Event brings Glasgow’s past to life

New display set to showcase work of more than 60 community groups

EVERYONE has a tale to tell.

A new exhibition all about Scotland’s urban past reveals the stories of towns and cities all over the country.

From creating postcards and bus tours of Glasgow to celebrate the Down’s Syndrome World Congress to discovering rare Second World War remains in Lerwick, Past Forward uncovers secrets and discovers familiar places seen through fresh eyes.

The travelling exhibition, from Historic Environment Scotland (HES), celebrates five years of community heritage projects.

The display shares the work of more than 60 community groups from around the country who have engaged with heritage which matters to them.

The exhibition showcases the work facilitated by Scotland’s Urban Past (SUP), an HES community engagement project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Community groups have delved in to everything from bringing to life a community garden amidst the ruins of a long-gone castle in Granton and adding the first ever skate park to the National Record of the Historic Environment.

These projects are showcased through state of the art virtual and augmented reality, film, photos taken by the public, community maps and original artwork.

SUP Project Manager Chiara Ronchini said: “Over the past five years we have travelled the length and breadth of the country, working with schools and adult groups from all walks of life to help bring alive the history they find in their neighbourhoods.

“Past Forward is bringing all of their experiences together, celebrating what they have unearthed and what they have achieved in discovering their past.”

Ghzala Khan is the deputy director of the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council (WSREC).

She worked with SUP to record the stories of Glasgow’s diverse communities and photograph their hub, the Napiershall Street Centre.

Once Napiershall Public School, the building now hosts a range of businesses and community groups. It still boasts many original features, such as arches, a plaque dedicated to the former headmaster - John B. Freebairn M.A – and a memorial to Queen Victoria.

Ghzala said: “Everyone has a story to tell, and now we have the ability to share ours. Being part of this project made recording history fun.”

She smiles: “For example, we learnt a fluorescent pink sock is just as useful on a microphone in the wind as it is on a foot, and we were able to share the story of a building we love.

“This exhibition is a chance for everyone to be part of this project and see what has been created over the past five years.”

Past Forward will tour to four venues, including Southblock in Glasgow, and will play host to a series of workshops throughout its run. These will share skills in creating community maps, using Minecraft in heritage education, interpreting aerial photography, surveying and recording, research skills, book readings and creative writing workshops.

Past Forward opens on May 4 and will visit Glasgow from August 2 to 27.

Do you have a story about a local building you love? Perhaps you are a member of a local history group, who knows a great deal about the area you live in? We would love to hear from you.

The Evening Times, through our Thanks for the Memories features, is building up a fantastic archive of stories and photos, all about the city we love.

Write to Ann Fotheringham, Features, Evening Times, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB or email ann. fotheringham,@ heraldandtimes.co.uk

Please remember to include a contact telephone number or email address.