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A Blether With...

Podcast by Michael Shanks MP

English

News & politics

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About A Blether With...

A Blether With... is a community-focused podcast hosted by Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen, that shines a light on the people, places, and projects making a real difference across South Lanarkshire. Each episode features relaxed and insightful conversations with a diverse range of voices shaping the future of the area. It’s a chance to hear the stories, passion, and ideas behind the work of those driving local initiatives and grassroots efforts - the very people who make this area such a great place to live.

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5 episodes

episode Episode 5: Lizzie Macdonald artwork

Episode 5: Lizzie Macdonald

In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Lizzie MacDonald, from the Highbacks community garden in Burnhill, about how the project has grown from a small community clean-up effort during Covid lockdown into a thriving local space led by and for local people. Lizzy talks about her passion for creating positive change in the community, building opportunities for young people, and helping bring people together through projects like the men’s wellbeing group and youth activism work. She also shares her hopes for the future of the Highbacks — keeping it community-led, free to access, and a welcoming place for everyone. Highbacks Community Garden on Facebook: Highbacks Community Garden A huge thank you to South Lanarkshire Libraries’ Lending Voices initiative [https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/sllc/info/449/digital_resources/1600/lending_voices_portable_podcasting_in_your_library?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for providing the podcast equipment and helping make this episode possible.

15 May 2026 - 23 min
episode Episode 3: Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society artwork

Episode 3: Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society

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

11 Nov 2025 - 18 min
episode Episode 1: Sandra Lowson from the David Livingstone Birthplace artwork

Episode 1: Sandra Lowson from the David Livingstone Birthplace

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.

25 Sep 2025 - 13 min
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