FORMER workers at one from one of Scotland’s largest factories to help study its legacy.

University of Glasgow researchers working on a project dubbed After the Factory are keen to speak to staff from Clydebank’s iconic Singer sewing machine factory.

The research team is working with volunteers to interview people who worked in the factory, recording their memories of working life at and after Singer, the role that the factory played in the local community, and what happened once it closed in 1980 after 96 years on the site.

Dr Jackie Clarke, from the west end-based university’s research team, said: “People sometimes think their stories won’t be of interest to historians or that they don’t have much to say.

“But once you get them talking, you learn so much. And with this project, it’s not just researchers who benefit from hearing these stories.

“We’re creating a resource for the community so we really want to hear from as many people as possible – even if they think they don’t have much to say.”

The interviews will become part of the Singer archive which be available to individuals and groups who want to understand more about the former Kilbowie Road site and the social history of the area.

As part of the project, which will also take a look at the legacies of de-industrialisation across Europe, West Dunbartonshire Youth

Theatre are working with the interviews collected in the archive to develop a piece of theatre which will be based on people’s stories.

Dr Clarke added: “When we think of the loss of industrial jobs in Scotland, we probably think first of industries like the shipyards, coal and steel that employed thousands of men.

“In this network we’re also interested in women’s experiences and in how the loss of industrial jobs affects the lives and identities of both men and women.”.

Those interested should contact arts-afterthefactory@glasgow.ac.uk.