Dalmarnock is playing host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and much of its rich history is being lost due to the regeneration going on around the area. Local resident’s young and old will come together to talk and research the history of Dalmarnock past present and future.

Dalmarnock in its heyday saw tens of thousands of workers descend each day to work in the huge factories that used to be here, steel forged here is still found today in bridges all over the world, Dalmarnock really once was the industrial hub of the British Empire at its peak.

Following on from the decline in the steel industry, years of neglect followed but once again the area will flourish due to the massive investment coming from regeneration projects such as Clyde Gateway, M74/East End Regeneration Route and the Games in 2014.

Local Councillor George Redmond, who is also chair of Glasgow Life, one of the main partners involved in the project, was born and bred in the area and is delighted that local people will play a part in capturing the history of the area as it goes through such a huge transitional period.

“Local people like myself, are keen to talk about and capture the history of this area when they were children, the project itself will focus on the school days and family lives of some of our most senior residents, it’s a chance for them to come together with the younger generation to talk about what Dalmarnock was really like in the past and what it will look like for future generations."

Yvonne Kucuk, Regeneration Manager, added: “There is an awful lot of affection still held for this place. It’s a fantastic opportunity for this community to come together and bring that all important history back to life, especially now as we look towards the all important future regeneration of the area.”

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “The foundries of Dalmarnock played a central role in the industrial history of the area bringing with them jobs, housing and economic prosperity. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to support this project as it is opening up the heritage to new audiences while delivering real benefits to the community. It will bring different generations of people together to record and share memories which, without project such as this, would be lost forever."

A website will be available soon and talks will also be held with Clyde Gateway about the possibility of an exhibition in what will be the newly refurbished Olympia Building at Bridgeton Cross which was in the past a local cinema and is now undergoing a huge transformation thanks to another Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is keen to support projects that help people to explore their heritage and celebrate it. If you have an idea for a heritage project and need funding then contact the HLF office on 0131 225 9450 or see information about funding in our How to apply section.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating more than £1/2 billion across Scotland.