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I ask those leaving the public gallery to do so as quickly and quietly as possible.
The next item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S6M-20393, in the name of Clare Haughey, on the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen as a royal burgh. The debate will be concluded without any question being put.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament recognises that 2026 marks the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen receiving the status of Royal Burgh via Royal Charter from King David I of Scotland; understands that although Rutherglen’s story began long before 1126, its recognition via the first Burgh Charter gave it special trading rights and a place of importance in medieval Scotland, and that through centuries of change, Rutherglen has continued to play a key role in the region’s development; notes that the milestone is being celebrated throughout the year via a series of heritage, art, wellbeing, environmental and sporting events organised by the community-led Rutherglen 900 project; further notes that the project has been built on collaboration between local people, local organisations, schools, community groups and volunteers, who are working together to honour the town’s rich cultural legacy and bright future; appreciates the great sense of community within the town that the Rutherglen 900 project reflects, supported by the wide range of organisations and bodies that do great work to support residents; thanks all of those who are involved in planning and promoting the 900th anniversary celebrations, and wishes all those who live and work in Rutherglen all the best for the occasion and the future.
12:50
I am delighted to have secured this debate to mark the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen’s being granted royal burgh status by King David I, which gave it special trading rights and underlined its importance in medieval Scotland.
I have the tremendous honour of representing Rutherglen, my home town, where I was brought up, where I brought up my own family and where I still live. I could say a great deal about our town but fear that I will only be able to scratch the surface in the time that is available to me.
Rutherglen is one of those places where, everywhere that you turn, you see something of its fascinating history. My constituency office is situated on Rutherglen’s Main Street. It is a particularly wide street because it was the place to be to trade horses from the 1600s onwards. As time passed, fairs were held there 12 times a year.
A few steps from my office is Rutherglen old parish church, which has been a site of Christian worship for at least 1,400 years and is believed to have been a site of druid worship before that. John Menteith betrayed William Wallace there in 1305, and the Parliament of Scotland also sat there. In its boundary walls is a statue of Dr James Gorman, who treated Ruglonians long before the national health service was established, often for little or no charge, and during some of Lanarkshire’s worst mining disasters.
A few more steps take you to the town hall, which was completed in 1862. Civic leaders decided that a new one was needed after significant population expansion. Near the town hall is the mercat cross, a 100-year-old replica of the original to which the covenanters nailed their 1679 declaration of Rutherglen.
Behind my office runs King Street, where Rutherglen castle sat at the junction with Castle Street. Built in the 13th century, the castle’s 5-feet-thick walls made it a crucial stronghold during the wars of independence, during which it was besieged several times by Robert the Bruce.
I remember our colleague Jamie Hepburn speaking about his home town of Cumbernauld during a members’ business debate and joking about how many towns claim to have links to Mary, Queen of Scots. Not wishing to disappoint in that regard, I can say that Mary led a march to Rutherglen castle in 1568 to round up her supporters before her journey west. A year later, the castle was burned to the ground by the Earl of Moray, to punish the Hamilton family for supporting Mary at the battle of Langside.
I could spend all afternoon talking about Rutherglen’s history—from Gallowflat tumulus, a second century Roman burial site, to the coracles that travelled up and down the Clyde to and from Rutherglen in the 12th century, or the steamships that were built there in the 19th century, or how James Watt designed a bridge for the town before his tinkering with steam engines allowed its steel, chemical and textile industries to flourish.
The historic areas near the centre, such as Bankhead, Burnhill and Gallowflat, have changed hugely over the years and the village of Burnside has expanded greatly. Post-war developments on farms and estates in Blairbeth, Cathkin, Eastfield, Fernhill, Spittal and Springhall are now well-established communities. Each place has its own distinct identity but is firmly and proudly part of Rutherglen’s story.
I also remember Mr Hepburn mentioning the legendary broadcaster Magnus Magnusson. He married the journalist Mamie Baird in Wardlawhill parish church before living in Calderwood Road for many years. After growing up in the town, their daughter Sally became a renowned broadcaster and she set her novel “Music in the Dark” in a Rutherglen tenement.
