Doors Open Day at Napiershall Street.

This year, for Doors Open Day, I visited the Napiershall Street Centre which is a three storey sandstone former school building which has been converted in to office and studio spaces. It is operated by City Property. An informative exhibition and tour of the building was organised by the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council who occupy offices in the building. 

View of main hallway with glass covered atrium.

Plaque to commemorate the first headteacher.

View of the Napiershall Street Centre in Woodside.

Former pupils of the school shared their memories and evidence from the archives, including old photos of the interior, was showcased for Doors Open Day. Thanks to everyone who supported this celebration of local history.

Culture at the European Championships

During the European Championships taking place in Glasgow, I made a visit to hear a classic music concert at the Woodlands Community Garden. 

 Crowd gathers for the concert.

 Views of the flowers and vegetables at the growing plots in the garden.

I have enjoyed various community events, this month and the gardens across the Hillhead area including Woodlands Community Garden have been thriving.

Stalled space at Sixty Steps

On a walkabout in the North Kelvinside area, I visited the wildlife garden and stalled space at the Greek Thomson Sixty Steps. This land is a special site planted to support bees, butterflies and insects.

Signage at the sixty steps

Wooden fencing and gate access to the stalled space.

There has been a charitable trust established to promote the Sixty Steps and this space gives a boost to the environment surrounding this important local heritage feature. 

Helping reduce plastic waste

In July, I took part in a clean up organised by Glasgow Over Plastic. Volunteers gathered up rubbish next to the city centre motorway network which included cans, plastic bottles, crisp packets, plastic bags, plastic packaging and cardboard.

Some rubbish gathered as part of the clean up

Find out about Glasgow Over Plastic

View of wildflower area next to the motorway at Anderston

I was glad to clear litter from a grassland area which had been planted with wildflowers. There has been planting of wildlflower seeds to encourage bees across the city. 

University of Glasgow Settlement Celebrates

Last week, I visited the free exhibition by the University of Glasgow Settlement Management Committee in the Wolfson Medical School Building on University Avenue. This unique exhibition, on display until the end of August 2018, celebrates the history of the Settlement and its legacy of effective student social action. 

Views of the exhibition 

There are display boards featuring women's extraordinary contributions including references to Madge Easton Anderson, Marion Gilchrist and Janet Galloway. These women of Queen Margaret College made a significant impact on the life of our city and built the foundations for the continuing work of current students through the University Settlement.

New Woodside Health Centre takes shape

As part of my travels on Garscube Road, I have noticed the development of the new Woodside Health and Social Care Centre which is due to open in early 2019.

 View of the new building from Garscube Road

View of new bike parking and spaces for Nextbike, nearby on Firhill Road.

I am supporting the provision of a Green Travel Plan for the new facilities. Requests have been made for local cycle hire provision and better bike parking to make it easier to travel to and from the new centre by bike.

Visit to Claypits Local Nature Reserve

On several occasions in the last month, I have visited the local nature reserve known as Claypits, which has its main entrance located at the Applecross Basin. It has fully accessible paths throughout the area overlooking the Forth and Clyde Canal and rooftops of Glasgow's West End.

 Views of the new pathway through Claypits to Hamiltonhill.

Looking across the local nature reserve to the University of Glasgow.

I have enjoyed walking and jogging along the pathways. There are stunning views over the city's rooftops from the highest point on the path. It is the site of wetland and willow scrub used by roe deer and waterfowl.