The 1st Quarriers’ Village (45th Greenock and District) was transported back in time to help them produce the film about William Quarrier who established the charity in Glasgow in 1871. The group took part in workshops to find out about William Quarrier and will bring their learning to life in the film and exhibition.

The film will be premiered at the Glasgow Film Theatre in June before an exhibition opens at Scotland Street School Museum in Glasgow as part of Quarriers 140th anniversary celebrations. The funding for the project came from a £6,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.

Quarriers Service Manager Michael Lewis said: “This year sees the 140th anniversary of Quarriers being established and the work of William Quarrier is as relevant now as it was in the 1870s.

“This is a fascinating project which has shared the charity’s rich heritage with children who live in Quarriers Village. We’re very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for making all of this possible and the local Scouts Group for getting involved in this exciting project.”

William Quarrier was a shoe retailer from Glasgow who began looking after homeless children when he opened a night refuge in the city in 1871. He later expanded the charity when he built Orphan Homes of Scotland just outside in the city near Bridge of Weir. Quarriers Village, which comprised 34 cottages, a school, a church and a fire station, cared for more than 30,000 children.

Today, Quarriers is Scotland’s leading and most diverse social care charity employing more than 2,000 staff.

The charity provides support to thousands of people through more than 150 services across the UK for children, young people, adults and families who experience extreme difficulties or who are typically hard-to-reach. The charity also supports people with epilepsy.

Colin McLean, Head of the HLF in Scotland, said: “Researching the history of William Quarrier is a wonderful introduction for these young people to the fun and learning that is inherent in a heritage project. They have not only uncovered fascinating facts about their local history and shared these with others, but in doing so have learn new skills, had great fun and developed a sense of pride in the heritage of their community. ”

Group Scout Leader Martin Buchan said: “The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have not only learned a lot about the life of children who lived in the orphan homes, but they were able to really discover what life must have been like through drama workshops.”

To find out more about Quarriers please visit www.quarriers.org.uk.

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 £500million across Scotland.