A new project has been formed to chart the history of Paisley’s first planned housing scheme.
Construction of Glenburn began in 1947 - and 74 years later it’s still home to more than 7,500 people.
The urban historian Stephen Clancy is heading research into the ‘Social and Industrial history of the Glenburn Housing Scheme.’
And he is keen for any memories and photographs from Paisley Daily Express readers.
Stephen said: “Although in its early stages, the project promises to be fruitful and provide an in-depth history of the scheme and surrounding landscape.
“For the purposes of the project the area runs from the Glennifer/Brownside Braes, down the west side of Caplethill and Neilston Roads, along the south side of Falside Road into the east side of Park Road to Donaldswood Road, and the east side of Gleniffer Road.”
Glenburn gets a mention in the UK Housing Wiki which notes the area was a “success.”
It says: “The scheme was a success, providing a mixture of terraced, semi and tenement properties for families escaping the slums of the town.
“Much of the tenement stock has since been demolished or is lying derelict awaiting demolition but the low rise housing remains with many properties bought using the tenants “Right to Buy.”
The new heritage project is being run in partnership with Glenburn Parish Church and will include present day information.
Stephen said: “This will be the social history of the Glenburn Scheme, along with the history of the lands, industry, schools and people living in the area prior to development starting in 1947.”
Streets began taking real shape in the 1950s and today the population of Glenburn East is 3,492 and Glenburn West 4,132.
Once virus restrictions are consigned to history, live sessions will be held in what will become the outreach centre of the newly formed Paisley St George’s Parish.
Stephen added: “The sessions in what was Glenburn Parish Church will be drop-ins for people to come along, have their memories recorded.
“Images can be scanned and as time goes on small exhibitions and talks will also be run.”
A Facebook group has already attracted over 400 members while small bits of research have started into some of the industries that were in the area before construction of the scheme began.
One building that the project is interested in is the former Nethercraigs School and if there are any photographs of it.
It opened in 1877, and in 1894 a mission church was established in it by Paisley Abbey to minister to the local area.
By 1950, with the growing population, a new hut church was opened on Nethercraigs Drive to replace Nethercraigs School.
Five years later the congregation of George Street Church relocated to the new Hall Church, creating Glenburn Parish Church.
The Facebook Group can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/glenburnheritage and the website can be found at http://glenburnheritage.org.uk
