Category: News

General GCHT News

Vacancy: Built Heritage Officer

Posted March 20th 2025

Built Heritage Officer

Salary: £33,000 – £34,000

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent

Location: GCHT offices, Glasgow / Hybrid

Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) gives out almost £1 million in funding each year to help people in Glasgow protect, repair, and promote the city’s historic buildings and places, and tell the city’s story. Through our grant programmes, we support individuals, communities, and organisations to care for Glasgow’s historic built environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Our work helps create successful neighbourhoods and vibrant high streets, which are vital for sustainable and thriving communities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Built Heritage Officer to join our team. This role is central to the delivery of the Trust’s Historic Built Environment Grant Programme, supporting best practice in traditional building repair and conservation. The role combines training and education for those responsible for maintaining Glasgow’s historic buildings with the assessment and management of grant-funded building repair projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Grants Manager to provide technical advice and support, monitor grant-funded repair projects, and deliver training and outreach activities. As part of their career development, the Trust will support the successful candidate with training towards securing Conservation Accreditation.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Experience in heritage management, built heritage, or conservation construction in a customer-facing role.
  • Knowledge of traditional building materials and techniques and current building conservation practices.
  • Experience of managing multiple projects or activities and working with different stakeholders.
  • Experience of construction phase operations and visiting / monitoring progress on building sites
  • The ability to evaluate complex information, including technical drawings and specifications.
  • Strong communication and partnership-building skills.
  • Excellent numerical and IT skills, including record-keeping.

Desirable criteria:

  • A degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., architecture, conservation, surveying, construction).
  • Experience in grant scheme administration, building repair, or heritage-led regeneration projects.
  • Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., IHBC, RICS, RIAS).

The successful candidate will embody our core values: passionate, collaborative, innovative, and forward-looking.

GCHT welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is an equal opportunities employer.

To Apply:

Please download the Job Description and Application Form via the links below:

Built Heritage Officer Job Description

Application Form

Completed application forms should be returned by email to info@glasgowheritage.org.uk.

Deadline for applications: Monday 14th April 2025, at 12 noon.

Interviews: Interviews will take place at our offices in Glasgow on Thursday 24th April 2025.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Niall Murphy, Director, at niall@glasgowheritage.org.uk.

Glasgow City Heritage Trust Awards Over £145,000 in Grants to Celebrate Glasgow850

Posted March 7th 2025

Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) is delighted to announce the awarding of over £145,000 in funding in its latest round of grants to support a diverse range of heritage projects across the city. These grants will help preserve Glasgow’s built heritage, engage local communities, and celebrate the city’s remarkable 850-year history.

This round of funding includes support for essential conservation work on historic buildings, as well as innovative educational and outreach projects that highlight Glasgow’s rich and diverse past.

Among the projects supported is a special project at the Tron Theatre, which will celebrate Glasgow 850 through a unique heritage and educational programme. The theatre will explore its own storied past as part of Glasgow’s cultural fabric, providing new insights into the city’s evolution over the centuries.

Patricia Stead, Executive Director at The Tron Theatre says, “The Tron’s steeple is a much-loved Glasgow icon, steeped in 5 centuries of history, but sadly in much need of restoration to re-establish its presence in the Trongate.  With this grant award from GCHT, we can now begin the restoration process – raising the profile of this jewel in Glasgow’s history once again and providing locals and visitors alike with a chance to learn about the building and its significance.”

Other key projects receiving funding include:

  • Castlemilk Hall – Comprehensive repairs to a Victorian community hall, ensuring its continued use for local activities.
  • 116-124 Nithsdale Road, Pollokshields – Essential conservation work to safeguard a prominent B-listed mid-Victorian tenement building.
  • The Modernist Society Mobile App Tours – Expanding digital heritage engagement with Glasgow’s modernist architectural landmarks.
  • Scottish Refugee Council’s ‘Refugee Histories: Community Walking Tours of Glasgow’ Project – A facilitated community research initiative developing walking tours which will give the public a unique insight into historic and modern refugee experiences, through the lens of the city’s built environment.

Heidi Fawcett of Castlemilk Hall SCIO says, “GCHT’s funding award for the Castlemilk Hall Repair and Restoration project has been transformative. In addition to encouraging the whole community and all the unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and develop the hall, this generous award has stimulated other grant funders to appreciate we have a recognised need to maintain, sustain and develop our built heritage here in Glasgow and in Carmunnock, Glasgow’s last village.”

