Latest news with #NilbyMouth
Glasgow Times
3 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
25 years of Glasgow's fight against bigotry after shocking murder
The air is full of happy chatter, punctuated by the odd squeal of laughter when one of the balloons suddenly pops. Cara Henderson, founder of Glasgow's ground-breaking anti-sectarianism charity, is helping out. It says a lot about Nil by Mouth, and the quietly-spoken woman who created it in a maelstrom of grief and anger after the brutal murder of her friend, that this, rather than fanfare and fuss, is how they are marking their 25th anniversary. 'This is the heart of everything Nil by Mouth is trying to do,' explains Cara, simply. 'Engaging with young people, bringing people together in an inclusive, positive way… that's what it has always been about.' Cara with some of the young pupils (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) In 1995, 16-year-old Mark Scott, wearing his Celtic scarf, was stabbed as he walked home past a Rangers pub in Bridgeton. It was a shocking flashpoint in Glasgow's decades-long struggle against religious intolerance and bigotry-fuelled violence, and it stunned the country. Cara, then also just a teenager herself, was the first person to do something about it. Mark Scott (Image: Newsquest) She began campaigning in the media, telling her story at community events and lobbying politicians and policy makers. She launched a Charter for Change, which outlined a vision for challenging sectarian attitudes in Scotland, and won a Philip Lawrence Award for her work in empowering young people. Cara in 2002 (Image: Newsquest) Since then, the charity has helped change attitudes through its work in schools, workplaces and community groups. While she no longer lives in Glasgow, Cara remains honorary patron, and she visits often to lend her support. 'It is a milestone, 25 years,' agrees Cara, adding in surprise: 'That rolls off my tongue, and then I realise, wow, 25 years - that is quite something. 'I am proud of what the charity has achieved but I don't take any credit for the work being done today - the team is fantastic and they work really hard to engage with communities across the city.' Cara Henderson (Image: Newsquest) She has not forgotten the abuse levelled at her in the early days of her campaigning, but above all, she says, she remembers 'a lot of support.' 'I know there was a lot of 'how can she do this, she's just a teenager' but I remember so many people, willing to help, opening doors for me, because they believed in the cause,' she says, simply. 'Sadly, after what had happened to Mark, it was the 'right' time for Nil by Mouth to happen.' She adds: 'It was tremendously important. And it remains so.' (Image: Newsquest) Today, Cara has joined Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott at St Joseph's Primary in the East Renfrewshire town of Busby, a few miles south of Glasgow. Cara Henderson and Dave Scott (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) The school was targeted by vandals earlier this year, who reportedly set fires and sprayed abusive graffiti on the games pitch. Furious parents rallied support from local politicians, and First Minister John Swinney visited to talk to pupils and staff from St Joseph's and its neighbouring schools, primary and secondary. 'It was about presenting a united front,' says headteacher Suzanne Martin, calmly. 'We are all agreed there is no place for this in our school or our community or our society. "It was a huge shock, because our school is incredibly inclusive. Our children and the children from local non-denominational schools all live on the same streets, and play together.' Headteacher Suzanne Martin (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) She adds: 'When Nil by Mouth reached out to us, I was delighted to invite them in to run STEM workshops. It has been really interesting for the children.' The STEM kits, which have been provided through funds from BAE Systems, are used by Nil by Mouth in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. Primary six pals Sahtanu, Iain, Oonagh and Nabeeha are enjoying the workshop, they nod. They understand what Nil by Mouth is, and why they are visiting the school, says Sahtanu. (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest) 'We know that the charity was set up by someone whose friend was murdered, which is really sad,' he says. Iain adds: 'I think it's important that we learn about this from a young age because sometimes people are not as kind about other people's beliefs as they should be.' Oonagh agrees. 'I think it should be taught in school that you should listen to people and try and work together. Then when you are older, you can actually do something about it." READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest mural has the East End talking - here is why 'Townhead was obliterated': Billy Elliot star on his Glasgow roots 'We're so lucky to have the Citz': Free drama lessons as Glasgow theatre re-opens Nabeeha said: 'Finding graffiti in our school was very sad for all of us but it has been cleaned up now. 'I'm proud of our school. Everyone works together.' On this particular Friday, as Nil by Mouth continues its message of 'united against division', Glasgow is preparing for another tense weekend of Orange Walks and football street celebrations. Cara sighs, softly. 'You always hope for change,' she says. 'There is still a lot to be done, of course. 'Whatever it is - sectarianism, racism, bigotry - I think as humans, we just have to keep remembering to talk to each other, to see beyond the divisions.'
