Project description

Carmyle is a suburb in the east end of Glasgow that lies directly north of the River Clyde. Spanning the river is a derelict bridge, which was opened in 1897 as part of the Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway. After falling into disuse during the early 1980s, this bridge became the focus of gang-related activity and was fenced off. Public access is now restricted to the viaduct, and there are serious concerns among the local community about its potential re-opening.

The title of this project borrows from that of the famous Glasgow novel about gang violence in the Gorbals district of the city, which is itself a quotation from the Bible. In the Book of Acts, Paul the Apostle describes Tarsus as ‘no mean city’, meaning that it is not an obscure or insignificant place. This meaning reflects the ethos that has driven my research and design into the landscape of Carmyle, looking for the significant in what might, typically, be thought of as insignificant.

My proposals are responsive to the particular characteristics and challenges of this site. They are rooted in a concern for the local community’s lived experience and imagine a future in which the abandoned railway will form an important active travel route, connecting people with each other and with the landscape around them. Ideas for an extensive programme of community engagement were also developed, with the emphasis on building community ties and stewardship opportunities.

Carmyle Bird's Eye View
Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway Path

“Everybody can change. We’ve all got things to add [...] You just need to give people a chance. Give them a chance and listen to what’s there.”

John Carnochan, Strathclyde Police and co-founder of Scottish Violence Reduction Unit

Carmyle Viaduct
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