When West of Scotland Housing Association decided to reclaim an area of derelict land in North Glasgow as a community space they roped in the help of Kelvin Clyde Greenspace, Glasgow North Ltd. and the local community.

This was to ensure that the project would get off to a flying start and become a valuable community asset that everyone could be proud of.

Kelvin Clyde Greenspace carried out an extensive consultation process with the community and many suggestions were put forward as to how the land would be used.

After a vote it was decided to have a garden that would provide a pleasant green space for the community to enjoy.

During the build it was agreed that after the sad death of Scottish Actress and Author Molly Weir it seemed fitting to dedicate the new facility to her. Molly Weir grew up in the Keppochhill area and based many of her works around North Glasgow.

With Glasgow North Ltd working to secure the necessary funding it wasn't long before the garden was taking shape and under the expert eye of Kelvin Clyde Greenspace and a group of trainees from the local area work began. Once the ground was prepared Kelvin Clyde worked closely with local schools to get the communities young people involved in the planting and by April of this year the garden was ready for unveiling.

The garden has several areas including a butterfly section, grass and ivy areas and mono-block paths for easy access. Glasgow North's Gerry McLaughlin, who helped in the funding and consultation for the project is understandably proud of the project

"The Garden is a great resource for the community and is a really good testament to the hard work of everyone who was involved and made it happen. The plan is for the garden to grow with the community and as the needs and wishes of the community change the garden can too.

This is far from the end of the project though; West of Scotland Housing Association and the community have some great plans for other areas near the garden including the possibility of a community centre. So the whole area can become a useable facility for anyone living or visiting Keppochhill."

The result is a fantastic resource that is being enjoyed by the whole community and with a new project in place, involving Glasgow City Council Social Work Dept., to look after the future maintenance of the garden it looks to be blooming for a long time to come.

Story and images: Glasgow North Limited, "Limited Edition", Spring/Summer 2005