Clyde Reflections is a new visual arts project by Chris Leslie, created in collaboration with Empire Café and the podcast ‘Who Owns the Clyde’. It documents and engages with a diverse range of individuals and community groups connected to the River Clyde in Glasgow in 2025.
The project features various components and outcomes, including photographic portraits, oral history audio recordings, multimedia short films, a podcast, riverside tours, and a discussion and screening event that will offer a unique and compelling river documentation.
Whilst grounded in personal narratives, Clyde Reflections also takes a broader view of the river’s historical, heritage, cultural, and environmental importance by examining issues like accessibility, ecological health, and the River Clyde’s future role in Glasgow’s development.
By addressing current challenges and untapped potential, the project aims to spark a conversation about transforming the river into a more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant resource for all Glaswegians.
The films premiered at the 2026 Glasgow Short Film Festival with an accompanying mini-podcast series. You can listen to the podcast here.
Clyde Reflections
Episode 01: Delving Below
In this first episode of Clyde Reflections, Jude and Louisereflect on what lies below the river’s surface in response to two portraits by photographer and filmmaker Chris Leslie. They hear from archaeologist and filmmaker Lizzie Roberston, exploring sounds at Port Glasgow, and Mark McGeachin of theGlasgow Magnet Fishers in Dalmarnock. The episode also features music from Sadie Marie of the Glasgow Barons.
A podcast from The Empire Café in collaboration with Chris Leslie, featuring:
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Lizzie Robertson, Archaeologist and Filmmaker
Mark McGeachin, Glasgow Magnet Fisher
With the song ‘Tae the Clyde’ by Sadie Marie of the GlasgowBarons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about
Episode 02: Restoring the Future
In this second episode Jude, Louise and Chris take a trip down the Clyde on the Waverly paddle steamer.
They reflect on the Clyde’s maritime past, present and future sharing conversations with the team at the Waverley along with reflections from Thomas Breslin of Marine Projects onboard the TS Glenlee and William Graham of the Glasgow Humane Society. The episode also features music from Gavin Patterson,Joe Murray and Liv Dawn of the Glasgow Barons
Featuring:
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Iain Quinn, Quartermaster PS Waverley
Paul Semple, General Manager PS Waverley
Thomas Breslin, Ship Repair Technician, Marine ProjectsScotland, TS Glenlee
William Graham, Officer of Glasgow Humane Society
With the songs ‘Doon the Water’ by Gavin Paterson andJoe Murray, and ‘Oh the Clyde’ by Liv Dawn of the Glasgow Barons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about
With thanks to the team at Paddle Steamer Waverley for their hospitality https://waverleyexcursions.co.uk/
Episode 03: Bridging Connections
In this third and final episode of the Clyde Reflections series, Jude and Louise consider the importance of connections and bridges along the River Clyde and beyond. Poet Tawona Sithole recites his specially commissioned poem ‘Run River Run’ on the riverbank, with insights from skipper Alistair Forsyth of the former Renfrew Ferry. Jude and Louise also meet Anna Downie and Rachel Leckie from the Riverside Museum to reflect on the impact of Glasgow’s recently completed Govan-Partick pedestrian and cycle bridge. The episode also features music from Louis & Akeel of the Glasgow Barons.
Featuring:
Tawona Sithole, Poet and Educator
Chris Leslie, Documentary filmmaker and photographer
Alistair Forsyth, Ferry Skipper
Anna Downie Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum
Rachel Leckie Learning and Access Curator Riverside Museum
With the song 'Old River' by Louis & Akeel of theGlasgow Barons. With thanks to Paul MacAlindan. https://www.glasgowbarons.com/about
Presented, researched and co-produced by Jude Barber and Louise Welsh. Recorded, edited and co-produced by Halina Rifai. Field recordings by Chris Leslie.
Original title music by Graham Fagen & Ghetto Priest.
Clyde Reflections is supported by Creative Scotland, WilliamGrant Foundation & Glasgow 850.
Project Details
Ongoing since 2025
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Photographer/Filmmaker Chris Leslie
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Podcast co-hosts and co-producers: Jude Barber and Louise Welsh
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Funders: Creative Scotland / William Grant Foundation / Glasgow 850
Awards
N/A