In a list of notable Ruglonians, I could also include actors Robbie Coltrane, Janet Brown, Scott Kyle and Stan Laurel, the poet Edwin Morgan, fashion designer Jonathan Saunders and musicians such as Midge Ure and Audrey Tait. John Logie Baird lived a few hundred yards from where Cee Cee TV Security Solutions now displays a beautiful vintage television in its shop window. Infamously, he once fused all the lights in the town, which hastened his departure from his job at the local power station.
There is a wheen of sports people from Rutherglen, from Steve Archibald, who went from Fernhill Athletic Football Club to Barcelona, to Sadie Smith, Rutherglen Ladies FC’s captain, who battled against the odds even to play at a time when women’s football was banned in England and was deemed quite unsuitable in Scotland. Again, that could be a very long list. Ruglonians have truly made their mark on the world.
When the 900th anniversary of our town’s burgh status was approaching, a real desire grew to mark the occasion—to take the chance to reflect on who we are, where we have come from and where we are going. Rutherglen 900 was born as a community-led initiative that was built on collaboration between local people, organisations, schools, community groups and volunteers. I thank that large community network, which includes Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust, CamGlen Radio, heritage organisations, schools, artists, sports groups and local residents who are keen to give back to their community.
I am delighted to have the opportunity to thank each and every person who has given up their time to organise the wonderful programme of events that will mark our town’s milestone year. I thank them for all their efforts—not just this year, but every year and, indeed, every day—to support local residents. I urge anyone listening to the debate to visit the Rutherglen 900 website to see the depth and breadth of the programme that they have put together. There truly is something for everyone. Our town will host walking and vintage bus tours that will highlight local landmarks and explore Rutherglen’s radical history of social activism, and there will be a community picnic; a sing-along event; multiple talks and exhibitions; sporting events; a live comedy, dance and music event, including the town’s very first mela; and an inaugural book festival.
There is also a packed schools programme, with events for children and young people in every month this year. It was an absolute treat to hear the debut performance of “Song of Rutherglen” at the Rutherglen 900 launch event in the town hall last Friday, which was beautifully sung by pupils from each local school. If members are in the right place at the right time, they might even bump into Rutherglen 900’s official mascot, Dougie the pigeon, which was designed by Emma from St Anthony’s primary school.
Whether you call it Rutherglen, Ruglen or Ruggie, there is a lot happening in our town this year, as always, and there is much to celebrate about her people and organisations, who make it such a great place to live and work in. I am thoroughly looking forward to all the opportunities that we will have over the next year to celebrate, to reminisce and to look to our town’s future. Rutherglen is ready to welcome all who would like to join us.
12:57
I congratulate Clare Haughey on bringing this debate to the chamber. I really enjoyed her speech about the history of Rutherglen.
It is a privilege to speak in this debate about the 900 years of Rutherglen—my dad would call it Ruglen—which is one of Scotland’s oldest royal burghs and a town with a proud and distinct identity. Rutherglen is not a place to talk about in the abstract; it is a place that people know well and remember, and it is a place that I knew well when I was growing up. Over the years, I have spent a great deal of time in the town, visiting schools, meeting community groups and speaking with local traders, and in my youth I spent time in some of the pubs on and off Main Street. I have seen at first hand how Rutherglen has changed, adapted and endured.
I have many fond personal memories that are rooted in the area. Many of my friends lived in Rutherglen and I often find myself recalling with affection times spent in and around the town in places and on streets that I knew well. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, I would head to the video shop on Main Street with friends and then walk through Overtoun park. There was a great sense of community and character in the town.
When I was married almost 34 years ago, I had my wedding reception at the nearby Kings Park hotel, because we knew that place well and it represented both Glasgow and Rutherglen, where we were from. More recently, I have enjoyed simply taking walks around the area and reflecting on how the town has evolved. Familiar streets have changed, but the character and warmth of the community have remained.
Today, as Ms Haughey said, Rutherglen continues to be shaped by independent businesses and local employers who have chosen to invest there.
