- 13
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- 2024
- First episode
About Who owns the Clyde?
Who owns the Clyde is a citizen investigation into ownership of Glasgow’s iconic River, explored through a kaleidoscope of diverse voices, soundscapes, and poetry. Co-hosts writer Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber are joined by a range of contributors, as they dive deep into the murky waters of river ownership and untapped potential. From its banks, the riverbed, the water and the sky above. Exploring privatisation to public access, from historical legacy to hopes and dreams for the River. Join Louise and Jude along the twists and turns of their river journey.
- Publisher
- The Empire Cafe
- Category
- society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 9 Aug 2024
- Latest episode
- 17 Mar 2026
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
17 Mar 2026
Clyde Reflections: 3. Bridging Connections
In this third and final episode of the Clyde Reflections series, Jude and Louise consider the importance of connections and bridges along the River Clyde and beyond. Poet Tawona Sithole recites his specially commissioned poem ‘Run River Run’ on the riverbank, with insights from skipper Alistair Forsyth of the former Renfrew Ferry. Jude and Louise also meet Anna Downie and Rachel Leckie from the Riverside Museum to reflect on the impact of Glasgow’s recently completed Govan-Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge. The episode also features music from Louis & Akeel of the Glasgow Barons. A podcast from The Empire Café in collaboration with ChrisLeslie. Featuring: Tawona Sithole, Poet and Educator Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer Alistair Forsyth, Ferry Skipper Anna Downie Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum Rachel Leckie Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum With the song 'Old River' by Louis & Akeel of theGlasgow Barons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber andLouise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Field recordings by Chris Leslie. Original title music by Graham Fagen & Ghetto Priest. Clyde Reflections is supported by Creative Scotland, WilliamGrant Foundation & Glasgow 850.
17 Mar 2026
Clyde Reflections: 2. Restoring the Future
In this second episode Jude, Louise and Chris take a trip down the Clyde on the Waverly paddle steamer. They reflect on the Clyde’s maritime past, present and future sharing conversations with the team at the Waverley along with reflections from Thomas Breslin of Marine Projects onboard the TS Glenlee and William Graham of the Glasgow Humane Society. The episode also features music from Gavin Patterson,Joe Murray and Liv Dawn of the Glasgow Barons A podcast from The Empire Café in collaboration with ChrisLeslie. Featuring: Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer Iain Quinn, Quartermaster PS Waverley Paul Semple, General Manager PS Waverley Thomas Breslin, Ship Repair Technician, Marine ProjectsScotland, TS Glenlee William Graham, Officer of Glasgow Humane Society With the songs ‘Doon the Water’ by Gavin Paterson andJoe Murray, and ‘Oh the Clyde’ by Liv Dawn of the Glasgow Barons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber andLouise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Fieldrecordings by Chris Leslie Original title music by Graham Fagen & Ghetto Priest. Clyde Reflections is supported by Creative Scotland, WilliamGrant Foundation & Glasgow 850 With thanks to the team at Paddle Steamer Waverley for theirhospitality https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ (https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/)
17 Mar 2026
Clyde Reflections: 1. Delving Below
In this first episode of Clyde Reflections, Jude and Louisereflect on what lies below the river’s surface in response to two portraits by photographer and filmmaker Chris Leslie. They hear from archaeologist and filmmaker Lizzie Roberston, exploring sounds at Port Glasgow, and Mark McGeachin of theGlasgow Magnet Fishers in Dalmarnock. The episode also features music from Sadie Marie of the Glasgow Barons. A podcast from The Empire Café in collaboration with ChrisLeslie. Featuring: Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer Lizzie Robertson, Archaeologist and Filmmaker Mark McGeachin, Glasgow Magnet Fisher With the song ‘Tae the Clyde’ by Sadie Marie of the GlasgowBarons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber andLouise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Field recordings by Chris Leslie Original title music by Graham Fagen and Ghetto Priest. Clyde Reflections is supported by Creative Scotland, WilliamGrant Foundation and Glasgow 850.
14 Oct 2025
EP5 Journey to the Source
Join Jude and Louise as they journey to the source of the Clyde. In this episode they also explore nature rights, both locally and internationally. They meet Guardians of the River Atrato in Columbia, Monica Feria-Tinta Barrister for the Earth, Lawyer Jamie Whittle and Planner Gillian Dick. Louise and Jude also talk to Scottish Makar Peter McKay and Councillor Ruairi Kelly on their hopes for the Clyde. Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber and Louise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Original music by Graham Fagen & Ghetto Priest.
