Convener of Education Councillor Michael McBride and local councillors Kevin Docherty, Lesley Mitchell and Gary Robinson visited the new hub on Monday 11 May
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Pupils at St Kevin’s Primary School enjoyed their first day in their new home on Friday 8 May.
The new £17.3 million St Kevin’s Community Hub in Bargeddie is a welcoming space where local families can learn, connect, grow and thrive together.
The hub includes an eight-class primary school with capacity for 242 pupils. The building also provides general-purpose spaces such as a family and nurture room, drama box, cooking lab and e-learning zone. Pupils were keen to explore their new classrooms and shared spaces as they settled into the building for the first time.
It offers bright, spacious accommodation alongside high-quality indoor and outdoor facilities that promote learning, play and physical activity.
Classrooms open out into a shared activity space with a range of booths and furniture designed to support different learning needs, styles and activities.
“It has been a privilege to welcome our school community to this wonderful new St Kevin’s Primary School campus,” said Mrs Pauline Doran, Acting Head Teacher.
“The school has been thoughtfully designed to inspire both teaching and learning. Surrounded by nature and enriched by beautiful open spaces, the new campus offers an inclusive and engaging environment for the entire community—one that will nurture curiosity, inspire creativity and empower every child to thrive and reach their full potential.”
The new development also includes a forest school area, a gym hall and a multi-use games area, which will be available for community use outside of the school day.
As well as providing a new home for pupils, the community hub will be an important asset for the wider Bargeddie community, including the two-court gym hall, which will be available for lets in the evenings and at weekends.
Convener of Education Councillor Michael McBride and local councillors Kevin Docherty, Lesley Mitchell and Gary Robinson visited the new hub on Monday 11 May.
“It was great to visit yet another new outstanding community facility delivered by North Lanarkshire Council,” said Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families.
“And I’d like to wish all pupils and staff at St Kevin’s all the very best for the future as they begin a fresh chapter in their wonderful new home,”
“The building will provide first-class educational and community facilities and clearly illustrates our ambition for communities across North Lanarkshire.
“The hub will be an important asset for the wider Bargeddie community, offering practical support, trusted guidance and activities for all ages.
“Our community spaces are here for everyone to use, helping to make everyday life a little easier and supporting more connected communities.”
The new hub has been designed in close consultation with pupils and local people, groups and organisations.
Lucas a P7 pupil said: “The best thing about the new facilities are the running track, cafeteria and the wilderness area.”
St Kevin’s previously shared a campus with Bargeddie Primary; however, a new building was needed due to population growth in the area. And the investment in the new hub will support housing growth and respond to projected increases in pupil numbers in the area.
By continuing to work closely with the Bargeddie campus – including the primary school, nursery and community spaces – the overall offer will be strengthened through collaboration and joined-up working with the local community, delivering clear benefits for people living in Bargeddie.
Kier Construction was appointed by Hub South West, on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council, to deliver the new hub.
David MacDonald, Interim CEO, Hub South West, said: “St Kevin’s Community Hub stands as a compelling example of what can be achieved through genuine collaboration and shared ambition.
“It provides a welcoming, inclusive environment where learning, connection and opportunity can flourish. We are proud to have now handed over another successful project to North Lanarkshire Council and look forward to continuing to support its lasting legacy within the community for years to come.”
Stallan Brand won the design competition at the tender stage, with their curved building design taking inspiration from the story of St Kevin and the blackbird’s nest.
The opening of the new St Kevin’s Community Hub marks a major milestone in the council’s town and community hub programme, with three more community hubs on track for completion by the end of 2026.
These include St Stephen’s in Coatbridge, Gartcosh Community Hub and the extension to Chryston High School.
Greengairs Primary School and Nursery celebrating the positive report
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Greengairs Primary School and Nursery Class has received a positive inspection report, recognising the hard work of staff, pupils and families.
Inspectors found the nursery to be a warm and welcoming place, where children feel safe and supported.
Staff were praised for building strong relationships and helping children grow in confidence and independence. The report also highlighted how well the team works together and responds to children’s needs.
Nurturing care and support was rated very good, with inspectors noting that children feel secure and valued. They also recognised the role families play in the school, with good communication and strong links between home and school.