Long-standing firms remain a familiar presence, while small cafes, family-run shops and service businesses along Main Street and the surrounding area continue to provide not only jobs but connection and community. Those businesses are run by people who care deeply about the town and its future.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Rutherglen high school to see its eco project, which is led by pupils who are passionate about sustainability and improving their local environment. What impressed me most were not only the ambition of the project but the pride of the young people who took part in contributing positively to their community. I believe that we need to take pride in our communities, and we see that abundantly in Rutherglen, Burnside and Cambuslang. It was a powerful reminder that Rutherglen’s future is being shaped by young people who care deeply about where they live.
As we have heard, Rutherglen has also produced an extraordinary amount of talent over the years, across sport, culture, business and public life. That is no accident. The town has strong links to figures such as Stan Laurel, who is one half of the most iconic comic double act in history: Laurel and Hardy. I used to play one and my dad the other. Members can decide which one each of us played.
That connection with Stan Laurel shows the closeness between Ruglonians and Glaswegians. Stan Laurel cut his teeth on the boards of the Britannia Panopticon music hall in Glasgow’s Trongate. From the original construction of Glasgow cathedral to the shared relationship between our transport systems, or even the 21-year experiment that Rutherglen had as part of Glasgow District Council, there is an indelible link between the city of Glasgow and Rutherglen. Long may that flourish, particularly through projects such as the Clyde gateway.
Rutherglen and Glasgow have joint connectivity. We are not that far away from each other, and it is good that we can work together on certain projects. We have heard that Glasgow is 850 years old this year, so Rutherglen has beaten us by 50 years. However, as a regional MSP, I can take a bit of credit on behalf of both places.
Rutherglen has also been associated with brilliant comic talent closer to home, including Janet Brown. She is well known for her unforgettable impression of Margaret Thatcher. I promise to take that in the good-humoured spirit in which it was intended, even as a proud Tory.
All of that reflects a town that nurtures ambition, resilience and a strong sense of belonging. As we mark this remarkable anniversary, it is clear that Rutherglen’s story is not only one of history but one of on-going contribution, pride and potential. I wish the town a happy 900-year anniversary.
13:02
I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate celebrating the 900th anniversary of Rutherglen as a royal burgh.
My goodness, I am glad that I am not living 900 years ago. Clare Haughey has put on record the intrigue, treachery and treason that have taken place in Rutherglen. I am sure that the place has moved on considerably from those medieval times.
Clare Haughey is a real champion for Rutherglen. That came out quite clearly in her speech. She spoke passionately about the community-led Rutherglen 900 project. I was pleased to hear Clare talk about the Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust and Camglen Radio being part of the community-led project, as those are a couple of organisations that I know quite well from my days as a regional MSP.
Clare Haughey also went through a list of famous people from Rutherglen. I was scoring out my list of people I was going to name-check as she went on. Bobby Murdoch was on the list as well, and he is one that she did not mention.
Also, who was Nellie Hunter? I did not know until a couple of hours ago that Nellie Hunter was a suffragist from Rutherglen. There will be an exhibition all about Nellie Hunter at the library and heritage centre in just a few days’ time. That is the point of celebrating our history—to find out about those histories that are lost through time, as those stories of remarkable people are the social fabric of all communities. I am delighted that such events are taking place in Rutherglen.
My connection with Rutherglen goes back to 2007, when I became a regional MSP for Glasgow. I fulfilled that role until I became a constituency MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn in 2016. Let me be clear: I am not saying that Rutherglen is part of Glasgow. Heaven forfend that I should say that. Some people say that it is part of Lanarkshire, but the people of Rutherglen are, first and foremost, Ruglonians. They are welcome, inclusive and passionate Ruglonians. Unless things have changed, they would still view themselves as Ruglonians.
I want to give some personal reflections on my time in Rutherglen. I well remember my monthly surgery in the King Street cooncil buildings in the town over the years. I also recall the regular Scottish National Party meetings at St Columbkille’s church hall, where we would have to compete with the Irish dancing and the occasional hooley. I hope that that is all still going strong.
After those branch meetings, if I was very lucky, I would have a pint at Dr Gorman’s pub. I understand that it is no longer Dr Gorman’s—good luck to the new owners, but that is a backward step as far as I am concerned. I used to go there with the late Councillor Gordon Clark—it was his local. I was saddened by Gordon’s recent passing, and I want to put on record in this place the contribution that he made to public life and to the Rutherglen community over many years, including 10 years as a councillor.
