Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.
Who owns the Clyde?
When
Sunday 6 September 2026
18:00 - 19:30
Where
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ
View directions on Google Maps
Format
Hybrid
Access
Hearing loop, Wheelchair access, Wheelchair accessible toilets
Age
Suitable for ages 16+
Cost
Free to book
About this event
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.
Tickets go live on Thursday 23 July at 11am.
Event type
Curious
Talk
Contributors
Jude Barber
Director, Collective ArchitectureJude Barber is an architecture and director at Collective Architecture. With colleagues, she has delivered projects that include Glasgow Women’s Library and the City Observatory Calton Hill, Edinburgh. Jude also has expertise in strategic planning having co-developed proposals for Granton Waterfront in Edinburgh and Water Row in Govan, Glasgow. Jude is visiting tutor at the University of Sheffield, and a fellow of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
Professor Louise Welsh
Writer & Professor of Creative Writing, University of GlasgowLouise Welsh is the author of eleven novels including The Cutting Room Trilogy and To the Dogs. Louise has received several awards and international fellowships, including the Saltire of Saltires and honorary doctorates from the Open University and Edinburgh Napier University. Louise is Professor of Creative Writing at University of Glasgow, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Literature.
Contact us
If you have an event enquiry, please email us on public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk.Event testimonial
What is Curious?
Curious is the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s (RSE) free festival that celebrates the research, ideas and knowledge shaping society today.
Each year, Curious brings a packed programme of free in-person and online events covering themes from the arts, humanities, policy, science and more. To date, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 attendees for talks, workshops, exhibitions and discussions where you can learn from and speak with Scotland’s leading thinkers. As part of the RSE’s mission to make knowledge useful and accessible for everyone, Curious is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. No specialist knowledge is needed, just bring your curiosity.
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