“I am incredibly proud of our whole school community. Our report reflects the dedication, teamwork and commitment of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our families and the local community,” said Audrey Sneddon, Acting Head Teacher of Greengairs Primary School and Nursery Class.
“Everyone has worked together tirelessly to create a positive and nurturing environment where our children thrive and achieve their best in all that they do, and it is wonderful to see that recognised.
“Our report is a celebration of what can be achieved when a whole school community works together on a shared vision: Greengairs is great!”
Pupils Daisy Muir, Holly Muir and Maisie Gardner also shared their thoughts: “We are all very happy that we got to showcase our hard work and how good our school is. We are very proud of our school, our pupils and our teachers for making the school the best it can be. We are very pleased that we got a very good report.”
The report also said children are confident and enjoy learning, both indoors and outdoors. They take part in activities like art, building, and exploring the local area, and work well together.
All staff in the school and nursery are very proud of the report and are committed to taking forward any recommendations made by HMIe.
Plans for what teh development will look like (credit: Glasgow Council)
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The contract for the Argyle Street East Avenue project has been awarded to Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd after a Glasgow City Council committee decision today (19 March).
Work on the project will begin in late May.
Work on the £12.19million contract will significantly improve the public realm on this key city street between the junction at Union Street / Jamaica Street and Glasgow Cross with the creation of improved footways, new road surfaces and cycleways, new green and public spaces, and will be delivered over 36 months. The project will notably see improved public transport infrastructure through the creation of a new bus route going west to east through the city centre – passing through the current pedestrian precinct – which will reduce journey times.
The Argyle Street East Avenue will be delivered in four phases, with the first stretching from the junction with Queen Street to the junction with Stockwell Street, the second phase between the ‘Four Corners’ and Queen Street, and the third and fourth between Stockwell Street, Glasgow Cross and Moir Street.
The contract was awarded to Wills Bros after an open tender process, with 23 contractors expressing an interest and four submitting a bid. The bidders were scored on criteria including price, quality, and strengths in key areas such as stakeholder engagement, traffic management and experience of similar work programmes.
This is the latest project in the Glasgow City Region City Deal-funded Avenues programme, which is delivering the biggest transformation in Glasgow city centre since the 1970s. The transformation of Argyle Street through this project complements recent and current investment in major projects on and around Argyle Street and Trongate.
George Gillespie, Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability at Glasgow City Council, said:
“The Argyle Street East Avenue will continue the regeneration of Glasgow city centre through major improvements on one of Glasgow’s most important streets. When complete, the work here will make Argyle Street more attractive to everyone who lives, works, shops, visits, eats, drinks and invests in it.”
More information on the Avenues programme – the biggest of its kind in the UK – is available at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/avenues.
During construction of the programme’s projects, the council is committed to ensuring businesses and residents are kept informed of any significant disruption.
Councillor Soryia Siddique in Victoria Road as clean up continues in Govanhill
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Sarah Hilley
Council clean up teams have been blitzing grime from Govanhill streets this week, with the area becoming increasingly popular with visitors from other parts of the city.
Victoria Road’s varied selection of cafes and eateries are proving an attraction and local councillor Soryia Siddique is calling for sustained action to keep the area tidy.
Workers have descended on the streets lifting litter, sweeping footpaths, weeding and clearing flytipped rubbish, sprucing up the neighbourhood within the boundary of Victoria Road to Cathcart and Calder Street to Dixon Avenue.
Labour councillor Siddique said: “It does look cleaner. We want it to be like that all the time. The week of action is good. It is just about sustaining that. We want the weeks of action to be fully funded services sustained throughout the year.”
Commenting on the area, Dr Siddique added: “It is a vibrant and diverse. If you go down Victoria Road you will see the options of food and coffee. People are coming from all over the city.”
Over the course of time since representing Govanhill from 2012, councillor Siddique added: “I have seen a big difference especially in Victoria Road.”
One of the major problems impacting the area has been flytipping with people usiing it as a dumping ground.
Govanhill has emerged as a flytipping hotspot with 6,525 incidents reported between January 2024 and November 2025.