My highlight as a regional MSP who covered Rutherglen was always my annual attendance—I would have been in trouble if I didnae go—at Landemer day, with the late Gordon Clark and many others, some of whom are also, sadly, no longer with us. I would like to mention Councillor Clare McColl and Councillor Anne Higgins, who are no longer with us. Friends across all parties will have their own memories of people who are no longer with us.
I always had a wonderful time at Landemer day, which was supported by the people of Rutherglen in their thousands each and every year. It was always a passionate, vibrant and lovely demonstration of Rutherglen’s civic pride and creative endeavour.
I had not known that Landemer day recommenced only in 1974, having fallen into abeyance in 1926. I learned that in preparation for today’s debate. I am pleased that it has bounced back so strongly since the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is important that all communities celebrate such landmarks. Not that long ago, I led a members’ business debate on the 50th anniversary of Summerston, where I stay, and the church that I go to in Maryhill will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. However, what is important is not the number of years for which a community has been in existence but how the people in the community knit together in such a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant and diverse way.
That is how I think about Rutherglen. It was a privilege to represent it for a short period of time. Those who represent it today, including Clare Haughey, are lucky and privileged to do so. Happy birthday to Rutherglen.
13:07
I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate. It has been lovely to hear the contributions so far. Everyone has been so enthusiastic about Rutherglen and the many things that it is famous for. The longer you sit here, the more likely you are to think of something else that is worth mentioning.
I will add to the list the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, which was founded in Rutherglen. In recent months, there was a wonderful mass in St Columbkille’s church in Rutherglen to celebrate SCIAF’s anniversary. That is another reason to celebrate the wonderful town that is Rutherglen.
Of course, 2026 is the year of Rutherglen. The calendar of events and projects that Rutherglen 900 has pulled together is a testament to its communities. Rutherglen 900 is a grass-roots endeavour, although funding and support are being provided by Clyde Gateway, South Lanarkshire Council, local businesses and—I hope—the Scottish Government. I am sure that the cabinet secretary will be most welcome at all the events. In particular, the book festival jumps out at me.
As Annie Wells and Clare Haughey have said, the events celebrate Rutherglen’s past and retell it for a new generation. The involvement of children and young people, especially through the schools, means that the project will have a lasting legacy. It is not simply a case of coming along to some events and then moving on. The educational work that is being done is striking.
Efforts have also been made to capture the oral history of Rutherglen through the time capsules and the oral history podcast, an episode of which Michael Shanks, the local MP, recorded at Burgh primary school in the past few weeks. All those things will help to ensure that the stories that we tell one another will be safely passed on to the next generation.
It is a pity that we will not see Bob Doris partake in some Irish dancing, but you never know. If the organisers are listening—[Interruption.] The cabinet secretary agrees. It is not too late to add that to the programme.
We often discuss challenges and difficult issues in the chamber, but this is an opportunity to think about all the things that make our communities vibrant, all the great work that goes on and all the unsung heroes. It is a chance to bring people together for a happy occasion. Whether you are from Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, Glasgow or beyond, this is a cause for national celebration. Rutherglen is a community with a deep, enduring place in our national story. I hope that everyone will feel welcome to come to Rutherglen to take part in these events or just to discover Rutherglen for the first time.
Members have mentioned some of the fantastic organisations that are at the heart of Rutherglen 900, including the Healthy n Happy Community Development Trust. I wish a fond farewell to Brendan Rooney, the chief executive, who is retiring. Bob Doris also mentioned Camglen Radio and Rutherglen Heritage Society.
When I went along to the annual general meeting of Rutherglen 900 last year, I was pleased to see some former town planning colleagues of mine who live locally. They are very active on the heritage side and in bringing together the volunteers.
I thank Monica Lennon for giving me the opportunity to put on record our joint thanks and the community’s thanks to Robert Brown, formerly of the Scottish Parliament, who chaired the Rutherglen 900 committee, and all the other committee members, who have worked hard over the past year. I hope that Monica Lennon will share my congratulations to them.
