A new social history project is set to tell the story of migrants who made their home in Glasgow – and the people who welcomed them.
The Govanhill People's History Project has received a grant of £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The launch saw members of the Scottish, Irish, Punjabi, Pakistani and Roma communities gather at the Dixon Halls.
The project will celebrate the area's diversity by recruiting 15 volunteers to collect stories from more than 200 residents who have lived in the area all their lives, along with the immigrants who moved there.
Their contribution to Scottish society will be explored, along with the difficulties they had and how they came to settle in Govanhill.
Volunteers will conduct interviews in a variety of languages and eight focus groups will also be set up.
When the project is completed, the interviews will be published in a book, CD and online, and a special heritage Sound Trail podcast will be produced.
Bob Marshall, from the GPHP, said: "This is a unique area with a lot to celebrate. Since the second half of the 19th century it's been a springboard for migrants from all over the world.
"Many of them saw Govanhill as a great area – a place where they could build a better, safer life for their families.
"Their history is the history of Glasgow and of Scotland. It's important that we show how people from all backgrounds have contributed to Scottish life."
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "The project will not only capture vital memories but in doing so will give different sections of the community the opportunity to meet, forge new friendships and learn new skills."
The project is managed by Community Renewal in partnership with Govanhill Community Development Trust, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Scottish Oral History Centre at Strathclyde University and Glasgow's Life museums and libraries service.
To volunteer or share your story contact project coordinator Linda Fleming on 0141 4235035 or email linda@ communityrenewal.org.uk