As Scotland pushes to move away from oil and gas, community clean energy projects face both significant hurdles and critical opportunities as the nation scrambles to meet the new 2030 target. With Govanhill announced as Glasgow’s first Net Zero Neighbourhood, we attended Community Energy Scotland’s Community Power event this week to find out more about the potential for Govanhill to lead in the green transition at home.

In the 1970s, architects harnessed people power to change the way we live. The story of Annie’s Loo can teach us about proofing our homes for an uncertain future.

We caught up with Laura Vroomen after she was announced as the Green candidate for the Southside Central ward by-election, triggered by the death of Labour’s James Scanlon. The Glasgow City Council by-election has been set for 20 March.

Introducing the Visitor Levy…What is it? Why is it important? And what does it have to do with you? Find out how you can add your voice to the conversation and have your say on local tax reform.

Glasgow City Council and The Cities Commission for Climate Investment have teamed up. Their ambition? To transform Govanhill into Glasgow’s premiere Net Zero Neighbourhood. We took a closer look at their plans.

We caught up with Mhairi Hunter after she was announced as the SNP candidate for the Southside Central ward by-election, triggered by the death of Labour’s James Scanlon. The Glasgow City Council by-election date is yet to be set.

The new year brings a fresh urge to explore new activities, and the Southside has plenty to offer – from language classes at MILK to zine workshops at Glasgow Zine Library. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites – all sober, and either free or pay-what-you-can.

Plant Grow Share delivers donated produce by bike to food banks and community groups, tackling food insecurity and reducing waste across Glasgow's Southside. Now they are reaping the rewards of their efforts and tenacity.

The construction of a new flatted social housing development in Govanhill began this week with the ceremonial breaking of the ground, which is the first symbolic shovelling of dirt on the site to mark the occasion.

We spoke with members of the Southside’s creative and inclusive communities, who shared how local spaces like Glasgow Zine Library and Glasgow Sunflowers have fostered their sense of belonging.

Marzanna Antoniak shares her journey from feeling isolated as a new migrant in Scotland to finding belonging in Govanhill through volunteering, multilingual initiatives, and community connections, highlighting the power of inclusive spaces, and multilingual initiatives in fostering belonging and community.

In July 2024, people from the Roma community living in Govanhill were surveyed on their experiences with housing conditions and the local environment. The study found that basic human rights are not being supported when it comes to housing with the majority of those surveyed saying the conditions of their homes were poor.

Glaswegian poet and novelist, Shane Johnstone reflects on the ties between language and identity in Govanhill, tracing its evolution through Irish diaspora culture to today’s vibrant multilingual community. By exploring how migration shapes belonging while raising questions about preserving and celebrating the area’s rich linguistic diversity.

Sadia Sikander writes about the challenges she faces as a refugee in Scotland, from the emotional toll of societal hostility, systemic barriers, navigating unfamiliar systems and finding employment. Sikander also highlights the need to hold onto hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

Lottie Brand, from the South East Integration Network (SEIN) picks out a few volunteering opportunities to highlight the range of opportunities available at your organisations at your doorstep from Women on Wheels to Music Broth.

Unlike many European countries, Scotland lacks mandatory owners’ associations, leaving tenants and flat owners to navigate the complexities of retrofitting on their own. With legislative changes years away, the question remains, how can communities take action now to green-proof their homes for the future?

We had a chat wit musician Lizy Stirrat, a Royal Conservatoire alumna and the upper brass teaching musician at Big Noise – a music education and social change programme delivered by Sistema Scotland. Lizy shares how her love for music shaped her life and her passion for helping young people discover their musical talents.

Rohese Devereux Taylor and Kate Mackay explore the journey of co-founding the Glasgow Homebirth Support Group, the benefits of birthing at home, and the invaluable resources and networks available to parents in Glasgow, from sling libraries to breastfeeding support.

Gordon Palmer, spent 19 years as a Minister in the South of Scotland, now, he volunteers at The Well. In the latest issue, we spoke with Palmer and learned about what brought him to the Southside and how supports the visitors at The Well.

In this issue of Roma News and Views, Aliana Michalewicz sits down with her mum Sonia to learn more about their fascinating, famous family history rooted in music and dance, how they brought this from Poland to Glasgow, and their hopes for the future.