Absolutely, and if I had stuck to my speaking notes, Councillor Robert Brown would have been one of the first people I would have mentioned. When I became a South Lanarkshire councillor in 2012, Robert Brown was the first person to say hello and greet me as a fellow councillor, and we used to sit together on the licensing committee. I was pleased to see Councillor Brown expertly chair the AGM a few months ago. I know that he is completely dedicated, as are all the committee members.
A big thank you to all the volunteers, everyone who is sponsoring events and local businesses. I hope that everyone has a good time, and I look forward to hearing whether the cabinet secretary will partake in any of the events.
13:12
I am grateful to Clare Haughey for lodging the motion and securing the debate. I commend her as an outstanding member of the Scottish Parliament for Rutherglen and Cambuslang and for taking the opportunity to highlight what is a tremendous year of celebration for Rutherglen on its 900th year. As we have heard, it is a celebration for Rutherglen recognising its past, its present and its future ambitions. It is fantastic to hear that the Rutherglen community is pulling together to create a year-long festival of events, exhibitions and performances to mark this special milestone.
I thank the various speakers, including Annie Wells, Bob Doris and Monica Lennon, for their valuable and interesting contributions. In the spirit of cross-party agreement, I would be absolutely delighted to second Monica Lennon’s motion that Bob Doris perform dance. I am not quite sure whether it will be modern dance or Irish dance—other forms of dance are available.
Contemporary dance.
We hear the Parliament updated from a sedentary position, Presiding Officer, that it will be contemporary dance. When the dates are confirmed, I am happy that my office will be in touch with Monica Lennon’s to make the necessary arrangements for both of us to attend that event.
As dance partners.
She has raised it to being dance partners. This is going in directions that are not included in my speaking notes or in my diary commitments, but I say yes to that.
As others have, Monica Lennon pointed to different individuals in Rutherglen and to organisations founded and present in Rutherglen over the past 900 years. She highlighted the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund. As the cabinet secretary responsible for external affairs and, through that, international development, I know that that organisation is a key partner for Scotland, and I know about all the good work that it does internationally, although I was unaware of its connections to Rutherglen.
I thank Monica Lennon for her contribution, and I thank Paul Sweeney for his intervention. He always has something to add when it comes to the history of different places in Scotland.
Another fantastic organisation has come to mind: Classrooms for Malawi, which is also based in Rutherglen. Over the years, we have joined forces on the issue of period dignity, and I know that it appreciates the cross-party work in the Parliament that led to the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Does the cabinet secretary recognise the good work that it does in his portfolio?
I do. It also underlines something that is true for Rutherglen as well as the rest of Scotland, which is that, in the fabric of our communities, what happens in them is also outward facing: our communities look to other places in the world.
All members in the debate drew attention to the importance of volunteers, Scotland’s third sector and those who have contributed to Rutherglen’s public life over the years through community-led activities, festivals and events. As we have heard, Rutherglen shines as a great example of the community working together to honour its rich history and bright future by creating a programme for a wonderful year of celebrations, led by the community, with events ranging from heritage to the arts, wellbeing, environmental and sporting activities, and much else besides. Thousands of Scotland’s cultural and arts groups rely on dedicated volunteers, whose time and effort make those events so successful. It is great to see celebrations bringing together people, organisations, schools and volunteers across Rutherglen, and it is nice that so many people were recognised across the chamber for having made a contribution.
Speaking on behalf of the Scottish Government, we value the significant contribution that volunteers make to cultural activity in our communities. The vast majority of community-level cultural initiatives are driven by committees of dedicated volunteers, and many community-based cultural events rely on the practical support of volunteers to succeed. I add my voice to those around the chamber who have put that on the record during the debate.
I have been struck by the range of events that are on the programme for Rutherglen 900 and that are already under way. Edinburgh celebrated its 900thanniversary two years ago. Although I am the member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central, no competition is implied with my colleague Clare Haughey, who led the debate. Rutherglen and Edinburgh became royal boroughs at about the same time, and I have some experience of what can be done with a 900th anniversary. I have taken the time to have a look at the programme of events in Rutherglen this year, and there is something for absolutely everyone. Mention has already been made—and I will add my pointer to it—that there is an amazing amount of information on the Rutherglen 900 website. If anyone who is listening to or watching this debate wants to know what is on and when, I urge them to visit that website, as all the information is there. I think that I am right in saying that the web address is rutherglen900.com.
