Friends of Cathkin Park

16/07/2026

Hi Folks,

It can sometimes take us a while to post as the committee makes decisions democratically and together, which takes time to co-ordinate.

There have been a lot of biased assumptions and unfounded accusations about FoCP in comments recently, perhaps designed to distract us all from asking questions about the court case and the pitch. We doubt you will be put off.

In fact, we have 50 new followers!

So welcome all, a reminder that Friends of Cathkin Park (FoCP) is an official ‘Friends’ group, fully constituted by, and registered with, Glasgow City Council (GCC). Committee members were elected at an open meeting, in the presence of GGC staff from Neighbourhoods, Regeneration and Sustainability (NRS).

Anyone can attend open meetings, and put themselves forward to join the board, whose members are elected in accordance with GCC rules.

FoCP have attended various meetings with GCC and councillors to discuss the park, and we welcome volunteers who would like to be involved– please contact us through this page.

Recently we reported what happened in court, a ‘professional standard’ of pitch is being created, on which playing time must be limited to 6-8 hours per week. It has not been made clear why this standard of pitch is deemed necessary or even appropriate for a public park.

We have asked questions about this, and we would do so of any group wanting to limit accessibility and erect a fence. We have not supported or been involved in any previous stadium proposals.

We are a small group of volunteers with demands on our time like you, so we ask for your patience while we take a recess of four weeks now until mid-August.

We have received complaints of bullying on our other posts, which we will monitor but may be slower to respond, as there will be less of us. We will also disable comments on this post to limit the workload for our volunteers.
Take care, FoCP.

11/07/2026

COURT UPDATE/ IS THE GRASS GREENER..?

Hey Folks,

For those who have followed our struggle to keep the whole of Cathkin Park accessible for all, you’ll know that much of the focus has been on the or at least, a, fence .

Yesterday the focus was on grass.

At the outset FOCP asked to put forward our objections to the limiting of public access.

However court ruled that all required intimations of the action had been made.

This assertion and the fact that FOCP did not have any expertise in quality of grass on football pitches, meant we were not allowed to speak.

JJCT had grass experts who explained that JJCT have spent a lot of money on the pitch .

Indeed, JJCT is a registered charity SCO 47613 and their accounts show that for the last three years they have spent circa £2,000 per year.

https://www.oscr.org.uk/about-charities/search-the-register/charity-details?number=SC047613

JJCT explained their investment has been successful in bringing the pitch up to standards of excellence as outlined by various Scottish sporting bodies.

This is why they want a change to the laws to reduce public access rights.

JJCT and their witnesses revealed the specifics of this.

In line with the stipulations of maintaining this grading, use of the pitch at Cathkin Park would be limited to 6 to 8 hours per week. It’s proposed that this use would be decided and controlled by JJCT.

Yes, 6 to 8 hours of use per week of a public pitch.

Right now the court is considering the case.

Right now FOCP are consulting experts who can help us defend the public access rights of those who aren’t among the lucky few who get to participate in those precious 6-8 hours per week.

We will keep you up to date on any developments.

Thank you for your support, it means a lot.

Please share if you agree, if you don’t please debate the points respectfully.

FOCP

09/07/2026

LEGAL UPDATE
Glasgow sheriff court 10/7 at 10.00.

Hi Folks,

Two days ago FOCP found out that GCC were being forced to defend the public’s access rights in Cathkin Park.

Our ability to get support and act was made more difficult by the fact that Scottish government and council are in recess.

However, we managed to get some legal advice- which was that all parties affected by JJCT’s petition to restrict access have a legal right to present their views in court.

FOCP then applied to Sheriff court for a postponement in order to be able to properly represent the community.

For now the case will go ahead but the Sheriff is aware of the community’s situation and requested FOCP appear.

FOCP are also in dialogue with the council and, should a legal appeal be necessary after tomorrow, it’s our expectation that FOCP will be part of it.

FOCP are proud that our campaign is part of an important debate.

For example yesterday a post on our page raised the question- should investment in public property lead to de facto ownership with its subsequent private business opportunities?

These are difficult times for parks in Glasgow, FOCP stands with all those groups and individuals trying to keep our amenities open and free.

Thank you so much for your support.

We will see some of you tomorrow in Glasgow Sheriff Court - case being held at 10.00.

FOCP

08/07/2026

Hey Folks,

Just to recap this mornings news, every summer needs a good thriller and Cathkin Park might be at the centre of this years.

This Friday, Glasgow City Council will be defending their constituent’s access rights within an public park, against a petition made by JJCT to reduce them.

FOCP has always campaigned for equitable and free access for all, to all parts of the park.

Whether you play football or frisbee on the pitch, or sit in the terraces for a picnic or to learn about the HES designated historical site.

FOCP cannot support the reduction of access for many, for the benefit of a few.

If you want to support the council protecting your rights, you can attend Glasgow Sheriff Court this Friday 10th July - be there by ten am.

If you agree then please share this post . If you don’t then please debate the points respectfully .

We will keep you updated as we hear developments.

Thanks, FOCP.

08/07/2026

We’ve just been made aware that JJCT will be in Glasgow Sheriff court Friday 10th July.

They would like to overturn the assumption that Lord Sandison worked from in his judicial review which is that the pitch and the park are covered by access rights as described in Land Reform Act 2003.

This translates as JJCT are fighting Glasgow City Council to remove access rights from the people the council serve .

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/court-rolls/sheriff-court-civil/sheriff-court-rolls-civil/ #/?location=Glasgow+Sheriff+Court&date=2026-07-10T00%3A00%3A00.0000000

21/05/2026

Hi folks,

Our local friends at Mount Florida Community Trust are taking on their own battle with Glasgow City Council to try to stop the development of the old Mount Florida Bowling Club. Please do read this and show your support if you agree with them that the space should become a community asset.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18d43JTH1j/

Founded in 2019 with the aim of saving the site of the former Mount Florida Bowling Club for the community.