Jack Hale of The Modernist Society says, “With the support of the GCHT, Glasgow will be the second city featured on our Modernist App. Glasgow boasts a remarkable wealth of twentieth-century architectural heritage, which we will showcase through our app-based tours. We aim to inspire locals, tourists, and architectural enthusiasts alike to explore the streets and discover the sites that we have carefully identified along the way.”

Mónica Laiseca, Refugee Festival Scotland Manager says, “Walking has a particular significance for refugee communities, being for many New Scots their main mode of transport and way of navigating the city. Through this project, presented a time of great uncertainty for communities seeking safety in Scotland, we want to celebrate New Scot experiences of Glasgow’s built environment, as well as preserve and make available to the public a fragile heritage of unique community histories that have assembled within the fabric of the city over the last 25 years of providing refugee protection.”

The awarded projects reflect GCHT’s commitment to supporting Glasgow’s historic built environment and amplifying the voices of communities who contribute to the city’s living heritage.

GCHT Director, Niall Murphy says, “As Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary, it’s more important than ever to invest in our city’s heritage—both in the buildings that shape our streets and the stories that define our communities. These grants will not only help protect Glasgow’s rich architectural legacy but also ensure that more people can engage with and appreciate our shared history. From major conservation projects to innovative outreach initiatives, we’re proud to support work that keeps Glasgow’s heritage alive for future generations.”

As Glasgow marks its 850th anniversary, these grants will play a vital role in ensuring the city’s stories, places, and people continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Designer Brief – Lens on Legacy: Saving Glasgow’s Architectural Heritage

Posted January 31st 2025

Pale blue square with an illustration of a person reading a book and "Call for Designers!"

GCHT is inviting tenders for the design of our upcoming exhibition, which will work in partnership with Queens Park Camera Club to highlight Glasgow’s at-risk buildings, celebrating the city’s architectural heritage while inspiring conservation efforts.

Click here for the full design brief

Drawings of our exhibition space

Deadline: 14th Feb, 2025 at 9:00am

Enquiries and submissions should be made by email to: info@glasgowheritage.org.uk

Celebrating a Year of Impact: GCHT Annual Report 2023-24

Posted January 10th 2025

We’re excited to share our 2023-24 Annual Report, showcasing a year of milestones and a fresh new look with our updated branding!

Here’s what we achieved together:

  • 20 heritage projects grant-aided, with a total investment of £643,284.08, supporting the repair of 9 buildings and helping 192 property owners conserve Glasgow’s historic built environment.
  • £69,999 invested in education, outreach, and community engagement projects to encourage people to learn about and connect with Glasgow’s rich built heritage.
  • 8 public talks, walks, and tours hosted, engaging 462 people with the stories of our city.
  • 10 podcast episodes released, achieving an incredible 9,700 downloads and reaching audiences near and far.
  • 10 conservation and traditional skills training opportunities provided, helping 308 professionals, contractors, homeowners, and students develop their knowledge and expertise.

This year, we’ve worked hard to celebrate, protect, and share Glasgow’s incredible heritage, and we couldn’t have done it without your support.

Check out the full report to see more about our achievements and explore our vibrant new branding.

Read the full report

Celebrating 20 Years of Scotland’s City Heritage Trusts

Posted December 19th 2024

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the first City Heritage Trusts in Scotland. Over two decades, Scotland’s seven City Heritage Trusts have made a significant contribution to the historic environment through the distribution of funding for building repairs, outreach and education. They have become an integral part of the Scottish heritage sector, recognised for their local knowledge and expertise and their ability to be creative and innovative, using public funds wisely to deliver on projects which make a difference to the cities where they operate.

This report showcases the Trusts’ achievements and highlights their ongoing importance in caring for the historic built environment and contributing to a more sustainable Scotland.

GCHT’s Window Display

Posted December 4th 2024

Photograph of front of GCHT office with brightly coloured painted buildings and wooden cutouts of tenements
A colourful screen print of a historic Glasgow tenement

"The Greenest Building is the One That is Already Built"

This idea was the jumping off point for Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s new window display from students in the Design Practice BA(hons) course at the City of Glasgow College. With the World Economic Forum estimating that the building sector creates almost 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, the students wanted to focus on how properly repairing and maintaining Glasgow’s historic buildings is a key part of a sustainable future and trying to reach net-zero. 

By incorporating the colours of thermal imaging the design playfully contrasts the technological with the creative, merging the precision of modern building diagnostics with artistic expression to deliver a message about sustainability and built heritage.

