Historic Glasgow hub fears rising costs will badly affect its services

A Glasgow hub is pleading for donations to keep the lights on.

Maryhill Burgh Halls is run by a small local charity, which provides spaces to rent, runs a cafe, hosts events, and exhibitions and more.

Now, workers are asking members of the public to raise funds for repairs and the upkeep of the building.

Gemma Wild (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Gemma Wild, heritage manager, said: "The halls have been open for 12 years now. We are getting to that point where things need to be fixed or replaced.

"We all know that we are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. That doesn't just apply to individuals, electricity, gas, service charges in the building have all increased.

"This is all stretching out budget to the limits. We are a very small charity.

"We are trying hard to find every way we can to bring money in and the building open."

Recently, the charity had to buy a new boiler, which set them back £60,000.

Without support, workers are now worried they might have to stop running certain events and close facilities.

Gemma added: "General costs this year have been £30,000 more than what we budgeted for.

"When the board created the budget, we try and look at what things may come up, including the increases we expect.

"But we haven't predicted just how much extra costs would increase.

"It's a real challenge to find the money."

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

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The building itself is of historic importance, which the charity hopes to preserve for the future.

Gemma added: "It's really difficult to find places that are open to the community at any time.

"It's a quiet space, you can take your children in there or have a conversation with a friend.

"To have that and not be expected to pay money is rare. We are really proud to be open to the public and to be able to offer this to our community.

"At the same time, we have exhibitions and events, to allow people to find out more about the history of the area and connect with others.

"We did a community consultation recently and we know the people want us to offer more, they want us to be open longer.

"They want to see more events, things and we want to be able to provide that.

"Essentially, the more they help u, the more we can put on for them."

If you would like to support Maryhill Burgh Halls, you can donate here.