THE unique heritage of Govan will be used to inspire the next generation of designers.

Young people from across Scotland will be studying a design object with a connection to their community as part of the Scottish Design Relay.

During the next eight months, young adults from the GalGael Trust, a social enterprise which helps people affected by a range of social and wellbeing issues, will be studying the ‘Clutha’ vase designed by Christopher Dresser, who was born in Glasgow in 1834.

They will be working alongside local designers to develop new ideas and create a prototype design which will be displayed at the V&A Dundee, the first design museum in the UK outside of London.

Mhairi Maxwell, V&A Dundee Project co-ordinator, said: “This is a real opportunity to connect young people to their design heritage and create something that could have a hugely positive impact on their community. In each area, the participants will work with an inspirational designer and together they will define a problem and will come up with a solution. 

“The project will see them learn new skills and build their aspirations and confidence.

“For the Govan leg of the relay, we have chosen an exhibit that will 
form part of V&A Dundee’s permanent galleries to inspire the young people. All the objects in the Scottish Design Relay have a special link to the communities and help tell a part of Scotland’s largely untold design story.”

Dorothy Graham, programmes manager at the GalGael Trust, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Scottish Design Relay.

“GalGael is a community working together to find ways of living with more humanity in our times. Craft creates a sense of agency through the integration of the head, heart and hand. In these ways people find skills, purpose and develop the capabilities for future growth.”