Stories of the Clyde: As part of Inverclyde Council’s wider commemorations of Port Glasgow’s 250th birthday, Inverclyde Libraries in partnership with the Beacon Arts Centre are delighted to present a series of talks exploring how the River Clyde has shaped the townscapes of Inverclyde, powered its economy, and defined its industrial heritage. These stories of the Clyde will celebrate the river’s social, cultural and environmental significance, offering fresh perspectives on one of Scotland’s most iconic waterways.

Who Owns the Clyde? is a 2024 citizen investigation podcast into ownership of Glasgow’s iconic river, explored through a kaleidoscope of diverse voices, soundscapes, and poetry.

Join co-hosts, writer Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber, in conversation with Jennifer Horan from Inverclyde Libraries, as they dive deep into the murky waters of river ownership and untapped potential. From its banks to the riverbed, from the water to the sky above, exploring privatisation and public access, from historical legacy to hopes and dreams for the future of the river.

Louise Welsh is the author of ten novels including The Cutting Room and To the Dogs. She is co-director (with Jude Barber) of the Empire Café, an award winning collective exploring Scotland’s relationship with empire. Louise and Jude research and present the podcast Who Owns the Clyde? Louise is Professor of Creative Writing at University of Glasgow.

Jude Barber is an architect and director at Collective Architecture, an employee-owned practice with studios in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. With colleagues, she has delivered a range of award-winning residential, strategic and cultural projects across Scotland. In parallel with her studio practice at Collective, Jude undertakes creative collaborations which include The Empire Cafe with writer Louise Welsh and Voices of Experience with Suzanne Ewing and Nicola McLachlan.