In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society about the group’s work to preserve and celebrate the town’s rich history.

Carrick shares how the Society has grown from just six members in 2012 to a thriving community, and how his own background and curiosity about Rutherglen’s past led him to become its convener.

He talks about the Society’s exciting contributions to Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary celebrations -including the creation of the first new book on the town in over a century and a project to restore and replicate Rutherglen’s historic boundary stones. Carrick also invites listeners to get involved in keeping the town’s heritage alive.

Check out the Rutherglen heritage society's website: https://rutherglenheritage.wixsite.com/website-46

A huge thank you to South Lanarkshire Libraries’ Lending Voices initiative for providing the podcast equipment and helping make this episode possible.

https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/sllc/info/449/digital_resources/1600/lending_voices_portable_podcasting_in_your_library

In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Alison, the lead officer at the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub, about the hub’s work to engage and empower communities in creating sustainable, low-carbon solutions.

Alison shares the mission behind the hub and her personal motivations for driving climate action in the region, offering insights into how the work is making a difference in Lanarkshire.

In this first episode of A Blether With..., Michael visits the David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre to chat with Sandra Lowson, Director of Operations and Engagement, who shares the remarkable story of one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures - from humble beginnings in a cotton mill to becoming a world-renowned explorer.

But the museum today is more than just a tribute to the past. Sandra discusses how the centre has transformed into a vibrant community hub - offering everything from free craft classes and gardening clubs to sustainability initiatives and social inclusion projects.

They also explore the vital role of volunteers, the challenge of securing long-term funding, and the centre’s ambitions to grow its work with young people and those with additional support needs.