Since it was set up in 1999, Gorbals Heritage and Environment Trust (GHET) has gone from strength to strength. With determination and hard work from the management group, many goals have been achieved.

The first main concern was to highlight the poor condition of the Southern Necropolis Gatehouse in Caledonia Road, designed by Charles Wilson a prominent Glasgow architect. The result was that the building was made wind and water tight.

Other more recent successes include the installation of the specially designed tombstone marking the grave of architect, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, the preparation of the new publication ‘City Of The Dead… a Guide to Glasgow’s Southern Necropolis’ and the setting out of a heritage trail through the cemetery.

The Trustees considerered that the issues of heritage and the environment warranted being taken further afield. For this reason they have broadened their scope and have adopted the title ‘South Glasgow Heritage and Environment Trust’ (SGHET).

Services will include research facilities and historical performances to encourage active participation from local communities and overseas visitors, historical tours, exhibitions and educational input to primary and secondary schools.

 SGHET welcomes interest and contributions from local groups and individuals in the Southside and plans to have an Open Night in September at their new office in Queen’s Park Church.

Said Isobel Barrett, chairperson, ‘It’s an exciting time for the group as we plan to work closely with primary and secondary schools. Hopefully, the next generation will discover that the past has much to offer.’

For further information and details of membership etc. contact South Glasgow Heritage Environment Trust, 170 Queen’s Park Drive, Glasgow. G40 8QZ. Tel: 0141 423 6037 or visit www.sghet.org.