Glasgow’s tenements are a major part of the city’s historic built environment, providing the city both with housing and a unique urban landscape. These older building, however, do require care and maintenance to avoid issues of damp, draughtiness and structural failures. As part of our window display, GCHT has put together some helpful resources and information about looking after tenement flats. We also regularly host “Taking Care of Your Tenement” events for homeowners, landlords and tenants to find out more about managing their flats. As a grant-funder GCHT might be able to help with the cost of repairs – see the section below about the Trust and its work. 

Maintaining Glasgow's Built Heritage

The repair and maintenance of Glasgow’s built heritage is essential to preserving the city’s identity and ensuring it is able to meet goals around sustainability and lowering carbon emission. However, they require proper upkeep to ensure they remain functional, energy-efficient and appealing as spaces to live and work in.

Important Points to Consider 

  • Maintenance is an ongoing process and buildings should be checked regularly. Dealing with smaller issues in the short-term (such as blocked gutters or poor ventilation) will prevent much larger issues that require more intensive and expensive solutions in the long-term. 
  • Traditional buildings, typically those built before 1919, are designed to “breathe,” using vapour-open materials like lime, stone, and timber that allow moisture to move freely. When modern, impermeable materials (such as cement) are used for repairs they can trap moisture, leading to mould, rot, and structural damage. Therefore, it’s essential to use materials and techniques compatible with their original design. 
  • Owners in tenements have a legal duty to maintain the parts of the tenement that provide support and shelter. 

Resources 

Under One Roof is a Scotland-wide charity that provides free and impartial information to tenement flat owners, and housing professionals, on issues related to tenement maintenance, common repair management, and retrofit.

Their website can walk you through the ins and outs of taking care of a tenement flat, including the types of repairs you might need to undertake, working with neighbours to do repairs and how to find the right contractors to do the works.

Link to Under One Roof's Website

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment. They regularly publish free guides on properly repairing and maintaining historic buildings.

HES Guide to General Historic Building Maintenance
HES Guide to Tenement Maintenance

Thermal Imaging & Energy Efficiency

Thermal imaging is a diagnostic technology that uses thermal cameras to detect infrared radiation, which helps show heat patterns and changes in temperature. By looking at heat patterns, we can identify and address building issues such as heat loss, dampness or insulation gaps.

HES Guide to Thermal Imaging

Energy efficiency means improving the way buildings work. More efficient buildings stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer, providing better thermal comfort for those inside while using less energy. This both lowers energy bills and, as the vast majority of households use gas to heat their homes, also reduces carbon emissions. 

Sympathetically retrofitting historic buildings to improve their energy efficiency is a major part of making the historic built environment as sustainable as possible.

HES Guide to Energy Efficiency
HES Guide to Retrofitting Historic Buildings

More About Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Glasgow City Heritage Trust is an independent charity and grant-funder that helps people access funding and expertise which will ensure the sustainability of Glasgow’s heritage for current and future generations.

We do this by:

  • Grant-aiding historic building repairs, project development, traditional building skills training, education and outreach projects and other historic environment focussed projects.
  • Giving technical advice
  • Running a series of talks, events and other activities designed to engage people and communities with Glasgow’s heritage. 
Find out more about our grants programme
Click here to join our mailing list
Let us know what you think of the window!

***SOLD OUT*** The Development of Glasgow’s Commercial Architecture (Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival)

Posted September 5th 2024

Alexander 'Greek' Thompson's Grosvener building

Friday 20 September | 7-8pm | Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, G11 6EW

Join GCHT Director Niall Murphy to find out about the development of commercial architecture of Glasgow, as part of the Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2024.
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In his influential 1960 essay, “The Grid and the Urban Grain,” architecture critic Ian Nairn offers a vivid portrayal of Glasgow’s cityscape. He describes the city as ‘a kind of topographical epic with the buildings as incidents” and likens it to ‘a Beethoven symphony played over 150 years,” where the passage of time adds a unique power to the city’s physical landscape.
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In doing so Nairn brilliantly captures the qualities of Glasgow’s gridded city centre. The commercial buildings which sit within this grid, so ruthlessly imposed on to the city’s hilly landscape, make up this strong urban matrix and give the city its unique character.
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Discover the evolution of Glasgow’s gridded cityscape and the architects like Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, Sir John James Burnet, and James Miller who shaped its distinctive commercial architecture. This tradition is vital to preserving and enhancing Glasgow’s unique sense of place.

Free but booking is essential: Please note booking is managed by Doors Open Days.

