Portal to the Past

William Gemmell (1814-1891) was a joiner who lived his whole life in Eaglesham.  In his spare time he taught himself sculpting as a hobby and during his lifetime, his work was exhibited and received critical acclaim. Only six of his life size sculptures are known to survive and these are located in Statue House, Eaglesham which can be found in Statue Lane, just past No. 20 Montgomery Street.

Statue House will be open on Doors Open Day from 10am - 4pm

For more information on this and other venues in East Renfrewshire visit the Doors Open Day website

For information on Statue House contact Amanda Robb, Local Studies Librarian 0141 577 3872 or localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

As part of Mearns Local History Week we are holding a free taster session on researching your family tree. Places are limited and booking is essential. The session will introduce participants to the ScotlandsPeople website. To book phone Mearns Library 0141 577 4979

East Renfrewshire Council Library and Information Services are taking part in the ScotlandsPeople discounted voucher scheme for more details click here

For more information on East Renfrewshire's Heritage Services contact Amanda Robb, Local Studies Librarian 0141 577 3872 or localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

This year the Mearns Horticultural Society will be celebrating 150 years since it was formed in 1858. The Society plan to publish a history of the society in time for our Summer Show at the end of August. We would welcome any anecdotes, photographs or memorabilia about the Society and its members.

If you have anything which you would be willing donate then please contact Amanda Robb, Local Studies Librarian at localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or 0141 577 3872 and we will pass them on to the society.

The Dams to Darnley Country Park is a joint initiative involving East Renfrewshire and Glasgow City Councils. It aims to improve the quality of, and access to, the greenspace around the East Renfrewshire and Glasgow City boundary, encompassing the green belt separating Newton Mearns, Barrhead, Parkhouse and Darnley.

The Dams to Darnley area provides a valuable, interesting and diverse environment that historically has been enjoyed by local residents.The Councils recognise that the area’s potential as a leisure and environmental resource is not being fulfilled and, consequently, they have agreed to promote Dams to Darnley as a major countryside leisure project

To find out more about this exciting project see

http://www.cartsgreenspace.org.uk

Appeal for Photographs

(Old Busby main street)

Local historian John McVicar is in the process of researching and writing a book on the history of Busby. This multi-volume work will cover every aspect of the village’s history up until 1919 and will be a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the history of the area.

John would like to appeal for photographs, which can be used to illustrate the work. He is looking for any photographs connected with Busby pre-1919. Of particular interest would be photographs of individuals or families who lived and worked in the village.

If you have any photographs which you would be willing donate then please contact Amanda Robb, Local Studies Librarian at localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or 0141 577 3872.

*Please note that you do not need to donate original photographs as copies can be made. The photographs will also be added to East Renfrewshire Council's Heritage Collection