Clyde Valley fruit growing to inspire new songs

A new project will capture the oral histories of the Clyde Valley's fruit growing and horticultural past and turn them into new stories and songs.

The Fruits of Their Labours project will be led by The Lanarkshire Songwriters, an established local music act, and will include interviews with growers past and present from the area - which was once known as the Fruit Basket of Scotland.

Lanarkshire Songwriter Billy Stewart, who will be leading the project said, "This project is very special to me as my family were involved in local fruit growing and horticulture. The songwriters are very excited about taking this particular project forward."

The project is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) and Renewable Energy Fund managed by South Lanarkshire Council.

Donna Marshall, Programme Manager at CAVLP said, "We’re so pleased to support this wonderful project that will bring to life a unique part of the area’s heritage through song. CAVLP support over 70 projects throughout the Clyde and Avon valleys, but this is the only one that encourages experience of the landscape through song."

Three local primary schools will also work with the Songwriters to create songs about the industry and song writing workshops will be held for anyone interested.

The oral histories and new songs written by both the Songwriters and schools, will all be available on CD and a new Lanarkshire Songwriters website will launch early next year. Special concerts will also take place as the project comes to a close next autumn.

Were you or your family part of the Clyde Valley fruit or horticultural growing industries? If you have a story to tell, please contact Billy Stewart – billy.garriongill@gmail.com.