THE pupils at St Denis and Golfhill Primary Schools are clever, creative and clued-up on what it means to be part of their community.

Now they can add ‘expert tour guides’ to their list of attributes.

The young people have helped to design the Dennistoun Kids’ Trail, in partnership with Glasgow City Heritage Trust.

The result is a fantastic resource all about this part of the city’s built heritage, and it will appeal to children and adults alike.

The children do not actually run the tours, of course, but the colourful illustrated guide they have produced does all the hard work instead.

Glasgow Times:

And like the our Streets Ahead campaign, the project is helping young people in Glasgow communities develop a sense of pride in their city.

GCHT Community Engagement Officer Silvia Scopa explained: “Since 2017, Glasgow City Heritage Trust has been collaborating with schools, communities and youth groups all around Glasgow to create Kids’ Trails for different areas, such as Parkhead, Govan and Garnethill.

Read more: 'Forgotten' part of Glasgow starts to blossom for Ruchill community

“The main goal of these trails is to enable local children to appreciate their surroundings and, by involving them first hand in the creation of the maps, to provide a sense of pride and ownership of the areas in which they live.”

The Govan Children’s Trail was created with support from young people at Pirie Park Primary School and the Govan Youth Information Project.

Glasgow Times:

In November, the Trust ran a series of informal, creative workshops at St Denis and Golfhill to kick-start the Dennistoun project.

The children participated in a wide range of activities, including a mapping, arts and crafts inspired by architecture and design, and visits to significant local buildings and places such as Alexandra Park and Glasgow Cathedral.

Read more: Litter can't just be someone else's problem

Some of the artwork and text inspired by these workshops and visits have made it into the final map.

“Leading the children around Dennistoun telling them the stories behind some very familiar landmarks was rewarding,” adds Silvia.

Glasgow Times:

“For most of the children, going ‘out and about’ was the highlight as it allowed them to learn more about their neighbourhood.

“I truly believe that they will treasure this experience for a long time.”

Pupils Adam Cairns, Gabrielle Marey, Edanne Gomes and Morgan Cairns helped to launch the map at a special assembly attended by fellow pupils, teachers, parents and invited guests.

The Dennistoun Kids Trail will be distributed around town and to local libraries and schools, enabling a much wider audience to engage with and learn about Glasgow’s historic built heritage.

Schools have been at the heart of Streets Ahead since we launched our awardwinning community campaign in 2011.

Glasgow Times:

In partnership with Glasgow City Council, City Building and City Charitable Trust, the Evening Times initiative aims to bring neighbours, local businesses, friends and grass-roots groups together to improve the city one street, park, garden and neighbourhood at a time.

*Is your school Streets Ahead? Tell us what you are doing to have a positive impact on your community by emailing annfotheringham@glasgowtimes.co.uk Some funding is available to support schools in community projects. Please ask for a copy of the grant application form.