Every street tells a story. Every building holds memories. Through Our Stories, Our Streets, refugees and people seeking asylum are sharing how Glasgow’s historic places became part of their own journey towards belonging.

Every City Has Stories Waiting to Be Told

When people think about heritage, they often think about grand buildings, monuments and famous landmarks. But heritage is much more than architecture. It is also the memories, emotions and experiences that people attach to those places.

For someone arriving in a new country, a railway station can represent both uncertainty and hope. A library can become a place of safety. A college can open doors to new opportunities. A park can be where a first friendship begins.

Our Stories, Our Streets was created to capture these deeply personal connections between people and place.

Delivered by Unity for Integration Project (UFIP), the project celebrates the lived experiences of refugees and people seeking asylum by connecting their stories with Glasgow’s historic environment. Through storytelling, photography and community engagement, participants are helping to build a richer and more inclusive understanding of the city’s heritage.

Why This Project Matters

Every year, people from across the world arrive in Glasgow seeking safety, opportunity and a fresh start. Although they quickly become part of the city’s communities, their experiences are rarely reflected in the stories traditionally told about Glasgow’s heritage.

Our Stories, Our Streets aims to change that.

The project recognises that historic places gain meaning through the people who experience them. By inviting participants to share memories connected to Glasgow’s buildings, parks and public spaces, we are creating an archive that celebrates both the city’s past and its continually evolving present.

The project also encourages local communities to see familiar places through fresh eyes, strengthening understanding, empathy and a shared sense of belonging.

A Journey Through Glasgow

Every story forms part of a larger journey — one that begins with arrival and grows into confidence, belonging and hope.

1. The First Arrival – Glasgow Central Station

For many participants, Glasgow Central or Queen Street Station was the first place they encountered in their new city.

One participant reflected:

“When I stepped out of the station, I didn’t know anyone or anything. But it was the first step towards a new life.”

A railway station is often seen simply as a place of travel, but for many new arrivals it represents the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

2. A Place of Safety – Mitchell Library

Libraries offer much more than books.

For many participants, the Mitchell Library became somewhere they could learn, reflect and simply feel safe.

“The library became my safe place. It gave me quiet, answers and a sense of belonging.”

3. Finding Support – Glasgow City Chambers

Support often arrives through simple conversations and welcoming people.

For one participant, finding the right support made all the difference.

“The right support at the right time changed everything. They helped me find my feet.”

4. Learning a New Language – Glasgow Kelvin College

Learning English is about much more than grammar.

It is about confidence, independence and opening new opportunities.

“Learning English opened doors I never thought I could walk through. It gave me confidence and new dreams.”

5. New Connections – Glasgow Green

Sometimes belonging begins with something as simple as a conversation.

“A simple conversation in the park made me feel less alone and more connected.”

These everyday encounters remind us how public spaces help communities grow together.

6. Finding Belonging – Glasgow Cathedral

For many people, places of worship become places of comfort.

One participant shared:

“In the quiet of the Cathedral, I found peace and a sense of belonging.”

7. Discovering the City – George Square

As confidence grows, the city begins to feel less unfamiliar.

“Exploring the city helped me go from being a visitor to feeling part of it.”

George Square represents the transition from newcomer to active member of Glasgow’s community.

8. Celebrating Culture – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Museums preserve stories from around the world.

They also help us reflect on our own.

“Seeing the stories of other cultures helped me appreciate mine even more.”

9. Building Confidence – Provand’s Lordship

Growth often comes through trying new things.

One participant explained:

“Learning new skills and facing challenges made me believe in myself again.”

10. Looking Towards the Future – University of Glasgow

Every journey deserves hope.

The final story looks ahead.

It reflects on education, ambition and building a future in Glasgow.

Together these ten stories illustrate a journey from arrival and uncertainty to confidence, identity and belonging.

More Than Heritage

Our Stories, Our Streets reminds us that heritage is not only preserved in stone.

It lives in conversations.

It lives in memories.

It lives in friendships.

It lives in the people who continue to shape Glasgow every day.

When refugees and people seeking asylum share their experiences, they are not simply telling personal stories – they are adding new chapters to the city’s living history.

Coming Soon: The Digital Voice Map

One of the most exciting outcomes of the project will be our interactive Digital Voice Map.

Visitors will be able to explore Glasgow through the voices of those who know these places in a unique way.

By selecting locations across the city, users will be able to discover personal stories, photographs and audio recordings that reveal how familiar landmarks became places of hope, learning, friendship and belonging.

The map will continue to grow, ensuring that these stories remain accessible for future generations.

Building a More Inclusive Heritage

Our Stories, Our Streets is about recognising that everyone contributes to Glasgow’s story.

Historic buildings are important, but it is the people who bring them to life.

Through this project we hope to inspire conversations, strengthen communities and encourage people to see Glasgow’s heritage as something that belongs to all of us.

Every story shared is another thread woven into the rich and diverse fabric of the city.

Acknowledgements

Our Stories, Our Streets is delivered by Unity for Integration Project (UFIP) and is proudly funded by Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Glasgow City Council Area Partnership.

We are grateful to every participant who generously shared their experiences and helped create a more inclusive record of Glasgow’s living heritage.