Click here to go to the Doors Open Days website for booking

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Become a Friend of Glasgow City Heritage Trust

Each year, our events help over 2000 people to understand and appreciate Glasgow's irreplaceable built heritage. Can you help us to reach more people?

We are hugely grateful for the support of our Friends whose subscriptions help cover the costs of these events, thereby ensuring accessible pricing for everyone in Glasgow in these challenging times.

The easiest way to support the Trust’s work is to join our Friends scheme. Our tiered loyalty scheme means you can choose the level that’s right for you.

Click to find out all the benefits of membership

EXHIBITION: BRUTAL GLASGOW

Posted August 22nd 2024

Explore Glasgow’s love-hate relationship with Brutalism through this interactive, multimedia exhibition featuring the work of Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie).

Journey from Anniesland Tower to the Gallowgate Twins gaining fascinating insights into the city’s Brutalist buildings past and present, with commentary from architects, academics and writers including Miles Glendinning, Diane Watters, Rory Olcayto, Johnny Rodger, Nick Haynes, and Owen Hatherley, as well as first-hand stories from those who lived and worked in these monumental structures.

Devised by Rachel Loughran, a curator specialising in digital design who has previously exhibited with the Alasdair Gray Archive, the exhibition brings Nebo Peklo’s works to life, offering a deeper understanding of this often maligned style of architecture. 

Brutal Glasgow tells a uniquely Glasgow story and will make you see Brutalism in a whole new light. Don’t miss out – it might just change your mind about these concrete giants.

Visit the exhibition online here

Or you can visit in person:

Following successful runs at Glasgow City Heritage Trust and at the Pyramid at Anderston, the exhibition is heading eastwards to Edinburgh:

Monday to Friday weekly from 17th March – 2nd May 2025

10am – 4pm 

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BE

Free entry

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk Series 3

Posted June 27th 2024

In this series we’re delighted to welcome Fay Young onboard as co-host of the episodes which were recorded between March and May 2024.

The first episode was launched on 27 June with an episode released weekly until 29 August.

Tune in to get an exclusive audio tour of Central Station, find out about Glasgow’s Gaelic roots through the study of place-names, and learn about the amazing work of Glasgow photographer Bash Khan.

See below for the episodes & transcripts

SERIES 3 EPISODE 1

Glasgow Central Station main concourse

Hidden Stories of Glasgow Central Station with Jackie Ogilvie

How often do you rush through Glasgow Central Station without a second glance? Never again! Join us on a live, on-location tour with guide Jackie Ogilvie. Discover the station’s fascinating history, hidden architectural details and a behind-the-scenes look at the successful Glasgow Central Station tours. Plus, learn about Jackie’s exciting museum project in the works.

Highlights:
  • Live tour experience with guide Jackie Ogilvie
  • Unveiling the hidden history and architecture of Glasgow Central Station
  • Exploring the popular Glasgow Central Station tours
  • Exclusive scoop on Jackie’s upcoming museum project
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:01 — The stories underneath
  • 00:32:00 — Welcome to the Museum
  • 00:53:00 — WWI Memorial Art Installation
  • 01:05:00 — The Victorian Platform
  • 01:15:00 — Central Station’s evolution
Learn more:

SERIES 3 EPISODE 2

An apple tree in front of an industrial building

Glasgow's Gaelic Place-names with Dr Alasdair Whyte

In episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names.

Alasdair’s research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a shadowy glimpse of the farmer’s daughter who owned Shettleston. Yes, Shettleston! When you know where and how to look, place-names are full of human history.

In this conversation Alasdair draws on the evidence in his recently published book Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names, co-authored with Katherine Forsyth and Simon Taylor. It caused quite a stir and we are about to find out why.

Highlights:
  • Uncover the Gaelic origins of Glasgow’s place-names with Dr. Alasdair Whyte.
  • Hear stories behind names, like the medieval farmer’s daughter of Shettleston.
  • Explore findings from “Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names,” co-authored by Alasdair Whyte.
  • See how Gaelic names reflect Glasgow’s landscape and features.
  • Understand the importance of preserving Gaelic place-names.
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:10 — The significance of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
  • 00:19:41 — The origins and meanings of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
  • 00:38:10 — Gaelic place names reflect the natural landscape and features of the area
  • 00:41:05 — The evolution of place names and their adaptation over time
  • 00:51:08 — Preserving Gaelic place names and promoting cultural heritage awareness

SERIES 3 EPISODE 3

Head with a bandana over the eyes singing into a mic. In red letters it says 'The Tenementals'

The Tenementals: A History of Glasgow in Song with Prof. David Archibald

Can a band tell the history of a city? And if so, what would that look and sound like? That’s what Professor David Archibald and his band, The Tenementals, are setting out to do.

In this episode David, a Professor of Film & TV at the University of Glasgow, discusses with Niall and Fay the innovative project which aims to make and tell history through music rather than traditional academic means. The conversation explores how the band, composed of academics, artists, musicians, and filmmakers, challenges conventional historical narratives.

Despite the challenging landscape of the music industry The Tenementals have resonated with audiences, particularly young people, and have so far received an enthusiastic response – they’ll be releasing their first album later this year.
Highlights:
  • ‘Liberated from books’: How The Tenementals’ history is told and made in song
  • Why one song, Peat Bog Soldiers, has already made history
  • Hear a little of The Tenementals live in Glasgow
Key Moments:
  • 00:00:00 — Can a rock band make history?
  • 00:01:15 — The Tenementals, a wild research project
  • 00:02:00 — Constructing a transmedia history of a city
  • 00:18:37 — Songwriting process
  • 00:33:01 — Hope and Revolutionary Histories

SERIES 3 EPISODE 4

A Mackintosh designed weather vain at the top of Glasgow School of Art.

Rediscovering Mackintosh: A Decade After the Glasgow School of Art Fire with Dr Robyne Calvert

This episode promises a heartfelt and insightful exploration of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the enduring legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh as Niall welcomes cultural historian Dr Robyne Calvert, a leading expert on Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
Robyne shares her journey to Glasgow in 2007, inspired by Mackintosh’s work which she first encountered two decades ago. Her deep connection to Mackintosh’s architecture, particularly the Glasgow School of Art, is a central theme as she discusses her new book, “The Mack: Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School of Art,” which was released in April by Yale University Press.
Robyne recounts her experiences working at the Glasgow School of Art, including the devastation of the fires in 2014 and 2018, and reflects on her transition from being a captivated student to a dedicated scholar.
Highlights:
  • Robyne Calvert’s journey and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
  • The unique aspects of Mackintosh’s design
  • The significance of historical photography to the preservation process
Key Moments
  • 00:00:27 — Mackintosh’s design, not strictly mathematical and intricate reconstruction
  • 00:00:42 — Showcasing Mackintosh’s bespoke craftsmanship
  • 00:02:26 — Calvert’s PhD and deep connection to the Mackintosh restoration project
  • 00:06:05 — Museum object handling to ensure historical accuracy and preservation.
  • 00:08:42 — Photography significance in restoration, capturing details otherwise lost.

SERIES 3 EPISODE 5

Empower Women for Change: Navigating Glasgow as New Scots with Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry

In today’s episode, Fay introduces Layla Sadr Hashemi and Ume Chauhdry, who share their experiences with the project Thistles and Dandelions, designed to connect ethnic minority women with Glasgow’s cultural heritage. This initiative by Empower Women for Change has been transformative, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.

Layla, originally from Iran, and Ume, from Pakistan, discuss their initial struggles with isolation, language barriers, and cultural differences upon arriving in Glasgow. Discovering EWfC provided them a supportive community and opportunities for personal and professional growth through workshops and training.

Thistles and Dandelions, one of EWfC’s significant projects, ran throughout 2023, engaging women with Glasgow’s heritage beyond just observation. Layla and Ume also describe their involvement with the David Livingstone Birthplace, learning skills in curating, conservation, and exhibition planning, which enhanced their confidence and sense of community.

Highlights:
  • Symbolism of the thistle and its representation of Scottish history and resilience.
  • Layla and Ume discuss the specific challenges that immigrants face when adapting to life in Glasgow.
  • Emphasis on the importance of community support in helping new Scots feel welcomed and empowered.
Key Moments: 
  • 00:00:00 – 00:01:00 — Introduction to the Thistles and Dandelions Project: Discussion on the project’s symbolism and objectives.
  • 00:05:15 – 00:06:30 — Challenges Faced by New Scots: Layla and Ume discuss language barriers and cultural integration.
  • 00:12:45 – 00:14:00 — Empowerment Through Community Support
  • 00:20:30 – 00:22:00 — Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Layla and Ume share personal stories of resilience.
  • 00:28:15 – 00:30:00 — Future Vision for the Project: Plans for expanding the project’s reach and impact
Learn more:
  • You can find out more about Empower Women for Change on their website
  • Learn about the Thistles & Dandelion project on their project blog 
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 6

Black and white images of younger and older women together.

