CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

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.

Delve into the past with local heritage classes

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.

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council
East Renfrewshire Culture
Scottish Refugee Council

Latest East Renfrewshire News

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

READ MORE
Busby pub celebrates triple award success

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

READ MORE
Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

READ MORE
Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

READ MORE
Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

READ MORE
Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

READ MORE
Susie McCabe headlines comedy night at Eastwood Park Theatre

Susie McCabe headlines comedy night at Eastwood Park Theatre

Scottish comedian Susie McCabe will headline a comedy show this month at Eastwood Park Theatre.

READ MORE
Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

READ MORE
Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.

READ MORE
The Grid celebrates first anniversary with launch of new running club

The Grid celebrates first anniversary with launch of new running club

Fitness members celebrated one year of dedicated functional training space, The Grid, at Barrhead Foundry, with the launch of a brand new inclusive running club.

READ MORE
Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

READ MORE
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

East Renfrewshire Culture
Hostelworld
Go Radio
ATG

Sponsored Links

Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council
East Renfrewshire Culture
Scottish Refugee Council
East Renfrewshire Culture
Hostelworld
Go Radio
ATG

Popular Events

Include Me 2 Club Family Festival
Get ready for the BIGGEST family party of the summer when Include Me 2 Club return to Barrhead's Cowan Park on Saturday 21st June with their Family Festival!
An Evening with Mhairi Black
Come and listen to Mhairi Black in conversation with Graham Spiers at Eastwood Park Theatre and hear her take on the highs and lows of political life.
In Conversation with Barbara Dickson
Barbara Dickson has enjoyed a glittering 50-year career in music and theatre. come and hear her in conversation with Graham Spiers and enjoy a song or two as well at Eastwood Park Theatre!
The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure
Packed with singalong songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat and A Sailor Went to Sea, join The McDougalls for a fun-filled afternoon at Eastwood Park Theatre!
An Evening with Tam Cowan
Come and enjoy Tam Cowan's cutting wit at Eastwood Park Theatre where he'll be in conversation with Graham Spiers who, as host on the night, will get to say next to nothing.

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