29 Jul 2025
Bonus: Reflections 03
In this bonus episode Louise and Jude discuss ongoing activities around their citizen investigation into fragmented and murky ownership around the River Clyde, including the progress of their petition to the Scottish Parliament (https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/view-petitions/pe2131-grant-scottish-rivers-including-the-river-clyde-the-legal-right-to-personhood), their meeting with Colombian River Guardians of the River Atrato (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/research-projects/colombiariverstories/) their live Mapathon, forthcoming collaboration with photographer/ filmmaker Chris Leslie (https://www.chrisleslie.com/) and more! https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/view-petitions/pe2131-grant-scottish-rivers-including-the-river-clyde-the-legal-right-to-personhood (https://www.parliament.scot/get-involved/petitions/view-petitions/pe2131-grant-scottish-rivers-including-the-river-clyde-the-legal-right-to-personhood) https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/research-projects/colombiariverstories/ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/research-projects/colombiariverstories/) https://www.chrisleslie.com/ (https://www.chrisleslie.com/) Credits: Co-producers and Hosts: Jude Barber & Louise Welsh Recording and Editing: Halina Rifai
22 Apr 2025
Ep4 Run River Run
Episode Four further explores river rights and access to waterways. It opens with a poem by Edwin Morgan read by Marc Cairns of New Practice and ends with a newly commissioned poem by Tawona Sitole, written specially for the podcast. Jude and Louise begin the episode by reflecting on the response to their petition to the Scottish Parliament, which seeks to grant the River Clyde the right to legal personhood. And some positive next steps. They are also joined by those campaigning for enhanced nature rights and greater access to rivers for swimming and leisure. This includes Matt Sykes of Regeneration Projects in Melbourne, Australia and co-founder of the Swimmable Cities initiative. Along with other Glasgow-based contributors working to improve heritage and leisure opportunities along the Clyde.The episode ends with Louise and Jude returning to the River Clyde’s fragmented ownership. They invite listeners to join them at their experimental event for the forthcoming Architecture Fringe on June 21st at the Briggait, Glasgow. Contributors to this episode are, in order of appearance: Marc Cairns, New Practice reading ‘Clydegrad’ by Edwin Morgan, Dr Tawona Sitole, poet and lecturer in Creative Practice Education at the University of Glasgow, Jackson Carlaw, MSP for Eastwood, Glasgow, Paul Sweeney MSP for Glasgow Region, Foysol Choudhry MSP for Lothian Region Fergus Ewing MSP for Inverness and Nairn, Matt Sykes of Regeneration Projects in Melbourne, Australian and co-founder of the Swimmable Cities Initiative, Lucy Janes, University of Stirling, Peter Breslin, Director of Maritime Projects Scotland, Michael McLaughlin, Friends of TS Queen Mary, Jill Robbie, Professor of Property Law and the Environment, University of Glasgow, Dr Tawona Sitole, poet and lecturer in Creative Practice Education at University of Glasgow reading his poem ‘Run River Run’ Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber and Louise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Original music by Graham Fagen & Ghetto Priest.
7 Feb 2025
Bonus: Reflections 02
In this bonus episode, Jude and Louise discuss the thinking behind their decision to launch a petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for the River Clyde (https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2131) to be granted the legal right of personhood. Is it a wild idea or one rooted in existing law with the power to protect the Clyde as an ecosystem and potential to expand citizen access to the river? Could the Clyde become the lifeblood of Glasgow again? Louise and Jude also reflect on responses to the podcast and the petition so far, thanking those who have supported the podcast and their actions. They also share information about other initiatives and campaigns around the Clyde and other rivers. Their reflections end with a glimpse of what is to come in episode four, with an excerpt from a recent lecture given by Louise as part of the St Mungo Festival. Links to references within this episode: The Petition to The Scottish Parliament: https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2131 (https://petitions.parliament.scot/petitions/PE2131) Swimmable Cities: https://www.swimmablecities.org/ (https://www.swimmablecities.org/) Keep Scotland Beautiful - Upstream Battle: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/upstream-battle/ (https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/upstream-battle/) Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust: https://www.fnlrt.org.uk/ (https://www.fnlrt.org.uk/) BBC Article ‘ Anger over fee plan for small boats on River Clyde’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrn0k2lxgwo (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrn0k2lxgwo) St Mungo Festival Lecture: https://stmungofestival.co.uk/2025-1-lecture-one-welsh/ (https://stmungofestival.co.uk/2025-1-lecture-one-welsh/) Should you have any thoughts, ideas or questions, please do contact Jude and Louise on whoownstheclyde@gmail.com (mailto:whoownstheclyde@gmail.com) Or via socials at: Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/the-empire-cafe.bsky.social1 (https://bsky.app/profile/the-empire-cafe.bsky.social1) and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_empire_cafe_23/ (https://www.instagram.com/the_empire_cafe_23/)
19 Nov 2024
Live Public Event at Collective Architecture
On 22nd October 2024, we welcomed an audience of around hundred people to Collective Architecture’s offices for a public event asking the question, Who Owns the Clyde? We invited four contributors to present a brief provocation to the audience, who were invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas in return. As with all Empire Café events, this was a conversation rather than a debate. Our audience was self-selecting. We were lucky to have city planners, councillors, architects, conservationists, building preservationists, mariners, activists, artists, academics, writers, students, engineers, designers and citizens from many other walks of life in the room. We are grateful to them all for their presence, enthusiasm and generosity in sharing their knowledge, thoughts and ideas. If you have listened to previous episodes of Who Owns the Clyde you will already have met some of our provocateurs, they are, Andy Wightman, Land Reformer Caitlin Arbuckle MacLeod, Graduate Planner at Collective Architecture, Glasgow Holly Bruce, Glasgow City Councillor (Greens) Dr Andrew Hoolachan, Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Glasgow and Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute This live bonus episode is presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber and Louise Welsh Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai Please note this episode was recorded in real time and is longer than previous ones
12 Nov 2024
Clyde Rights
Episode Three explores the reasons for and outcomes of fragmented ownership along the River Clyde. Louise, Jude and a wide array of informed contributors discuss possible futures for the ecology, economic and social potential of river and the city, if existing barriers can be overcome. Jude and Louise issue a bold provocation and invite listeners to get involved. Contributors Include, in order of appearance Jackie Kay, poet reading ‘Clyde’ from her 2024 collection ‘Mayday’ John Moore, University of Glasgow Map Librarian, emeritus Paul Sweeney MSP (Labour) Ross Nimmo, Head of Place, Glasgow City Region Holly Bruce, Glasgow City Councillor (Green Party) May East, Educator, Urban Planner, Singer & Song writer Caitlin Arbuckle MacLeod, Graduate Planner at Collective Architecture, Glasgow Andy Wightman, Land Reformer Ailie Cormac of Scottish Poetry Library reading recent Makar, Kathleen Jamie’s poem, ‘What the Clyde Said After Cop 26’, kind permission of The Scottish Poetry Library. Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber and Louise Welsh Recorded, edited, sound design and co-produced by Halina Rifai Original music by Graham Fagan and Ghetto Priest.
4 Sept 2024
Bonus: Reflections
In this bonus episode, Jude and Louise reflect on the overwhelming response to the podcast so far. They meet together, in producer Halina Rifai’s kitchen, to discuss some of the feedback they have received from listeners and participants since launching the series. During the session they share some insights into the participants and themes that will be explored in Episode 3. The session ends with a snapshot from poet, playwright and author Jackie Kay.
20 Aug 2024
Sold Down the River
This episode explores timelines and ownership of the Clyde, and why that matters today. Includes poetry and music from The Empire Cafe. Contributors include: ● Jim Carruth, Poet and Glasgow Makar from 2014 reading ‘Portrait of the Glassford Family’ from The Empire Cafe ● Andy Wightman, Land Reformer ● Sandra Whyte, former MSP, Scottish Parliament ● Statement from James McSporran, Peel Ports (recorded by voice actor) ● Paul Sweeney, MSP, Scottish Parliament ● Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council ● Various Clydeside contributors including residents, urbanists, artists, security guards, cyclists and passersby. ● Artist Graham Fagen and Ghetto Priest with music ‘I Murder Hate’. ● Recording of ‘Send Back the Money’ from Merchant City Voices by Jude Barber, Collective Architecture and Louise Welsh with students from the Conservatoire of Scotland commissioned by Glasgow City Council.
13 Aug 2024
The Clyde Made Glasgow
This episode introduced why the Clyde is so central to the City through discussions with local politicians, citizens, passers-by and informed guests. Includes poetry and music from The Empire Cafe. Contributors include: ● Malika Booker, Poet reading ‘Yonder Awa’ from The Empire Cafe’ ● Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council ● Councillor Graham Campbell ● Andy Wightman, Land Reformer ● Sandra Whyte, former MSP, Scottish Parliament ● Various Clydeside contributors including residents, urbanists, artists, security guards, cyclists and passersby. ● Artist Graham Fagen and Ghetto Priest with music ‘I Murder Hate’.
9 Aug 2024
TRAILER: Who owns the Clyde?
Who owns the Clyde is a three-part citizen investigation into ownership of Glasgow’s iconic River, explored through a kaleidoscope of diverse voices, soundscapes, and poetry. Co-hosts writer Louise Welsh and architect Jude Barber are joined by a range of contributors, as they dive deep into the murky waters of river ownership and untapped potential. From its banks, the riverbed, the water and the sky above. Exploring privatisation to public access, from historical legacy to hopes and dreams for the River. Asking questions that matter to every citizen of Glasgow and uncovering how decisions made decades ago shape the city today.
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- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100
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