Episode 3: Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society

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.

Episode 4: Burgh Primary School

In this special episode of A Blether With…, Michael Shanks hands over the microphone to the pupils of Burgh Primary School - and no question is off limits. Turning the usual format on its head, the pupils take on the role of interviewers, putting their local MP in the hot seat and asking about everything from life at Westminster to whether he ever gets nervous speaking in Parliament — and even his go-to lunch order. Their thoughtful questions, alongside a few light-hearted ones, create an engaging and insightful conversation about politics, public life and the importance of young people having their voices heard.. 🎙️ Listen now to hear what happens when the next generation takes charge of the conversation.

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

Episode 2: Alison Limbert from the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub

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.

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.