The oldest building in Maryhill is set to get a new lease of life after lying empty for months.
The Whitehouse has stood close to the Forth and Clyde Canal since its construction in 1790, when the waterway was at the heart of Scottish trade and industry.
Now, the property at 1641 Maryhill Road is to be run as a grassroots hub by community-led charity Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust.
It had been vacant since November before the takeover, and the Trust is hoping to instil some of its original community spirit whilst addressing a ‘lack of accessible amenities’ in the area.
This includes retaining the existing tenant GCycles and welcoming the Maryhill People’s Kitchen.
Owen Maitland, a local resident who will run the Maryhill Peoples Kitchen, said: ‘’As someone who's lived in Maryhill for years, it's great to see the Whitehouse being put to use for the community.
“We have a massive issue with a lack of basic amenities in the area, particularly near the top of Maryhill Road.
“We've seen buildings lying empty and derelict for years while developers sit on them, watching the cost of the land going up.
“None of this has been helped by local government cuts and a general feeling that the people of this neighbourhood are an afterthought to the powers that be.
“It's fantastic that there's this ambition from Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust for The Whitehouse to become a vibrant community hub open to everyone, and I really hope to see it getting a lot of use when it's up and running.
“The restoration's been a real collective effort with local folk coming together to help make this happen.’’
Gary Dougan of GCycles added: ‘’I'm very happy to be open again and serving the local community, providing a wide range of bike services, as well as parts and accessories.
“I'm excited to be working with Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust to make The Whitehouse a welcoming space for everyone.’’
Work is now underway at the site, as it suffered significant water damage and pest ingress whilst it was vacant.
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The Whitehouse reopened as part of a special event on Saturday, June 13, marking the 170th anniversary of the establishment of Maryhill.
The celebration was held between the Trust’s two buildings, with events also taking place at the nearby Burgh Halls.
A community meal was hosted at 2pm at The Whitehouse on Saturday; meanwhile, a bar opened later in the day at 4pm.
The Burgh Halls were open between midday and 3pm with the Partick Thistle: 150th Anniversary exhibition, inflatables, community stalls, and fun activities for families.
The Whitehouse is the Trust’s first expansion and will become home to a range of community uses.
Lynne Christie, CEO of Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, commented: ‘’Since I joined the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust team last year, I've been inspired by the energy and commitment of so many people and organisations in tackling some of the challenges we face as a community.
“By taking on this additional, cosier space, we hope to open up opportunities for local grassroots groups to develop new projects and try new things, using our experience to help them grow and flourish.’’
The Whitehouse is believed to have served as a pub or an inn for much of its history.
For generations, people in Maryhill and the communities that lived in the area before Maryhill itself was established in 1856 would have gathered at the building.
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust has spent more than a decade preserving and activating the heritage space of the Burgh Halls for the benefit of the local community.
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