Nitshill Memories
An oral history of a former mining village
An oral history of a former mining village
‘Nitshill Memories’ is an intergenerational oral history project capturing the rich social history of Nitshill, a former mining village once located in Renfrewshire and now incorporated into the wider Glasgow area. Nitshill has a rich, though little-known history, but, as we are finding out, its current and former residents have wonderful memories of the village and the close community spirit which, it might be argued, still exists, especially through these current troubled times.
It is unclear how Nitshill got its name, but legend has it that the village was originally named Nuttishill, due to it being a small hill topped with hazelnut groves. This is supported by a reference documented in the poll tax rolls of the Paisley Abbey Parish records, which states that, in 1695, a Mr Robert Miller of Nuttishill had to pay a tax of 1.17s.2d. to King William III.
Explore the History
Forty former and current residents were interviewed for the ‘Nitshill Memories’ project, and many more shared their memories and stories via social media and emails. Those communications explored a myriad of topics and, taken together, illuminated what life was like for people living in this former mining village.
Listen to Nitshill Memories
This intergenerational oral history project will capture the rich social history of Nitshill, in Southwest Glasgow, particularly the impact of Glasgow’s post-war slum clearance programmes on the former mining village and its people.
Focusing on the former mining village of Nitshill, now a district in the ward of Greater Pollok on the south side of Glasgow, this project primarily explores the changes which accompanied the mass relocation of people to the district during the city’s slum clearances of the 1950s and 1960s, and the following regeneration programmes.
We Made These
With wonderful support from local people, we have createda fantastic oral history archivethat encapsulates what life was like for people living in Nitshill.The recorded memories explore relationships between family and friends, housing and amenities, employment and holidays, and much, much more!
Enjoy our Book