Women In Architecture with Jude Barber & Nicola McLachlen from Voices of Experience

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, what would they say about the female architects that have worked in the industry in the city? This is something that Jude Barber, Nicola McLachlan and Suzanne Ewing have been focussing on since establishing Voices of Experience.
After noticing how male dominated the industry is they worked to start pairing younger female architects with older female architects, many of whom had retired, to record their conversations about their work and experience in the industry.
In this episode, hosted by Fay, and recorded on International Women’s Day, Jude and Nicola tell us more about their inspiration for establishing the group, their plans for its future, and their experiences in the industry.
Highlights:
  • Introduction to Women in Architecture
  • Early career challenges and milestones for women architects
  • Mentorship and building support networks
  • Future vision to enhance gender diversity
Key moments
  • 00:00 – 02:00 — Discussion on the representation and contributions of women in architecture.
  • 05:00 – 07:00 — Insights into the early career challenges and milestones for women architects.
  • 12:00 – 14:00 — Importance of mentorship and building support networks within the industry.
  • 18:00 – 20:00 — Personal stories of overcoming gender biases and industry obstacles.
  • 25:00 – 27:00 — Discussion on future initiatives to enhance gender diversity and inclusion in architecture.

Learn more:
  • Find out more about the Voices of Experience conversations on their website 
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 7

A Place for Stories with Bash Khan

Filmmaker and visual artist, Bash Khan has been working across Glasgow for over 15 years. Growing up in the city he developed a love for the buildings surrounding him, but more importantly he developed a love for the people and communities that used these spaces.
In this episode, Bash talks to Niall and Fay about how he came to be interested in photography and his work across Glasgow. A passionate advocate for public gathering spaces, Bash highlights the importance of accessible, communal areas for storytelling and connection. The conversation also touches on the visual and emotional impact of his large-scale projections on communities.
This episode offers a profound look at how art, community, and public space intersect to create powerful narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.
Highlights:
  • 02:06 — 02:09 Highlights the intrinsic value of individuals in the community.
  • 02:24 — 02:28 Reflects on the value within communities.
  • 11:03 — 14:02: The importance of recognising diverse contributions within the community.
  • 23:63 — 25:55 Bash Khan talks about the role of planners in community projects.
  • 35:55 — 39:52 This segment focuses on valuing individuals within the community.
Key moments
  • Discussion on valuing people’s roles and acknowledging their efforts.
  • Highlights the need for effective planning and involvement from the community to ensure success.
  • Underscores the necessity of appreciating people’s contributions and efforts.
  • Addresses the need to recognise and cherish each person’s unique contributions.
  • Emphasises the collective strength and importance of community members working together.

Learn more:

SERIES 3 EPISODE 8

The Wash House Garden

Restoring the Relationship with the Land with Luna Amanita from The Wash House Garden

In this episode, Fay meets Luna Amanita, co-director of the Wash House Garden – a groundbreaking community enterprise rejuvenating the land behind the historic Parkhead Wash House.
The garden, once a local focal point, continues to prioritise community, seamlessly weaving together the well-being of both people and the environment, cultivating enduring connections through community-based food growing.
Luna discusses the importance of community engagement in deepening the connection with the land. She also talks to Fay about beekeeping and its educational value for the Wash House Garden team and their volunteers.
Join us as we explore their mission to make the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of gardening accessible to all.
Highlights:
  1. Introduction to the Wash House Garden
    • Timestamp: 00:00:00 
    • Luna Amanita describes the Wash House Garden in Parkhead, East Glasgow, noting its diverse volunteer base and the various capacities in which people engage with the space.
  2. Historical Significance and Current Use of the Land
    • Timestamp: 00:02:00
    • Luna explains the historical background of the land, believed to be the drying ground for the old Parkhead wash house and possibly used for food growing during the war. She discusses the transformation of the space into a market garden.
  3. Gardening Practices and Soil Health
    • Timestamp: 00:04:00 
    • Luna details their ecological gardening practices, emphasising soil health through composting and organic material. She mentions the challenges and labour involved in maintaining the garden.
  4. Beekeeping and Education Initiatives
    • Timestamp: 00:13:00 
    • Luna talks about their beekeeping program, including hive inspections and the educational courses they offer. She shares her personal experience and the responsibilities of managing the bees with her team.
  5.  Community Engagement and Volunteer Involvement
    • Timestamp: 00:20:10 
    • Luna discusses the variability in volunteer numbers and the importance of community engagement. She highlights efforts to make the garden more accessible and responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

Learn more:
  • Connect with The Wash House Garden via their website and follow them on Instagram @TheWashHouseGarden
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #Is Glasgow Walls Could Talk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 9

Nebo Peklo's illustration of the Met Tower

Brutal Glasgow with Rachel Loughran & Natalie Tweedie

This week we explore Glasgow’s love-hate relationship with brutalism and discuss our upcoming Brutal Glasgow exhibition with digital curator Rachel Loughran and Glasgow based illustrator Nebo Peklo (Natalie Tweedie), who’s work will be displayed in the interactive, multimedia exhibition.

