A grant from the Merchants House is helping to strengthen community connections in Govan by supporting the work of The Glasgow Barons, a charity dedicated to enabling people across the city to make and enjoy music. Based in Govan, they create opportunities for everyone, from schoolchildren and toddlers to refugee musicians and people in recovery, to come together, connect, and take pride in who they are.

As The Glasgow Barons explain:
“Govan faces tremendous economic and social hardship. So, named after the shipbuilding barons, The Glasgow Barons have been helping make music in Govan since 2017 with schools, community groups and local people. We bring diverse audiences together in a wide range of local venues, be it Fairfield Club, Govan & Linthouse Parish Church or the Billiard Room Sessions in the Pearce Institute.”

Support from the Merchants House is specifically helping to sustain the Billiard Room Sessions, launched in 2021 to shine a spotlight on emerging Scottish artists and bring their music to Govan.

A representative shared: “All our sessions are completely free to attend and take place once a month on Thursday afternoons. Children can come to listen, learn and enjoy new music in a safe environment.”

In addition to hosting performances, The Glasgow Barons deliver a range of programmes that help others create and share music themselves. These include Musicians in Exile, a group for asylum-seeking and refugee artists, and The Linties, a lively “golden oldies” singalong group.

If you would like to support our charitable work, please consider making a donation. You can choose any amount, either as a one-off contribution or a regular gift.