Urging people to report flytipping, councillor Siddique said: “I want to encourage people to come forward so enforcement can take place.
“People want a clean and green area. They don’t want to go out in the streets and find litter and flytipped items. People don’t want blame. They want action.
“We need regular gully cleaning, effective enforcement, enough cleansing staff and services adequately funding throughout the year.”
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy (on left) with the award winners
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Pupils and staff at Plains Primary School have achieved the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award.
The award, from UNICEF UK, recognises schools that put children’s rights at the heart of everything they do. It highlights a strong commitment to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where every pupil’s voice is valued.
Mrs Adrienne Dickson, Head Teacher of Plains Primary said the award reflects the hard work of pupils, staff and the wider school community.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award. Our pupils understand their rights and the rights of others, and they show this every day through kindness, respect and positive behaviour.
“This achievement belongs to everyone in our school community – our pupils, staff, families and partners who have supported us on this journey,” she said.
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy congratulated the school on its success.
“This is a fantastic achievement for Plains Primary School. Achieving Gold status shows a real commitment to supporting children and young people and making sure their voices are heard,” he added.
“My congratulations go to the pupils, staff and families who have worked so hard to make children’s rights a central part of school life.”
Harley McVey, a pupil at the school said: “In Plains Primary we make decisions together”.
The Gold award is the highest level of recognition in the Rights Respecting Schools programme. It shows that children’s rights are fully embedded in the school’s values, teaching and daily life.
Local councillor Alan Beveridge also praised the school community.
“Plains Primary School should be very proud of reaching this milestone. I was delighted to support the school on their journey as the Rights Respecting Schools programme helps young people build confidence, respect and understanding of the world around them.
“It is clear that the whole school community has embraced these values, and this award recognises that collective effort.”
The Rights Respecting Schools Award is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Schools work with pupils to make sure children’s rights are understood, respected and promoted across learning and school life.
Clyde Gateway marking the milestone with a tree planting ceremony
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Clyde Gateway has marked the completion of all construction phases at Cuningar Loop Woodland Park with a symbolic final tree planting, celebrating the culmination of more than a decade of transformation at one of Scotland’s most ambitious urban greening projects.
The final tree was planted by Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, a long-standing supporter of Clyde Gateway and regular visitor to the park.
The ceremony marks the completion of Phase 3 of the Cuningar Loop masterplan, a £1.25 million programme that has transformed a further four hectares of vacant and derelict land into high-quality green space. The final phase delivers new woodland paths, biodiverse habitats and extensive planting, completing the vision for the site.
Phase 3 has been delivered by Robertson Construction Central West, which has acted as principal contractor across all phases of the park for more than ten years.
Working in partnership with Clyde Gateway and Forestry and Land Scotland, the project has turned a once-derelict riverside site into a thriving woodland park that welcomed almost 400,000 visitors in its first year. Forestry and Land Scotland played a pivotal role in the concept, development and management of Cuningar Loop, a tangible legacy of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Earlier phases of Cuningar Loop, overseen by Forestry and Land Scotland, saw the introduction of a wide range of attractions, including extensive paths, Scotland’s first outdoor bouldering park, adventure play areas, a bike skills zone, meadows, picnic spaces, an outdoor classroom and the landmark pedestrian bridge linking the park to the Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village.
Phase 2 extended the park by 9.1 hectares, delivering new footpaths and boardwalks, public art, 167 specimen trees and an 11,000m² wildflower meadow. It also included an £800,000 car park and entrance upgrade to support growing visitor numbers.
The completed Phase 3 adds a further 1,000m² of new paths, 8,000m² of wildflower meadow and urban woodland, and around 50 native trees. It also incorporates wider East Greening works across the river, delivering 200 native trees and 800 shrubs along the Clyde Walkway.
A key sustainability achievement of the final phase has been the reuse of more than 3,500 cubic metres of cleaned and remediated soil from nearby Manscroft Place, reducing environmental impact while supporting wider regeneration in the area. This contributed to Robertson diverting 100% of waste from landfill.
Completion of Phase 3, supported by Clyde Gateway and funding from the Scottish Government’s Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, will see the final section of the site removed from Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land Register, a major milestone for regeneration in the East End and South Lanarkshire.
Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen, said:
“Cuningar Loop has become a hugely valued local asset, enjoyed daily by families, schools and visitors from across Scotland. This final phase completes the story and helps ensure the park continues to thrive for generations to come.
“The transformation of this site over the past decade has been remarkable, turning an area of derelict land into a vibrant, accessible green space that promotes wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection. It is a fantastic example of what long-term regeneration and partnership working can deliver, and I am delighted to see the masterplan reach its conclusion with such a positive legacy for the people of Rutherglen and Glasgow’s East End.”
Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said:
“This final tree planting represents much more than the end of construction. It symbolises years of partnership working to transform former industrial and landfill land into one of Scotland’s most loved woodland parks. Completing the masterplan is a proud moment for the area and everyone involved.”
Andy McLinden, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West, said:
“It has been immensely satisfying for Robertson to be involved in the decade-long journey at Cuningar Loop from start to finish, and to have been called on time and again by Clyde Gateway as a trusted partner of choice to realise their bold vision for the site. In planting the final tree today, we reflect on the many high-quality projects that we have delivered for Clyde Gateway and how that relationship continues to grow and flourish.”
Andrew Clark, Regional Visitor Services Manager at Forestry and Land Scotland said:
“Seeing the final tree planted is a significant milestone — a moment that reflects the hard work, creativity and commitment that have gone into creating a welcoming, biodiverse space that will continue to benefit people and nature for many years to come.”
Duke of Edinburgh Awards event in Paisley Town Hall
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
More than 230 young people across Renfrewshire were celebrated at a special Duke of Edinburgh Award ceremony held at Paisley Town Hall.
This year marked a record for the programme locally, with 232 young people achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Award – the highest number of completions to date in Renfrewshire.
The event brought together volunteers, families, school staff and Duke of Edinburgh leaders to recognise the dedication of those completing their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a globally recognised youth achievement programme open to young people aged 14 to 25. Those who take part volunteer for organisations, such as charities and non-profits, as well as developing practical skills through sports, musical instruments, and expeditions.
In Renfrewshire, the programme is supported and delivered by Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services team, who work closely with secondary schools and community organisations to give young people the opportunity to take part and succeed.
Throughout the evening, young people took to the stage to celebrate their achievements and reflect on what completing their Award meant to them. Among those sharing their experiences was Chloe Anderson, a visually impaired student from Park Mains High School, who gave a heartwarming presentation about the barriers she overcame while earning her award.
William Singer, a pupil at Gryffe High School, spoke about his journey to completing his Gold Award: “The main thing I learned is that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the boldest person in the room, but it’s about showing up for people and helping others grow.
“When I go to University next year, which is stepping into the unknown, I’ve learned so much from doing the Duke of Edinburgh that I feel I can come out on top.”
Charlie Ross, a pupil at Mary Russel School, received his Silver Award. He said: “Physical exercise and volunteering is worth it. You are building up yourself bit by bit, and I’ve made a lot of friends who have the same interests as me. I’m going to go for my gold award next to follow in my Papa’s footsteps.”
The celebration marks another successful year for the programme in Renfrewshire, with growing numbers of young people taking part and making a positive contribution to communities throughout the area.
Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, Renfrewshire’s Young Person’s Champion, said: “Hearing from our young people tonight about what they have gained from the experience was inspiring. It was clear from their stories just how much the Award has helped them grow in confidence and try new challenges.
“The Duke of Edinburgh programme is really about teamwork, determination and leadership, qualities that will stay with them for life. This will help set our young people up for success in the years to come, whether in education, employment or further opportunities in their communities.”
“Just as importantly, our volunteer leaders play a crucial role in guiding and supporting them every step of the way. Thanks to everyone who helps deliver this programme for Renfrewshire each year.”
The money came from the Tackling Poverty Fund and is part of the city council’s efforts to fight poverty
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Catherine Hunter
More than 1000 people leaving homeless accommodation have benefited from a recent scheme offering supermarket vouchers to help them sustain their new homes.
The Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) for Glasgow has supported 1300 service users by providing the vouchers, worth £50 on average, and building on a previous approach developed during Covid 19.