The idea for the exhibition arose from Rachel’s admiration of Natalie’s drawings on Twitter, and united by their shared interest in brutalism they have come together to create Brutal Glasgow. They also discuss the significance of brutalism in Glasgow, touching on its artistic, social, and political aspects, and the debate over whether to demolish or restore such buildings

Rachel and Natalie emphasise the personal and emotional connections people have with these buildings, how they change over time, and their potential for renewal and hope.
Highlights:
  1. 00:00:00 – 00:00:03 Rachel Loughran starts by discussing the public’s “knee jerk reaction” to Brutalist buildings, setting the tone for the episode.
  2. 00:19:42 – 00:19:43 Natalie Tweedie acknowledges the complexity of evaluating Brutalist architecture, saying, “That’s such a huge question,” indicating the depth of the discussion.
  3. 00:40:12- 00:40:15 The conversation touches on the need to “have a proper look” at Brutalism and the factors surrounding it, suggesting a deeper exploration of the topic.
  4. 01:00:07 – 01:00:09 There’s a personal reflection on exploring Glasgow, particularly the East End, highlighting how Brutalist architecture influences perceptions of different city areas.
  5. 01:19:21 – 01:19:24 The episode concludes with a mention of Glasgow Heritage, encapsulating the importance of the city’s architectural legacy and the podcast’s role in preserving these discussions.
Key Moments
  • Complexities of Brutalism – polarising views.
  • The historical and cultural significance and value in preserving these buildings.
  • How the architectural style of Brutalism connects to a broader understanding of Glasgow city’s character and history.
  • Focus on Glasgow Heritage, emphasising the significance of the city’s architectural legacy

Learn more:
  • Check out Natalie’s work on her website
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

SERIES 3 EPISODE 10

The Coca Cola Rollercoaster at the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival

After the Garden Festival with Lex Lamb, Kenny Brophy & Gordon Barr

The 1988 Garden Festival changed how the world saw Glasgow, and how it saw itself. It lives on only in people’s memories as the buildings, objects and artworks from this temporary event are gone forever – or are they?

Urban Prehistorian Kenny Brophy, Project Leader Lex Lamb, and Holder of the Official Garden Festival Umbrella Gordon Barr for a conversation with Niall & Fay in front of a live audience, to learn how they have used crowdsourcing to build an ever-growing digital record of the hundreds of pavilions, sculptures and attractions that made up the Garden Festival, as well as the experiences of those who made it happen.

Items with Garden Festival stories to tell were discovered across the UK and further afield, from the large (the Coca-cola Roller Coaster, now in Suffolk) to the small (a Garden Festival tea-towel, now in Papua New Guinea). But in addition to relic artefacts and traces in the landscape, the team identified something else: the absence of a proper record of this pivotal event, while memories fade and documents are lost.

Hear how the 1988 Festival was put together, taken apart and spread around the world, and how with the help of hundreds of individual submissions and leads After the Garden Festival are striving to preserve the legacy of a summer where Glasgow shone.
Highlights:
  1. Reflecting on the Legacy of the Garden Festival (00:00 – 02:30): The discussion opens with reflections on how the Glasgow Garden Festival has shaped the city’s landscape and cultural memory.
  2. The Impact of Urban Regeneration Projects (07:45 – 09:30): Insights into the broader impact of urban regeneration efforts in Glasgow, particularly those initiated in the wake of the Garden Festival.
  3. Personal Stories and Memories of the Festival (15:30 – 17:00): The guests share their personal experiences and memories of attending the festival, highlighting its significance on a personal level.
  4. Challenges in Preserving Historical Sites (23:00 – 25:00): The conversation turns to the challenges faced in preserving the historical sites associated with the Garden Festival and other urban regeneration projects.
  5. Looking Forward: Future Projects and Their Potential Impact (30:45 – 32:00): The episode concludes with a discussion about future urban projects in Glasgow and their potential impact on the city’s cultural and physical landscape.

