RSE - Who owns the Clyde?

An investigation into the ownership and future of Scotland’s most famous river.

Who Owns the Clyde? A Citizen Investigation is an ongoing collaborative project initiated in 2023 through the Empire Café Collective. The project explores the history, cultural significance, ecology, ownership, stewardship and possible futures of the River Clyde through creative research.

As part of their talk, architect Jude Barber and writer Louise Welsh will share insights and takeaways from their investigation, sharing images, short film clips, poems and art-based approaches that formed part of their research.

Their work brings together the viewpoints of citizens, architects, planners, educators, Colombian River Guardians, poets, nature-rights lawyers, ecologists, activists and others who have contributed to the research.

This Curious talk considers who shapes the Clyde’s past, present and future, and how communities can engage with questions of ownership, care and responsibility for the river.