A total of £65,000 has been spent on extending the scheme and has been used to assist with the purchase of basic items to allow residents to sustain their new tenancy.
The money came from the Tackling Poverty Fund and is part of the city council’s efforts to fight poverty by maximising cash coming in for families who have low incomes including households where adults work.
The scheme was discussed at the operational performance and delivery scrutiny committee earlier this afternoon.
Councillor Eunis Jassemi said: “Once the vouchers have been exhausted is there an assessment for a longer term financial stability for the users [of the scheme] for example.
“I think it would be hopeful to understand the long-term impact it will have on families.”
A council officer said: “We have really good case studies for people who are moving from homelessness into their first property.
“There was one gentleman we had in a case study who got the voucher and that has had a profound impact on him moving into an empty flat and struggling financially.
“I will continue to collect as much information as possible in terms of feedback when I am putting that [document] together.”
North Lanarkshire Council Provost Kenneth Duffy at the Iftar evening at Fir Park Stadium
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Provost Kenneth Duffy joined more than 250 people at Fir Park Stadium on Tuesday for the Scottish Iftar at Motherwell FC.
It was an evening focused on community, connection and sharing an important moment during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was delivered by The Well Foundation in partnership with The Asian Business Chamber, and brought together local business owners, community groups, and colleagues from New College Lanarkshire, including staff from the Enterprise Team and Sports Department.
Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “It’s great to see so many people from across our communities coming together to share this moment.”
Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan, when many Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.
The evening received a warm response from those attending and continues to grow each year, with the Scottish Iftar at Motherwell FC quickly becoming an important annual event that brings people from different backgrounds together.
St Patrick's Primary School pupil visiting the development site
Written by Glasgow View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A group of schoolchildren were left fascinated as they saw first-hand the significant progress which is being made as part of a major infrastructure and commercial development at Bowling.
The 12 pupils from St Patrick’s Primary in Dumbarton got a close-up look at the former site as they were shown around by contractors Story who have been undertaking work on behalf of Network Rail.
The site is being transformed to unlock the potential of mixed-use development with, for example, storage, distribution, industrial, business and office space. The project is being led by West Dunbartonshire Council as part of the Glasgow City Region City Deal which is part-funded by both UK and Scottish Governments.
The children enjoyed a day of hands-on learning, met with the project team, learned about the construction of the railway underbridge and took part in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshop involving a bridge-building task of their own.
The pupils were enthralled to see the works taking place so close to home and asked engaging and meaningful questions.
In addition, a group of Foundation Apprentices from across West Dunbartonshire’s five high schools, studying Construction and Civil Engineering subjects, have been on site to find out more.
There has been significant progress within the area over recent months including a new railway bridge being built on site and moved into position meanwhile a much-welcomed alternative route to the A82 is starting to take shape.
The project includes junction, road and active travel improvements connecting to the site, most notably the addition of a 1.95km spine road, providing an additional route in and out of Dumbarton. The development also includes a phased implementation of raised platforms ready for development of future buildings on the site.
Of the 150-acre area, 47 acres are planned for development, with green network and green infrastructure enhancements including a waterfront pedestrian and cycle path being developed. Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development,
Councillor David McBride, said:
“The beauty of this site is that it is in a prominent position on the entrance to Dumbarton and, therefore, people who use the A82 will have been able to see first-hand the impressive work which is being undertaken.
“To get the bridge in situ just after Christmas was a significant milestone with further work continuing on developing the spine road which will provide an alternative route into Dumbarton, freeing up capacity on the A82.
“It’s great that we are also getting local youngsters on site for a look around and allowing them to take part in some practical activities. It’s vital to develop the workforce for the future and encourage their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, Councillor Lawrence O’Neill added:
“Great strides have been taken on this important project which has been long in the planning. Once completed, this huge site will be opened up, offering excellent commercial opportunities, further boosting West Dunbartonshire as a location for business and enterprise.
“First class transport links and additional, scenic cycle routes are just some of the benefits from this large-scale project and I look forward to continued progress in the coming months.”
Balfour Beatty was awarded the contract and began work early in 2025.
