Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 5 February 2014 9:29
The massive round concrete tanks are to be turned into large wild flower gardens to create a unique fusion of industry and countryside.
The Waterworks project scooped £100,000 of Big Lottery Fund money in November 2013 when it was nominated as Grow Wild’s top Scottish community growing project through online votes and at a series of community events.
The project is being led by East Renfrewshire Council in conjunction with Barrhead High and local community groups.
Work got underway last week when eight huge skips of rubbish and fly tipping debris were taken off the site. Then East Renfrewshire Council’s hit squad swung into action to clear dense vegetation from the site.
A total of 90 first year pupils from Barrhead High were then involved in cleaning out the old treatment tanks, cutting back over growth and litter picking.
One of their main tasks on site was to plant 10 silver birch trees.
The pupils are photographing their work to keep a record of the site’s transformation.
Supervising the youngsters was Lindsey Potter, depute head and geography teacher who is in charge of the John Muir Trust award scheme at Barrhead High.
Awards are presented by the John Muir Trust, the UK conservation charity dedicated to preserving wild spaces. It is inspired by John Muir (1838-1914), the Dunbar-born founder of the modern conservation movement.
Also in attendance at the tree planting were teaching staff from Barrhead High and Constable Alan Walker, community cop at Barrhead High School.
Environment convener Councillor Vincent Waters, who visited the site last week, said:
“I was most impressed with the progress the youngsters have made and they worked hard despite the bitterly cold conditions.
“The tanks are ready for planting and the trees the pupils planted make a fine avenue into the gardens. Deputy head Lindsey Potter told me the school will be back on site in April to help plant the gardens. In the meantime volunteers will pick up the baton and and start planning some of the planting as they continue the hard work to make the site ready.”
Convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth Councillor Tony Buchanan added: “This is a fantastic project and the work will revitalise the area by playing on its industrial heritage and using old structures to improve the quality of the environment. It also gives people the opportunity to enjoy native plants. Just as important though is that it will also encourage both young and older members of the community to work together.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORESpring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MOREIf you care for someone living with dementia, Dementia Walking Buddies project might be the thing you're looking for.
READ MOREFull cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MOREDobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.
READ MOREA sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.
READ MOREGreat Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.
READ MOREFriday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.
READ MORENew research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire libraries will host a series of events and author visits this month, to encourage conversations around climate change.
READ MOREA stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!
READ MOREThe AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, in partnership with greenspace scotland, are seeking artists/designers in four commissions, to produce one of a set of covid memorials.
READ MOREA Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.
READ MOREDobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.
READ MOREAn Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.
READ MOREThe Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced its holiday camp programme for 2024, so parents can plan ahead to keep the kids active and entertained throughout school holidays this year.
READ MOREChannel 4's 'Location, Location, Location' is coming to Glasgow this Spring and they're looking for property hunters!
READ MOREDobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"