In this article, taken from our previous heritage issue, our Greater Govanhill Photography Group attempt to capture the transient nature of life in our city, as part of our project to document the area, and build our own photographic archive.

In our last issue, we asked our photography team to look at old pictures of places in Govanhill and take new pictures of those same places today. In this article we share the results of that photo challenge assigned to the group for our local heritage issue.

JR Ewan, co-founder of Glasgow’s Southside Studios, is an artist and maker whose journey is marked by his family’s legacy and his own creative evolution. In this edition of Behind the Portrait he shares his insights into his creative process and his experiences working with diverse artists at Project Ability and his own Southside Studios.

Archives exist as a means to connect us to our past, whether personal, social or connected to a particular place or movement. Preserving these stories provides a chance to learn from what’s gone before. In this article we explore the personal archive of a former Queen’s Park Camera member and share some of the local archives in the Southside.

Govanhill has a fascinating history. Stories upon stories are written in its many tenement homes. Fragments of its rich heritage are also revealed by a tour around some of its better known buildings. This map follows the route of a walking tour around the neighbourhood led by local historian Bruce Downie.

It’s not as well known but before the UK had a national health service, it had a national restaurant service. British Restaurants were state-supported restaurants serving affordable meals to the general public.Glasgow used to have at least 10 of these restaurants... Now there is a call to bring them back.

As hubs of social life, pubs have been woven into the fabric of British culture, serving as gathering spots for generations. Through James Bowden’s photographs, taken in the late 80s, we delve into the history and community spirit of the Southside’s drinking establishments. What we found were stories of protest, preservation of Scotland’s footballing legacy, the centre of a manhunt and more.

This article is a semi-fictionalized attempt to track one Govanhill building over time. None of the people in this story are the real inhabitants of 80 Bankhall street; characters have been created around what would have been ‘typical’ in Govanhill at the time.

In this article, Katherine Mackinnon goes digging in the archive of the Pollok Free State protest movement, to tell the story of a legendary struggle against the expansion of the M77 through Pollok Park, via four of its objects.

The arrival of the pop-up honey mango stalls around Govanhill and Pollokshields has come to mark the beginning of summer in the neighbourhood. During South Asian Heritage Month, Samar Jamal delves into the heritage of this popular fruit and what it means to South Asian communities across the Southside. 

In Govanhill, the heart of the community beats through its vibrant local businesses. From bustling corner shops to long-standing family-run stores, these shopkeepers not only provide essential services but also preserve the area's cultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the stories of Govanhill's shopkeepers, uncovering the histories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the daily life of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood.

In our Volunteer Spotlight, we highlight those making a difference in Glasgow. This time, we meet with Gurdev Singh Pall, who is dedicated to preserving Sikh heritage in the city. He’s building an archive of photos and memories to document the Sikh community’s contributions and running the EKTA Group Elderly Care Forum to support and unite Glasgow’s Sikh and Asian elderly population.

This classic Scotch broth recipe is from the Glasgow Cookery Book, first published in 1910. Known as ‘The Purple Book,’ it was a go-to for women learning domestic skills at The Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Domestic Science. Enjoy a taste of tradition with this timeless recipe.

Located in Eglinton Toll, The Star Bar has stood the test of time, serving up Glasgow’s cheapest three-course lunch in a historic setting. We caught up with regular Tony and manager Angela for a bar-side blether.