The events were funded from the Community Benefit Fund that Hawthorn Housing Co-operative has obtained as founder members of the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA). The fund is managed and delivered on SPA’s behalf by Lintel Trust.

Despite the dreadful weather, more than 35 residents attended a community Barbeque held at the Glasgrow garden site. The event was organised by Barnado’s, Stepping Stones for Families and Young People’s Futures. As a result of the event a number of new people are getting involved in the community growing activities.

A ‘one community’ event was also held in the Co-op’s car park. The 100 local people who attended enjoyed entertainment and food from across the world with rice dishes from Nigeria, bagpipe playing, Somalian food, oriental dancing, henna artists and Scottish folk music. The event was organised by Young Peoples Futures, Stepping Stones for Families and CHIP. This is the fourth celebration of cultural diversity over the last two years and it really benefitted from the support of local volunteers.

Colin Turnbull, director of the Co-op, said: “Both events were a huge success, they brought people together and showed the wide range of talent in this area. We would like to thank our partners and the Scottish Procurement Agency for making these events possible.”