The variety of what is on offer and the enthusiasm behind it reflect a key strength of the community. As we have heard, the Rutherglen 900 project held a successful launch event at Rutherglen town hall on 29 January, which was only a few days ago. The launch featured live bagpipe playing, historic photographs, school artwork and the debut of the “Song of Rutherglen”, which was performed by local children from all 10 primary schools. It also included an appearance by Dougie the pigeon, the newly designed town mascot. [Interruption.] Let the record show that there was whooping in the chamber at the mention of Dougie the pigeon.
Another success was the sold-out performance of “Bloom”, a mixture of dance, music and video projections, which was part ceilidh and part Japanese dance, reflecting the diversity of the Rutherglen community. The performance was described as “beautiful” and “mesmerising”. I also note the 900 origami peace cranes, which is a novel art project that was developed by the rotary club of Rutherglen and women from the Nurture Educational and Multicultural Society in Cambuslang. The cranes represent peace, hope, harmony, community and future happiness.
There are so many projects to discuss, but one that particularly springs to mind in the discussion about skills—and heritage skills in particular—is the restoration of the Overtoun park bandstand, which was destroyed in 2024. It is welcome that funding is being committed to restore it, but it shows the critical nature of Scotland’s skills in that area of conservation. In particular, the recent loss of Ballantine Castings shows the importance of architectural ironwork skills. I hope that that can be brought to bear in the restoration of Rutherglen’s Overtoun park bandstand in the coming months.
As ever, I agree with the general points that have been made. On the issue of castings, I am satisfied that efforts have been made to ensure that there will be no loss of intellectual property, history or heritage.
In relation to skills and heritage, I note that the Rutherglen boundary stones are being recreated in a college in Glasgow, which is helping to develop stonemason skills for the future.
I can give you the time back, cabinet secretary.
That is fantastic. Those of us who are part of the on-going debate about skills in the heritage sector know how important stonemasonry is, so that is excellent to hear.
I am looking at the clock and realise that I am over my time, so—[Interruption.] Was that a request for an intervention from Bob Doris? It will have to be very short.
It was a comment from a sedentary position, so I apologise that I am now saying this in an intervention. During my research, I found that stonemasons from Rutherglen put in the foundation stones when Glasgow cathedral was built, assuming that Wikipedia is right.
Well, that is now on the record, so it must be true.
I appreciate that I am over my allotted time, but I will make some brief final comments. In recognition of the importance of the volunteer-led efforts that I have described, the Scottish Government is continuing to invest in inclusive volunteering through the volunteering support fund, in which £2.2 million is being invested between 2025 and 2027. The fund helps organisations to recruit additional volunteers for volunteering projects, and it focuses particularly on supporting individuals who face barriers to volunteering, such as those from black and minority ethnic communities, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. By prioritising diversity, the fund aims to broaden the volunteer base in the sector.
Projects that have been funded in the area include Camglen Radio, a 24/7 community radio station that serves Cambuslang and Rutherglen, with the core aim of addressing inequality, promoting inclusion and improving wellbeing by giving local people a voice. The project includes targeted outreach sessions to engage underrepresented groups in the area.
Another VSF grant will help Project 31 to support people living in Cambuslang and Rutherglen, particularly children, families, parents, carers and older people. The project delivers a significant amount of outdoor activity that is free at the point of contact, which ensures that people are not prevented from participating by the impact of poverty.
I congratulate Clare Haughey on securing the debate and Rutherglen on its 900th anniversary celebrations, and I pay particular tribute to the community of volunteers who have made it all happen.
That concludes the debate. In order to allow Bob Doris time to get to his next contemporary dance class, I suspend the meeting until 2 o’clock.
13:22
Meeting suspended.
14:00
On resuming—
Air ais
Point of OrderAir adhart
Portfolio Question Time