News

Lorraine McCauley Helps Out Glasgow Project

• 4th Jul 2012

For singer/ songwriter Lorraine McCauley, a trip to GalGael's workshop in Govan, Glasgow, to scout out a boat for their new music video took an unexpected turn. No sooner had she and her band, Lorraine McCauley & The Borderlands, arrived than they were playing an impromptu gig.

The project, which has run for 15 years, is aimed at helping local people to develop new skills, community and a sense of purpose – including building and sailing traditional boats. Its workshop is full of people creating different things, from cabinets and ornaments to guitars and catapults; local people work alongside craftsmen and skills are shared throughout the venue.

It's also home to numerous other projects such as a music recording studio, and hosts social evenings too. But funding cuts in the last year have meant GalGael has had to withdraw some programmes. Lorraine, inspired by the work going on at the centre, decided to do something to help.

Lorraine told STV: “When we came in, we were treated to a tour around the building and we found out about all the amazing work GalGael has been doing for the last 15 years – helping people to learn the skills they need.

“Everything the project stands for also fits really well with the music we play, and the kind of themes we deal with – promoting self respect and community. We are aiming to raise £2,000 to go towards the running of the programme.”

A benefit gig on Friday, July 13 will see the workshop transformed so that The Borderlands, and nine-piece ska band Bombskare, can take the stage. Lorraine has roped in help from Bombskare, who, fresh from a performance at a Viking boat festival, were happy to get back on board with the nautical theme.

She said: “It's going to be a good mix of music, and we hope it will be something fun for people at the centre, and also a way to bring in people who haven't visited before.”

GalGael's Neil Harbay added: “I think everyone, when they first come through the door here, is surprised at what's going on. You see them stopping and thinking, 'woah'. They never know quite what to expect. It's a very creative, collaborative space and there's always something new going on.

“It's not just about getting people back to jobs, it's about getting them back to life – whether it's through crafts, or music, or anything else we can offer.”

For more information on the GalGael project check out their website at link

Lorraine's original interview with STV can be found at : link