Barlanark

Could a place struggling with deprivation also be full of pride? Barlanark, here in Glasgow’s East End, shows us how. Barlanark is a fascinating mix of contradictions. The Scottish Government labels it as one of the “Most Deprived” areas. Statistics paint a stark picture. Income deprivation affects double the national average, impacting 31% of the population. Employment deprivation is even higher, affecting 29% of residents, triple the national average. Mental health challenges are also prevalent, with 15% of people on prescribed medication, twice the national average. Yet, amidst these hardships, Barlanark’s roughly 3,800 residents maintain a strong sense of community, banter, and pride. This resilience is what makes Barlanark so compelling. It’s a place where hope and hardship coexist. Hope Community Church Barlanark, planted in 2013 and launched in 2018, exemplifies this spirit. It aims to bring hope to the community through faith. The church seeks to make Jesus known by “proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, and living in community.” Barlanark has a rich history, tied to the old Barlanark House. Built in 1822 and demolished in 1954, the house’s name lives on in this district. The name itself is thought to come from a combination of Gaelic and Brythonic words, meaning “hill at the clearing.” You can still find remnants of the old house’s walls scattered throughout the scheme, a tangible link to the past. Today, Barlanark is a diverse community. Long-term residents share their neighborhood with people from various countries, including Poland, Lithuania, Holland, France, and Syria. This blend of cultures adds another layer to Barlanark’s unique character. Despite its challenges, Barlanark’s spirit remains unbroken. Its people are proud, humorous, and fiercely loyal to their community.