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City
There are mounting concerns over a possible 'inflammatory' stand-off between marchers and fans CALL FOR ORDER Celtic fans' title party set to clash with Orange Walk in Glasgow's Merchant City WORRIED locals called for an Orange Walk to be switched — to avoid potential flashpoints with partying Celtic fans. Fears were raised after it emerged 2,500 Loyalists will parade through Glasgow city centre at the same time as 60,000 Hoops punters are heading to their team's title bash. Advertisement 3 Last year's title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured 3 Now worried locals have called for next weekend's Orange Walk to be switched 3 Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth shared his fears Next Saturday's parade, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, had been arranged before it was confirmed that the Bhoys would be presented with the Premiership trophy at Parkhead that day. But the route, organised by the County Grand Lodge of Glasgow, is to pass through the Trongate and Merchant City areas, where hordes of Celtic supporters are expected to gather after the game against St Mirren for booze-fuelled celebrations. And there are mounting concerns over a possible 'inflammatory' stand-off between marchers and fans. A spokesman for Merchant City Community Council said: 'Residents and businesses around Glasgow Cross are already concerned about serious disruption following the Celtic v St Mirren match. Advertisement "Police are likely to have their hands full just dealing with that. 'The presence of tens of thousands of Celtic and Orange Lodge supporters in the city on the same day is an unwelcome and possibly inflammatory mix.' He added: 'We call on the city council and the County Grand Lodge to get together to arrange for the parade to take place on a different date.' Rolling road closures will be put in place by cops after the Orange procession starts next to Glasgow Cathedral at 9.45am. Advertisement It will head down High Street towards Trongate before travelling through Merchant City — a popular spot for Hoops fans. Almost 20 flute bands will then parade past George Square before heading south and finishing in the city's Kinning Park district. Thousands of jubilant Celtic fans gather at Parkhead for title party as they let off pyro and await fan return Hoops diehards, meanwhile, will be in the city earlier than usual to make their way to Parkhead for the 12.30pm kick-off against Saints. Dave Scott, director of anti-bigotry charity Nil by Mouth, said: 'Given issues with drunkenness and anti-social behaviour in the Merchant City in the last few years linked to religious, cultural or sporting processions, anyone can see why residents are worried. Advertisement 'Too often the impact of these events on those who live, work and raise families in the city centre are overlooked. It's further complicated by the volume of loyalist parades which take place. 'And the fact the football event isn't organised formally and shaped by what the fans do on the day.' Disaster jibe sicko banned by Bhoys By Harry Williamson and Gordon Tait A VILE Celtic fan who mocked the Ibrox disaster at last Sunday's Old Firm game has been banned from Parkhead. Hoops chiefs are understood to have suspended Darren Malloch, 35 from the stadium indefinitely. A club spokesman said: 'We have investigated the matter. Clearly we condemn such conduct and have taken the appropriate action with regards to this individual.' Malloch, from Glasgow, was filmed during the 1-1 draw mocking 66 Gers fans who died in a stairway crush after a match against Celtic in 1971. He held up his mobile phone with the number 66 clearly visible and twice used his fingers to indicate the number six. We told how Malloch was fired as a project manager with Advance Construction Scotland over the sick gestures. Mr Scott added: 'The city council, police, march organisers and football club need to be in discussions to ensure this day passes with as little negative impact on residents as possible. I'm baffled why this doesn't seem to have happened already.' Last year's Trongate title party led to 19 Celtic fans being arrested and four cops getting injured. Advertisement A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We work closely with a range of partners to address concerns and ensure appropriate policing plans are in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the wider community.' We told how the force blasted the council and Parkhead chiefs for not setting up an official fanzone for the event. Celtic and the Orange Order were approached for comment
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Nil by Mouth charity involved in STEM partnership
Nil by Mouth has teamed up with BAE Systems to help boost opportunities to learn about science, technology, engineering and maths. Pupils from St Joseph's and Edinbarnet Primary schools in Faifley, West Dunbartonshire, joined staff from the equalities charity at BAE'S Scotstoun yard to launch the STEM Together project aimed at bringing young people from a wide range of backgrounds together to enhance skills and build friendships. Children from two schools took part in the workshops (Image: Nil by Mouth) The company has donated state-of-the-art STEM kits for Nil by Mouth to use in schools across the country as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. The business is also offering the use of facilities at its new £12 million training academy for schools taking part in the programme. (Image: Nil by Mouth) Edinbarnet and St Joseph's will be moving into a new shared campus in the autumn and the event allowed children and staff the opportunity to mix and work together in advance of doors opening. The new campus will allow both schools to maintain their own unique curriculum and methods of learning, as well as share gym halls and outdoor play facilities. Nil by Mouth was set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson after the sectarian murder of her friend. Since then, the team has worked with more than 100,000 people in schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland. READ NEXT: The unusual way Glasgow pupils are celebrating city's 850th birthday READ NEXT: Glasgow pupil 'flies flag for Scotland' at global fashion contest Nil by Mouth director Dave Scott said: 'We are incredibly grateful for this support. It was great to see BAE staff help the children use the equipment and encourage them with the tasks. 'Programmes like this help children from different backgrounds and traditions develop teamwork skills and appreciate the different perspectives others bring to solving a problem.' He added: 'This will be an exciting few months for both school communities and we are delighted they both see value in working alongside our charity to help the children forge new, and deepen existing, friendships.' Phil Brown from BAE Systems said Nil by Mouth was carrying out 'admirable work' and added: 'STEM outreach is an integral part of our new applied shipbuilding academy. 'We look forward to a successful partnership during which the lives of the young people in our communities are positively influenced through enjoyable and enlightening experiences.'
