s largest economy. New York is such an iconic city for which there is huge demand and passengers will be able to take advantage of Delta’s extensive route network through its hub at New York-JFK.”

The United States is the number one inbound tourism market to Scotland, with nearly half a million visitors in 2014 – an increase of 100,000 compared to the previous year*. Scottish Government data also reports that overall tourism expenditure in the country stood around £9.7 billion in 2014.

“This announcement for Glasgow is a fantastic endorsement by one of the world’s biggest airlines for Scotland and the important growth opportunity that is Scottish tourism, coming , as it does, hard on the heels of the commencement of Delta’s new Edinburgh-JFK service,” said Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland. “Our strategy sees us working closely in partnership with airlines like Delta to develop and promote direct air connectivity to Scotland. This new service to Glasgow will be well timed to exploit the increased interest in Scotland and Scots heritage stimulated by the highly successful Outlander TV series and our Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in 2017.”

Councillor Frank McAveety, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: “The USA is Glasgow’s largest international market with 100,000 American visitors currently travelling to the city each year, contributing £38 million to the local economy. Delta’s new service to Glasgow Airport will bring a mix of leisure and business visitors to the city, as well as serving to increase our worldwide connectivity. We look forward to welcoming Delta to Glasgow and working closely with them and city partners on joint marketing communications activity in the US to grow this key market further.”

Delta’s Glasgow service will be operated using a 164-seat Boeing 757-200ER. All flights will be equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing customers to stay connected at 30,000 feet, in addition to complimentary on-demand in-flight entertainment in all cabins. Movies and TV shows can also be downloaded to tablet and laptop devices.

Customers flying in Delta Comfort+, will benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Main Cabin seats, as well as priority boarding. Furthermore, Delta’s flights from Glasgow feature fully flat-bed seats in the Delta One cabin, with Westin Heavenly Inflight Bedding from Westin Hotels & Resorts and TUMI amenity kits featuring products by MALIN + GOETZ. Customers enjoy a range of regional dining options in the Delta One cabin produced using seasonal ingredients and paired with wines selected exclusively for Delta by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.

Tickets for Delta’s New York service are available through Delta Air Lines on 0871 221 1222, www.delta.com or via travel agents.

Leverndale patient missing

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Yesterday 10 March 2016 Mr Lee McFadyen a restricted patient, absconded from Leverndale Hospital, 510 Crookston Road, Glasgow from a period of unescorted suspension of detention in the community.

Mr McFadyen is 29 years old and is described as being 5ft 10 in height, of medium build with a fair complexion, brown eyes and dark brown/black hair. He was last seen wearing a black parka jacket with a burgundy scarf, navy t-shirt, blue denims, royal blue Nike sweater and royal blue Adidas trainers.

Authorities are anxious to trace this man as soon as possible. If you see him you should contact Police Scotland on 101 or your local police office.

The rise of Glasgow’s independent coffee culture

Glasgow last night played host to the launch of Scotland’s first Independent Coffee Guide, cementing its place as a major player on the speciality coffee scene.

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Over 100 people packed into South Block on Osborne Street to experience the landmark moment for the local industry, as Salt Media publishers unveiled their glossy 130-page encyclopaedia of Scottish coffee shops and roasters.

The guide is the first of its kind in Scotland after similar successful projects by Salt Media in the south-west and north of England. North Berwick-based photographer Gavin Smart contributed an array of images to the guide, and these were displayed in a mini-gallery at the launch event.

“Incredible”

Jo Rees, editor of the Indy Coffee Guide, said: “There’s loads of coffee in Scotland – some of it incredible, some not so good, but with your Indy Coffee Guide in your back pocket, you can be confident that you won’t waste your precious and limited caffeine intake on anything but the very best speciality coffee. It’s your starting point for some brilliant coffee adventures.”

Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, UK Barista champion, said: “The guide represents the emergence of “coffee tourism”. After all, guidebooks have led people to new and exciting realms for centuries.”

A four-strong panel picked out 44 top coffee shops and 11 top roasters stretching from Ullapool to Berwick. Also included are supplementary lists of 27 highly recommended shops and 7 roasters. All in all, 22 Glasgow establishments are featured in the Guide.

