The Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT) is proud to showcase the breadth and talent of young people living and working in the Glenkens through a new project, Our Glenkens.
The project features ten young people, each sharing their personal connection to the area and what life in the Glenkens means to them. Their stories mark the first step in an ongoing initiative to celebrate rural work, life and community in this active and beautiful part of the world.
Our Glenkens is part of GCAT’s broader work delivering the Glenkens Community Action Plan. It responds directly to the pressing issue of rural depopulation by showcasing the contribution young adults are making across the Glenkens. Drawing inspiration and support from CoDeL and their successful Uist Beò project in Uist, in the Western Isles, the aim is to shift the narrative away from decline and towards opportunity – showing that young people can and do thrive in rural places.
Helen Keron, GCAT Chief Executive, said, “It’s been so great to be able to bring this fantastic project to life. Thanks very much to SOSE for the support that’s made it possible. We’ve worked with a great team of people from Uist Beò and across the Glenkens to showcase some amazing young people who are making their lives here. I’ve so enjoyed seeing their stories unfold, and we hope that other people do too – and maybe even feel inspired to make Our Glenkens Their Glenkens!”
Uist Beò, now in its fourth year, shares authentic stories of island life and reaches tens of thousands of people each month. It has contributed to more young people choosing to move or return to Uist than other Scottish islands. Our Glenkens follows in these footsteps by extending the Glenkens Hub website and launching new social media platforms that celebrate the rewards of rural living for all ages.
This first phase of the project has been supported by the South of Scotland Enterprise, aligning with their ambition to drive inclusive growth throughout the region. This funding enabled the creation of engaging new content and a dedicated web page featuring young working people from the Glenkens – resources that will also feed into wider regional research on effective strategies to combat depopulation.
Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE, said, “It is vital we allow young people who want to stay and work in the South of Scotland to do so, rather than moving elsewhere. That is why this project by the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust is so important, letting us hear first-hand what young people think the opportunities are of living in a rural area such as Glenkens.”
You can explore the stories and meet the young people of Our Glenkens at https://glenkens.scot/our-glenkens/ (Note – will be live from the 23rd May)
Follow the journey on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@OurGlenkens), launching on 23rd May.
There will also be a launch event at the CatStrand in New Galloway on the 23rd May at 7pm, where the videos will be shown for the first time. Come along for a free drink and nibbles and find out more about this exciting project.
Come and be inspired by the voices of the future of the Glenkens.
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About GCAT
The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust (GCAT) seeks to improve the lives of the people of the Glenkens and district by interweaving arts, community, and heritage to enrich the area’s life. We deliver our artistic vision with passion and creativity and drive economic and social regeneration by championing the Glenkens & District Community Action Plan. Our many initiatives foster a strong, inclusive community, promoting lifelong learning and sustainable development. gcat.scot/about-gcat/
About the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)
South of Scotland Enterprise supports businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE is here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow and fulfil their best potential.
In 2023/24, SOSE:
- Supported 1,300 businesses, social enterprises and community groups;
- Of the 1,300 enterprises which SOSE engaged with and supported, 152 received grants which totalled £9.2million;
- SOSE’s activities helped safeguard 1,316 jobs and create 377 posts;
- SOSE made significant investments of £13.7m into business and community enterprises;
- There was also a further £5.7m invested into 48 strategic projects to help transform the region.
To find out more, www.southofscotlandenterprise.com
About Uist Beo
Uist Beò is created and powered by young local islanders . All of our stories and connections are deeply rooted in local communities, are respectful of people and the planet and show an authentic portrayal of life in Uist.
Through the tradition of storytelling, we’re shining a light on the individuals, businesses and organisations that make our islands a unique place to live, work and visit. By showcasing opportunities and events, we’re connecting residents, returners and visitors to the amazing things happening in our islands. uist.co/
About CoDeL
CoDeL was set up on Uist in 2018, by Thomas Fisher, Theona Morrison and Gemma Steele to contribute positively to community development based on a deeper understanding of what is actually happening in small communities. Also to create opportunities for younger people to influence and reshape their local communities. codel.scot/
