Local services at Napiershall Street Centre

Work is ongoing to support the development of 3rd sector organisations based in the Napiershall Street Centre. This is a former school converted in to office and meeting space for advice, support and training. 

Regular recycling swap shop events are held at the centre.

In 2018, there are plans to support local history workshops and host a Doors Open Day in September. 

Further details are available at: http://wsrec.co.uk/projects/rootsscotland/

White House on the Canal

On a recent walk along the canal towpath, I visited the White House which has a bike repair workshop and cafe space for meeting friends and family.

Volunteers needed by the Scottish Waterways Trust

View of the White House on Maryhill Road

The White House is the oldest building standing in Maryhill. It is an unique landmark and its restoration is a step forward in the regeneration of the canal. The facilities provide a good meeting point to get advice and support to help in exploration of the canal towpath. Further details are available at: http://www.freewheelnorth.org.uk/white-house

Repairs to staircase on Kelvin Walkway

The works on the renewal of the stepped access from Queen Margaret Road to Kelvin Walkway are underway. I highlighted health and safety concerns about these steps to council officials. In recent years, there has been ongoing repair work on the walkway.

View of repair and maintenance work on Kelvin Walkway.

The allocation of funds to maintain access to the Kelvin Walkway is vital. This encourages active travel and physical activity using walking routes, and enables visitors to have good access to the restoration work at the 60 Steps. This walkway area is well used on a daily basis by residents including children going to and from school.

Xmas Lights Switch On at Byres Road.

Yesterday, I joined crowds in Vinicombe Street to watch the Xmas Lights switch on by Bella Beatson. There was uplifting entertainment from choirs and jokes from children in the audience. Local cobbled lanes were closed to traffic to make way for festive activities.

Bella Beatson on stage at Vinicombe Street.

Xmas Tree on Vinicombe Street

Xmas lights on Ashton Road Car Park.

There is further information about the businesses in Byres Road and surrounding lanes at: https://www.visitwestend.com/

Support for Anti-racism march and rally

On Saturday, 25th November, I joined the march and rally from Glasgow Green to Adelaide's on Bath Street to support anti racism work and help to make Scotland a home for refugees and migrant workers. 

View of the march and rally through George Square.

Due to rise in hate crimes, we need to confront racism and celebrate diversity in our communities. The clear message of the rally was to educate, agitate and organise anti-racism campaigning in our workplaces and across our neighbourhoods.

Useful links:

United Glasgow F.C. - https://unitedglasgowfc.org.uk/

Nelson Mandela Scottish Memorial - https://mandelascottishmemorial.org/

Creative pathways on the Canal

On Thursday, 23rd November, I went to the Whisky Bond to attend the exhibition of sculptures by a group of 16 and 17 years olds on a "Creative Pathways Our Bright Future" programme at Impact Arts. This programme was partly funded by Scottish Canals and provided an opportunity to develop a series of works for the Clay Pits, a nature reserve on the Forth and Clyde Canal.

View of "You Are Here" which is a map of the Forth and Clyde Canal 

that goes through the Clay Pits.

This is known as "Four Shadows" and is influenced by 

four high rise flats at Westercommon.

The "Ways of Seeing" sculpture using steel and coloured Perspex has a minimal impact on the city skyline and aims to complement the wonderful view of the west end.

It was an impressive showcase providing young people with an amazing opportunity to develop their creative skills and help them move on to employment or further studies. More information available at: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/news/blog/young-people-unveil-series-of-magnificent-sculptures-for-the-canalside/

Leaves and flooding on College Cycle Route

In the last week, there have been problems with leaves and flooding on the cycling route along New City Road. The route has been dangerous for cyclists, as well as pedestrians, due to the slippy surfaces.

View of underpass at New City Road

There is an ongoing requirement for street cleansing on this cycle lane to prevent accidents and encourage more people to cycle to and from the city centre. The ongoing efforts of street sweepers to clean our streets and improve safety are very much appreciated.