The Scottish speciality coffee industry is riding a wave of publicity at the moment. The second Glasgow Coffee Festival was held in October last year, and the launch of the Independent Coffee Guide comes one day before the ‘northern’ heat of the 2016 UK Barista Championship which is being held in Glasgow today.

The guide will be available for sale at the coffee venues featured in the guide, at Waterstones and good bookshops, via Amazon and from the Indy Coffee Guide website

Distant Voices – EP written by prisoners and musicians

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Distant Voices, a project which has developed songwriting in Scottish prisons in an innovative exploration of punishment and reintegration, will be launched officially on Monday, November 9.

The studio EP “Distant Voices: Silent Seconds” will be launched at the CCA in Glasgow on Monday, November 9, at a gig featuring Louis Abbott, Emma Pollock, Donna Maciocia, Andrew Howie and a number of other musicians, showcasing a full set of songs written collaboratively with prisoners. Until then you can listen to it here. 

Songwriters Louis Abbott (Admiral Fallow), Emma Pollock (The Delgados), Rachel Sermanni, Andrew Howie, Donna Maciocia and Jo Mango have worked with prisoners, former prisoners, criminal justice social workers, criminologists and a prison officer to write songs, in workshops called The Vox Sessions. The sessions have thus far produced over 100 songs. The gig is the main event in the Distant Voices festival at Glasgow’s CCA running from November 5-9. They have been recorded at the Chem19 studio, under the musical direction of Louis Abbott.

Distant Voices is a partnership between Vox Liminis, a charity established two years ago, and the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR), with funding from the Scottish Prison Service, the University of Glasgow and the Economic and Social Research Council.

The EP is already attracting national radio play ahead of release, with radio presenter and Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross commenting: “Listen to these songs not because it’s such a worthwhile project, though it is, but because you’ll love them. ‘Breathe Life’ will become one of these songs I’ll treasure for a long, long time.”

One of the prisoners involved in the workshops said: “Everybody’s kinda been through the same in here, either losing family or missing people and letting people know that you love them and all that kind of stuff. And for a guy it’s hard to express that, so that’s how it’s good to do it through music.”

A prison officer involved in the project added: “I think something like this shows you that when we actually all put it down together and write about our experiences, my experiences personally and emotionally are no different to what the guys have been writing about.”

Vox Liminis Director Alison Urie said: “Crime is at heart an emotive topic, but the way we deal with it often ignores the human aspects for everyone involved. Offending both stems from and results in emotional impact for many people – perpetrators, victims, the families of those imprisoned, and staff in prisons and community justice. Songs provide a way to share stories and thoughts that connect with each other’s humanity, and help us to see beyond the prevailing narrative of ‘goodies and baddies’.”

Fergus McNeill, Professor of Criminology & Social Work at the University of Glasgow, explained: “This project was developed in response to research showing that punishment in the criminal justice system is often poorly understood, and that ex-offenders often struggle to stop reoffending because the effects and stigma of punishment often extend far beyond the formal end of sentence. People with convictions are often locked out of employment, housing and social participation; and these are the very things they most need if they are to keep out of trouble.“

“It makes little sense for the criminal justice system to invest in rehabilitation programmes if we are not prepared as a society to allow people to move on. What we are trying to do with Distant Voices is to see if we can challenge those attitudes and maybe open doors for ex-offenders.”

But the songwriting may also play a part in helping participants to express and develop themselves, according to musician Donna Maciocia: “The people we worked with said that the experience had made them feel humanised again, part of something, and gave them a meaningful focus whilst in prison. Many would go away between sessions and return with pages of lyric ideas they’d been writing. And for me it has been one of the most fascinating, intense, beautiful, challenging, boundary pushing and rewarding projects of my career.”

Louis Abbott, lead singer of Admiral Fallow, who has delivered a number of The Vox Sessions and produced the “Distant Voices — Silent Seconds” CD said: ‘The standard of songs have been scarily good especially considering most of those involved are writing for the first time.’

The work also involves building a growing community of former prisoners, criminologists and others working in the criminal justice system that continues to meet to eat, make music and build connections. One former prisoner, now regularly writing songs, commented: “Without being too dramatic, seriously, it has been to an extent life changing for me. I’m happier than I have been for a long time and Vox has played a significant part in that.”