Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve: Celebrations on opening day

Celebrations took place on Saturday afternoon to mark the opening of Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve in the north of the city. 

Local residents, politicians and community groups turned up for a fun-filled day. Our photographer Colin Mearns headed along to take some photos.

Pictured planting a tree are Angela McCormick, chair of Hamiltonhill Claypits and David Blair, director of revenue and regeneration for Scottish Canals.

To mark the opening, children from Hamiltonhill Family Learning centre were clapped over the new Garscube bridge that leads to the nature reserve. 

The youngsters posed for a picture at the entrance to the reserve.

Katie, age 4, left, and Sophie Bartyzel, age 6 (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

The Claypits is a 6.7-hectare green space, home to an array of plants, trees and wildlife including roe deer, peregrine falcons, whitethroat warblers and a host of waterfowl.

Originally the home of a clay quarry used when the Forth and Clyde Canal was first built in the late 1700s, it was also the site of a foundry, glassworks and boat-building yard.

The Claypits now provide access to new pathways, boardwalks and a pedestrian bridge that connects the west and east sides of the canal north of Applecross Basin.

As well as wildlife, the Claypits also offer spectacular views over the city.

Congrats to @ScottishCanals and the north Glasgow communities on the official opening of the Claypits Urban Nature Reserve today. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/CPnjJjmw9T

— Sustrans Scotland (@SustransScot) July 31, 2021