Delve into the past with local heritage classes

Local residents can delve into the past and discover more about their family tree, house history and local history research with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's series of heritage sessions.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
Last Updated: 15 January 2025 10:32

The first heritage talk, From Dark Into Light: A Southside Tale, will be presented by Paul Noble at Barrhead Foundry on 20 February. Paul moved into a 1930s semi-detached bungalow in Giffnock in 1996 and discovered a treasure trove linking the house to people and places from the past underneath the floorboards.

Paul said: “I never imagined that a few ordinary everyday items that I salvaged from under my floorboards (having ignored them for 26 years) would lead me on a detective trail through the streets of Southside Glasgow and beyond. Resurrected from the depths and bathed in daylight for the first time in many, many years, I resolved to establish the provenance of each item, piece together their history and that of the original owners of my 1930’s Giffnock semi. These commonplace items turned out to hold the key to opening the gates of the past; they provided me with a remarkable insight into everyday life from the 1870’s to the 1970’s, as seen through the eyes of one ordinary and yet extraordinary Glasgow family. So, please join me as I discuss the first leg of my investigations into these finds and learn what I now know about my house, its first inhabitants and where the ongoing search for answers has taken me so far on my incredible journey from Dark into Light!”

For those keen on researching their family tree, experienced genealogist Lorna Kinnaird, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to begin your research at Family History for Beginners, hosted at Eastwood House on 25 February. In a relaxed group setting, you will learn about the key depositories for Scottish research, what documents can be accessed and how to read them, building a family tree chart and reading old handwriting.

Keen historians can create a full day experience, attending the afternoon course House History for Beginners which also runs on 25 February at Eastwood House. Lorna will lead the session and get participants started on carrying out a house history in Scotland and accessing amazing records. The course covers identifying key features of dating buildings, accessing sources for buildings and linking key sources with vital record sources.

Local historian and author Stuart Nisbet will host heritage talk Slavery and the Local Area at Eastwood House on 18 March. Stuart has been unearthing local slavery connections for many years and has published extensively, led walks and talks and contributed to a book with Tom Devine. Participants can hear about his journey and experiences while researching this subject.

Dress historian Tracy Harrison Butler, who has a background in television and is planning a PhD in several areas in dress history, will host The Life and Death of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham at Eastwood House on 5 March. Tracy will share the compelling story of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham and investigate the events that led to her murder by poisoning in 1857, which Tracy came across while researching at Giffnock Heritage Centre.

Following the Family History for Beginners course in February, Family History: Delving Deeper comes to Eastwood House on 13 May. The new half-day course, again led by Lorna Kinnaird, will take participants on the next step of their journey, by delving deeper into sources and developing further research skills. The course will cover timelines, research plans, occupations, church records and palaeography.

House History: Delving Deeper is ideal for those who completed the House History for Beginners course and have already put their learning into practise, or for those who already have some experience in house history research but would like to learn more. The new half-day course at Eastwood House on 13 May will take you on the next step of your journey by delving deeper into sources and developing your research skills. The course will cover timelines, the Sasine Register, using maps and palaeography.

To find out more and to book heritage courses, visit: www.ercultureandleisure.org or contact artsandheritage@ercultureandleisure.org to discuss course details.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

East Renfrewshire Libraries welcome authors to celebrate Book Week Scotland 2025

East Renfrewshire libraries are set to celebrate Book Week Scotland, 17th - 23rd November, with a series of author events and workshops.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Big Clean Up takes place in Barrhead

The Barrhead Big Clean Up took place last week, with Council colleagues, local volunteers, school pupils and businesses coming together to help keep East Renfrewshire beautiful.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Sport and physical activity champions recognised at awards

Sports and physical activity champions from across East Renfrewshire have been recognised for their contributions.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut

Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!

East Renfrewshire Libraries announce thrilling events for Dead Good October

East Renfrewshire libraries have lined up a series of thrilling events for Dead Good October, featuring author events, crime cafes, Harry Potter Day, family fun and more!

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Delve into the past with local heritage classes

Local residents can delve into the past and discover more about their family tree, house history and local history research with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's series of heritage sessions.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings