The LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. The first issue of the paper was published in June 1997.

An independent newspaper, its intention then – as now – was to be a voice for the local community. The first edition covered Gorbals but even before it hit the streets with a print run of 2000 copies it was realised there were not enough businesses in the area to support advertising. Since adverts are the only revenue source for this community enterprise, issue No 2 covered Govanhill and Kinning Park too.

Since then the paper has grown. The print run is ten times what it was in 1997. The distribution area now stretches from Gorbals and Oatlands down river to Govan, Linthouse and the Southern General Hospital then South to the Greater Pollok communities and across to Castlemilk. All the localities included in that wide swathe of Glasgow are served by the LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS.

Issues covered in the first edition included the General Election results – Labour’s Mohammad Sarwar won by 2,914 votes over SNP Nicola Sturgeon’s 11,302 votes for the Govan seat at Westminster. The MP – then first Muslim MP in the UK – was immediately caught up in a tidal wave of allegations of bribery.

St Francis’ Primary school children were given a preview of the newly renovated interior of the St Francis Centre in Cumberland Street by Mrs Peggy Lally, the Lady Provost.

An amicable resolution was reached between a Muslim group and a Pensioners’ group each wanting to use a part of the Dixon Hall in Govanhill.

Abbotsford Primary school building was for sale and John Bosco Secondary School was merging with Holyrood Secondary.

Oatlands Councillor Irene Graham spent 21 days in South Africa on a study tour for Scottish Education and Action on Development.

Two blind students at the Nautical College achieved their Higher National Certificates in Social Science.

An article printed in Urdu informed women readers that women doctors and interpreters were available at Govanhill Health Centre.
So what has changed in 10 years?

Last month’s issue of the LOCAL NEWS for SOUTHSIDERS carried Scottish Parliament election results with Nicola Sturgeon winning the Govan seat by 744 from Labour’s Gordon Jackson.

St Francis Centre’s future is hanging in the balance. Mrs Peggy Lally had just died.

Integration is well established now at the Dixon Centre. Abbotsford building is home to several businesses.

John Bosco was demolished long ago. The Adelphi Centre is so full that thought is being given to expanding the complex.

Langside College’s new campus plans are well underway.

Of course the paper format has changed. Originally a ‘red topped’ tabloid with grainy pictures this totally independent publication is now in full colour. If you want to know more about the paper or its development over the past just give us a call on: 0141 226 4898 or email: localnews@btconnect.com