Green Party candidate, Laura Vroomen, shares some insights from her campaign to be councillor in the Southside Central ward by-election in March. From knocking on strangers doors in February to canvasing outside the local high school, Laura sheds some light on her experiences and what it takes to build a strong campaign during a local election.

While the animals once housed in the iconic Queen’s Park Glasshouse won’t be returning—much to the disappointment of many local residents and visitors—the question remains: what changes do residents hope to see now that the Glasshouse is set to be refurbished due to concerns about its structural integrity?

“Within South Asian culture, gambling has always been a taboo subject. If you are from a Muslim family it's even more unheard of. Just as with alcohol and drugs, it is prohibited in the Qur’an…The taboo of gambling within South Asian culture has meant my family still can’t get the support they need.”

“My first memory of gambling was popping into the local bookies on Grand National day aged 18 to lay an each-way bet for me and my mum…It was a man’s world, but I still recall the buzz of placing a potential winner and the desire to come back to collect my winnings after the race. It was like the die was cast.”

Two innovative initiatives are making strides in supporting vulnerable communities. From empowering the Roma community with resources on gambling harm to offering a safe digital space for women affected by gambling, these projects foster meaningful change.

“At 72, I’ve lived a life full of highs, lows, and resilience from overcoming gambling harm. I’m more than my struggles—I’m a traveler, a community advocate, and someone who’s found joy in unexpected places. This is my story of recovery and rediscovery.”

Are you or a loved one struggling with gambling? There are plenty of support options out there who can help. We’ve listed them all, including how to contact them.

A powerful community-led event shed light on the hidden impact of gambling, from financial struggles to mental health crises. With fresh initiatives and a call for stronger regulation, local voices are demanding action.

“Exploring Scotland’s outdoors allows you to connect with nature in a way you can’t truly understand until you experience it yourself. Every time I’m in the mountains, I feel a deep sense of peace, leaving behind stress and worries.” –Shahid Chounhary

Community, climate and creativity come together in Govanhill’s new sustainability focused event at The Hidden Gardens. Local groups united over shared meals and goals to tackle climate risks in Glasgow’s first Net Zero Neighbourhood.

On-street bin hubs bring cleaner back courts, but, as the council gears up to expand the scheme, questions of flytipping and fairness remain.

This council by-election, we wanted to ensure that the conversation was not dominated by what candidates/parties wanted to speak about, but by what people living locally actually care about. So we asked you: what do you want candidates to be talking about as they compete for votes. Here are the responses we had from Glasgow Southside central ward candidates.

On Saturday Romano Lav launched an exhibition with a powerful fashion show this international Women’s Day, to celebrate Roma women, their contributions to family, work and their cultural traditions.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with a powerful exhibition in the Community Newsroom window, featuring archival images of Donegal women. The projection highlights their migration story, strength, and impact across borders – including here in Govanhill.

This Saturday marks the beginning of International Women’s Day celebrations, over the next week there are a number of events taking place across the city. We thought we’d round up all the events happening in Govanhill and the wider Southside. Check out our top picks in this article.

Alison JC Brown takes us on a vivid journey through Queen’s Park, where the thawing winter reveals a bustling world of birdsong, territorial dramas, and nesting waterfowl. From robins' melodies to the fierce devotion of coots, every corner of this Southside gem teems with life and wonder.

Glasgow's 2025/26 Budget brings promises of cleaner streets, more affordable school meals, and a push for green energy. But, with a 7.5% Council Tax hike, will the improvements make it worth the cost?

Paulina Gombarova, a young member of Romano Lav’s Community Catalyst programme, writes about the power of voting, why she is using her vote in this council by-election and why you should too.

Glasgow City Council’s 2025 budget includes a £6.5 million boost for cleansing services. The funding will support city-wide improvements, including more staff at Polmadie Recycling Centre and maintenance to Victoria and Pollok Park.

Help us to build a citizens agenda: have your say and tell us what issues candidates should be addressing during the by-election campaign in Southside Central ward.