On Thursday 26 April, exactly 134 years after the keys first turned, visitors were welcomed into the newly created vibrant community asset with public halls, a business centre, nursery and cafe with exhibition and recording studio space at Maryhill.

Guests at the invite only ceremony included the direct descendants of those who attended the original opening of the halls in 1878.

The opening ceremony was performed by Fiona Hyslop MSP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, and the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Councillor Bob Winter. Descendants of the Provost of Maryhill, who opened the original building, were present as well as relatives of Joseph Miller, who worked on the original stained glass windows - the centrepiece of the renovation project.

Events held so far in the refurbished halls have included a free lunchtime concert, an open rehearsal featuring Glasgow Orchestral Society, a free tea dance, and last week's Evening Times Community Champion Awards ceremony.


Irene Scott, chairwoman of the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust, said: "The 26th of April is an extremely significant date because exactly 134 years ago the Halls were first opened. According to the Glasgow Herald at the time, 'the proceedings took the form of a cake and wine banquet, and there was a large attendance of people.

"The significance of the occasion comes from the aspirations of the many local people, like Kenny McLachlan, and many others, who fought so hard over many decades to see this magnificent building saved. To me, it expresses the spirit and determination of a lot of people to overcome resource constraints and strive for excellence. The most important thing of all about this building is that it is here for the benefit of the community to use and enjoy in the years ahead."

Maryhill Burgh Halls was the seat of municipal government in the days before Maryhill became a part of Glasgow. Designed by renowned architect Duncan McNaughtan, they lay derelict for more than 10 years and were placed on the Buildings at Risk Register.

The renovation project was the culmination of eight years' work developing proposals by the Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust. The board of the Trust is made up of local people and representatives from partners Maryhill Housing Association, Cube Housing Association and Glasgow City Council.

Funding came from a number of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Historic Scotland.

In November 2010, the project was awarded a prize for best contribution to Urban Regeneration in Scotland through the use of European Structural Funds. The project was also awarded the Scottish Civic Trust's MyPlace award in March this year.

(GK)