Learn more:
  • Check out After the Garden Festival’s website here to learn more the project
  • Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
  • Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
  • Sponsored by Tunnock’s (tunnock.co.uk)

 

Read Series 3 Episode10 transcript

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is produced by Inner Ear and kindly supported by Tunnock’s.

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Interview Spotlight: Dougal Perman, Director and Co-founder of Inner Ear

Posted June 20th 2024

Get ready to peek behind the scenes of the podcast sensation, If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk! Launched in 2021, this podcast has captivated nearly 18,000 listeners across its first two series, and we’re beyond thrilled to announce that Series 3 is just around the corner!

In our exclusive interview with Dougal Perman, Director and co-founder of Inner Ear, producers of If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk, we uncover the passion and dedication that fuels each episode. Did you know that while hundreds of thousands of podcasts are out there, many struggle to find an audience? Astonishingly, 90% of podcasts don’t get past three episodes, and a jaw-dropping 99% don’t make it to 21 episodes. But If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is breaking the mould, having already delivered 21 thrilling episodes we’re now gearing up for another series of 10!

Mark your calendars: Series 3 launches on June 27th, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

Tune in on our website or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss out on the great stories that bring Glasgow’s vibrant history to life!

Can you tell us a bit about Inner Ear and your involvement with the podcast?

We’ve been creating podcast radio programmes since we launched our underground music internet radio station, Radio Magnetic in 2001. Over the past 23 years we have explored many subjects and told fascinating stories through podcasts. People, places and provenance are of great interest and importance to us so when GCHT approached us we couldn’t resist getting involved.

Inner Ear is the production company that makes the podcast work. We work closely with GCHT and help with the logistical planning, research and briefing of the interviewees and presenters. We take care of the recording, which is a mixture of remote and live in person recordings, with the latter done on location around Glasgow. We then edit the recordings and create the episodes for the podcast series.

My favourite projects are those where we work collaboratively with our client to deliver the project. That is very true of GCHT. All of the team there are passionate about the subject matter, open to trying new ideas and great fun to work with.

How do you think the podcast evolved from its first series to the third? 

When Silvia at GCHT approached me in 2020, she had a clear vision about how to bring the concept to life. Anny and I helped develop the idea and worked out the best way to capture the interviews online, including sourcing affordable equipment and assessing the best platform to use for remote recording. We worked closely with Silvia, Taylor and Niall and created ten episodes that we’re all very proud of. The first series was bursting with ideas and landed very well with the audience. 

At the end of series two we decide to bring in another presenter to share hosting duties with Niall and add another dimension to the conversation. As a journalist and editor with extensive experience, everyone thought Fay, who took care of background research and scripting in series 2, was a natural choice. She is also my Mum, so of course I thought she’d be great for the role, but I tried not to influence the decision. She was a bit shy at first, but we all encouraged her and I hope you’ll agree that she and Niall have a great dynamic together.

Niall, Fay and Dougal from Inner Ear, during the live recording at Central Station.

What has been the most challenging part of producing this series?  

The remote recordings are probably the most tricky. It’s great when everything works well and the platform we use is very good. But when everyone involved is remote there are many variables to contend with including equipment, computers, and internet connections. 

Those challenges are nothing new to us though and we roll with them as best we can. When it comes to live streaming and remote recording, problems arise all the time. As long as you keep calm, keep everyone informed and are methodical about your problem-solving, there’s always a way through.

If you could pick a favourite episode which one would it be and why?

With 30 to choose from over the three seasons so far it’s difficult to pick one. But if I have to, I loved the last episode of series two when Norry Wilson interviewed Niall about his favourite places and the conversations he’d had. It was lively, personal, thought provoking and made me think about Glasgow’s history in a new way, much like the podcast as a whole, I think. Listen here!

Niall Murphy and Norrie Wilson talking
Lost Glasgow's Norry Wilson interviewing Niall for the final episode of Series 2

Why do you think If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk is so popular? 

Taking another look at buildings and public spaces and thinking about them in a different way is fascinating. The personal perspectives shared with us in the conversations we hear in this podcast prompt us to do that. I think that really resonates with people. 

Finally, can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect in the upcoming series? 

I loved listening to (and producing) the live recording of After The Garden Festival. Having been to the Festival when I was 11 years old, making the journey from my home town of Edinburgh, I still have fond memories of a big day out. Reflecting on the impact of the Garden Festival on Glasgow and how transformative it was for the city was really moving.

A group of people at a live podcast recording. There is a Garden Festival flag on display.
Live recording with After the Garden Festival in the South Rotunda

Catch up on the previous two series of the podcast here before the third one launches next week!