The long-abandoned Scottish village of Glenbuck, the birthplace of legendary Liverpool Football Club manager Bill Shankly, is being revived as a social history heritage site. Plans are underway to reconstruct Shankly's childhood home and establish a visitor center and sustainable accommodation.
The project, led by Shankly's eldest granddaughter Karen Gill, aims to build on the foundations of the former mining village, which was once home to Shankly and his nine siblings in a two-room house. While the village's stone-built terraces were demolished after the local coal mine was exhausted, the remnants and surrounding hills still hold appeal. A memorial stone to Shankly on the hill remains a site visited by Liverpool fans.
A not-for-profit social enterprise company, Shankly Glenbuck Village Community Interest Company, has been formed to drive the regeneration. The initial phase involves feasibility studies, architectural plans, and funding for a project manager. A crowdfunding initiative has been launched to raise £250,000 to support these steps.
The Scottish Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, and East Ayrshire Council have previously supported the creation of a basic industrial heritage site with information boards detailing Glenbuck's history as a mining village and a source of numerous footballers for the local team, the Glenbuck Cherrypickers. The original football pitch is still visible.
Shankly's granddaughter stated that the project is community-based and not commercial, reflecting his ideals. "We want to complete the circle and help others to discover this beautiful place," Gill said.
Glenbuck was known for its strong community spirit, a trait Shankly attributed to his upbringing there. Despite facing hardship, the villagers maintained pride and resilience. Shankly himself continued to visit the area after his retirement from management in 1974.
Further information about the venture is available at www.shanklyglenbuckvillagecic.co.uk.