Who owns the Clyde?

In this third and final episode of the Clyde Reflections series, Jude and Louise consider the importance of connections and bridges along the River Clyde and beyond.  Poet Tawona Sithole recites his specially commissioned poem ‘Run River Run’ on the riverbank, with insights from skipper Alistair Forsyth of the former Renfrew Ferry.  Jude and Louise also meet Anna Downie and Rachel Leckie from the...

In this second episode Jude, Louise and Chris take a trip down the Clyde on the Waverly paddle steamer.  They reflect on the Clyde’s maritime past, present and future sharing conversations with the team at the Waverley along with reflections from Thomas Breslin of Marine Projects onboard the TS Glenlee and William Graham of the Glasgow Humane Society. The episode also features music from Gavin Pat...

In this first episode of Clyde Reflections, Jude and Louisereflect on what lies below the river’s surface in response to two portraits by photographer and filmmaker Chris Leslie.   They hear from archaeologist and filmmaker Lizzie Roberston, exploring sounds at Port Glasgow, and Mark McGeachin of theGlasgow Magnet Fishers in Dalmarnock.  The episode also features music from Sadie Marie of the Glas...

Join Jude and Louise as they journey to the source of the Clyde.  In this episode they also explore nature rights, both locally and internationally.  They meet Guardians of the River Atrato in Columbia, Monica Feria-Tinta Barrister for the Earth, Lawyer Jamie Whittle and Planner Gillian Dick.  Louise and Jude also talk to Scottish Makar Peter McKay and Councillor Ruairi Kelly on their hopes for th...

In this bonus episode Louise and Jude discuss ongoing activities around their citizen investigation into fragmented and murky ownership around the River Clyde, including the progress of their  petition to the Scottish Parliament , their meeting with Colombian River Guardians of the  River Atrato  their live Mapathon, forthcoming collaboration with photographer/ filmmaker  Chris Leslie  and more! h...

Episode Four further explores river rights and access to waterways. It opens with a poem by Edwin Morgan read by Marc Cairns of New Practice and ends with a newly commissioned poem by Tawona Sitole, written specially for the podcast. Jude and Louise begin the episode by reflecting on the response to their petition to the Scottish Parliament, which seeks to grant the River Clyde the right to legal...

In this bonus episode, Jude and Louise discuss the thinking behind their decision to launch a  petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for the River Clyde  to be granted the legal right of personhood. Is it a wild idea or one rooted in existing law with the power to protect the Clyde as an ecosystem and potential to expand citizen access to the river? Could the Clyde become the lifeblood of Gl...

On 22nd October 2024, we welcomed an audience of around hundred people to Collective Architecture’s offices for a public event asking the question, Who Owns the Clyde? We invited four contributors to present a brief provocation to the audience, who were invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas in return. As with all Empire Café events, this was a conversation rather than a debate. Our audien...

Episode Three  explores the reasons for and outcomes of fragmented ownership along the River Clyde. Louise, Jude and a wide array of informed contributors discuss possible futures for the ecology, economic and social potential of river and the city, if existing barriers can be overcome. Jude and Louise issue a bold provocation and invite listeners to get involved. Contributors Include , in order o...

In this bonus episode, Jude and Louise reflect on the overwhelming response to the podcast so far.  They meet together, in producer Halina Rifai’s kitchen, to discuss some of the feedback they have received from listeners and participants since launching the series. During the session they share some insights into the participants and themes that will be explored in Episode 3.  The session ends wi...

This episode explores timelines and ownership of the Clyde, and why that matters today. Includes poetry and music from The Empire Cafe. Contributors include: ●      Jim Carruth, Poet and Glasgow Makar from 2014 reading ‘Portrait of the Glassford Family’ from The Empire Cafe ●      Andy Wightman, Land Reformer ●      Sandra Whyte, former MSP, Scottish Parliament ●      Statement from James McSporra...

This episode introduced why the Clyde is so central to the City through discussions with local politicians, citizens, passers-by and informed guests. Includes poetry and music from The Empire Cafe. Contributors include: ●      Malika Booker, Poet reading ‘Yonder Awa’ from The Empire Cafe’ ●      Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council ●      Councillor Graham Campbell ●      Andy Wightman, La...

Who owns the Clyde is a three-part citizen investigation into ownership of Glasgow’s iconic River, explored through a kaleidoscope of diverse voices, soundscapes, and poetry.   Co-hosts writer Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber are joined by a range of contributors, as they dive deep into the murky waters of river ownership and untapped potential. From its banks, the riverbed, the water and th...