A Blether With... is a community-focused podcast hosted by Michael Shanks, MP for Rutherglen, that shines a light on the people, places, and projects making a real difference across South Lanarkshire. Each episode features relaxed and insightful conversations with a diverse range of voices shaping the future of the area.
It’s a chance to hear the stories, passion, and ideas behind the work of those driving local initiatives and grassroots efforts - the very people who make this area such a great place to live.
In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael heads to the Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre to chat with Stephanie, Elizabeth and Phil about the centre’s 30-year history and the role it continues to play at the heart of the community.
They look back at how the centre began in 1996, and how it has evolved from a traditional community centre into a space shaped by the needs of local people.
Stephanie, Elizabeth and Phil talk about some of the challenges the centre has faced over the years, from changes in funding to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how the team adapted to continue supporting the community.
They also discuss the wide range of activities and support available today, from the community pantry, café and cooking classes to family activities, digital inclusion, benefits and cost-of-living support.
Finally, they look at the centre’s 30th anniversary celebrations, including a memory wall, time capsule and special events, and share what they hope the next chapter holds for Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre.
A huge thank you to South Lanarkshire Libraries Lending Voices Initiative for providing the podcast equipment and helping make this episode possible.
15 May 2026
Episode 5: Lizzie Macdonald
In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Lizzie MacDonald, from the Highbacks community garden in Burnhill, about how the project has grown from a small community clean-up effort during Covid lockdown into a thriving local space led by and for local people.
Lizzy talks about her passion for creating positive change in the community, building opportunities for young people, and helping bring people together through projects like the men’s wellbeing group and youth activism work.
She also shares her hopes for the future of the Highbacks — keeping it community-led, free to access, and a welcoming place for everyone.
Highbacks Community Garden on Facebook: Highbacks Community Garden
A huge thank you to South Lanarkshire Libraries’ Lending Voices initiative (https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/sllc/info/449/digital_resources/1600/lending_voices_portable_podcasting_in_your_library?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for providing the podcast equipment and helping make this episode possible.
2 Mar 2026
Episode 4: Burgh Primary School
In this special episode of A Blether With…, Michael Shanks hands over the microphone to the pupils of Burgh Primary School - and no question is off limits.
Turning the usual format on its head, the pupils take on the role of interviewers, putting their local MP in the hot seat and asking about everything from life at Westminster to whether he ever gets nervous speaking in Parliament — and even his go-to lunch order. Their thoughtful questions, alongside a few light-hearted ones, create an engaging and insightful conversation about politics, public life and the importance of young people having their voices heard..
🎙️ Listen now to hear what happens when the next generation takes charge of the conversation.
11 Nov 2025
Episode 3: Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society
In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Carrick McDonald from the Rutherglen Heritage Society about the group’s work to preserve and celebrate the town’s rich history.
Carrick shares how the Society has grown from just six members in 2012 to a thriving community, and how his own background and curiosity about Rutherglen’s past led him to become its convener.
He talks about the Society’s exciting contributions to Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary celebrations -including the creation of the first new book on the town in over a century and a project to restore and replicate Rutherglen’s historic boundary stones. Carrick also invites listeners to get involved in keeping the town’s heritage alive.
Check out the Rutherglen heritage society's website: https://rutherglenheritage.wixsite.com/website-46
A huge thank you to South Lanarkshire Libraries’ Lending Voices initiative for providing the podcast equipment and helping make this episode possible.
https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/sllc/info/449/digital_resources/1600/lending_voices_portable_podcasting_in_your_library
16 Oct 2025
Episode 2: Alison Limbert from the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub
In this episode of A Blether With..., Michael chats with Alison, the lead officer at the Lanarkshire Climate Action Hub, about the hub’s work to engage and empower communities in creating sustainable, low-carbon solutions.
Alison shares the mission behind the hub and her personal motivations for driving climate action in the region, offering insights into how the work is making a difference in Lanarkshire.
25 Sept 2025
Episode 1: Sandra Lowson from the David Livingstone Birthplace
In this first episode of A Blether With..., Michael visits the David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre to chat with Sandra Lowson, Director of Operations and Engagement, who shares the remarkable story of one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures - from humble beginnings in a cotton mill to becoming a world-renowned explorer.
But the museum today is more than just a tribute to the past. Sandra discusses how the centre has transformed into a vibrant community hub - offering everything from free craft classes and gardening clubs to sustainability initiatives and social inclusion projects.
They also explore the vital role of volunteers, the challenge of securing long-term funding, and the centre’s ambitions to grow its work with young people and those with additional support needs.
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