A FUNDING boost has helped convert a disused library in Bothwell into a "much-needed" social hub. 

Established in 2019, local organisation Bothwell Futures was created to tackle challenges facing the town, with 120 volunteers dedicating time to "make the village a better place to live, work and visit". 

A key part of the group's vision was the development of a space for the community to safely come together to discuss local issues, hold events and host activities. 

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Glasgow Times:

In 2022, they announced the community ownership of a local building and quickly transformed the local library into a busy and vibrant social hub. 

Foundation Scotland gave Bothwell Futures a total of £150,000 in blended finance to allow the group to carry out the essential works required to fully open the new Bothwell Community Hub.

This included repairs to the roof and windows, the creation of accessible facilities, a new staircase and office development.

Glasgow Times:

Bothwell Futures now delivers a busy calendar of events for locals and tourists alike, such as a farmers market, scarecrow festival and monthly Afternoon Tea. 

They also supported the launch of the local men's shed and they are continuing to expand their multi-generational community engagement programme by recently adding baby and toddler book bug clubs, daytime yoga classes and activities for teenagers after school – all hosted within their new thriving community hub.

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Cally Mckeirnan, community engagement manager at Bothwell Futures, said: "The support we’ve received from Foundation Scotland has been incredibly important and that was not just funds but also guidance on our way forward.

"As a new charity, we approached them without much experience of funding applications; we just had our plans and our passion for the future of the local area.

"Through our initial meetings, we built a relationship which would help us secure the support we needed and we are so grateful.

"The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated many issues for many local people in Bothwell, and there's never been times when we’ve needed an uplifting, positive space more.

"We’ve reopened the library facilities, updated office spaces for meetings and local businesses to trade and created social spaces for all.

"We are already running free book bug sessions for young families, a youth chess club for teenagers, and several activities for all ages to come together including the recently added camera club, and book club and we launched the Bothwell Afternoon Tea served in the facility’s community cafe."

Ali Kennedy, social investment executive at Foundation Scotland, added: "Bothwell Futures have created a brilliant space for everyone in the local community and we are extremely proud of our involvement in its development.

"These new facilities will support significant numbers of people in the area for years to come.

"Families have an affordable safe and welcoming place to come to and enjoy, young people are provided with opportunities to positively get together to enjoy activities, and older people continue to feel part of a connected community.

"These new premises will help pave the way for the future of Bothwell residents.

"We know there are other groups that urgently need support to get started or grow, and this is even more challenging in the current climate.

"We are encouraging all interested groups to visit our website or contact the Foundation Scotland team directly to discuss eligibility."

Bothwell Community Hub is located at 2 Main Street, Bothwell.