The charity Glasgow Life began arranging the trips as part of its ‘Ageing Well’ programme which focuses on older people, a priority audience for engagement in their museums.

Alicia Watson, Glasgow Life’s Learning Access Curator, started the programme in July 2006. She said: “It’s important for us to work with Re-engage because they have an audience group that we can’t reach – isolated older people. This is one of our longest running programmes and it’s worked extremely well.”

The 13 older people and volunteers in the Re-engage Glasgow Museums 1 group visit one of the city’s nine museums or art galleries every month where they might see an exhibition or take part in a workshop. 

Some venues visited include: Provands Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, built in 1471 and which is now a showcase of medieval life; People’s Palace, displaying photos, prints and artefacts from the past; The Burrell Collection which boasts 6,000 years of art and history, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with its 22 galleries.

“This is a very powerful way to engage with [Re-engage guests],” added Alicia. “The objects are conversation starters, and they often bring back memories of old school days or workplaces. It’s fantastic to watch the older people respond to our collections.”

The project started with a small pot of local lottery funding and continues with Glasgow Life providing tea and cakes at the museums. A member of museum staff is always on hand to talk about the exhibitions or exhibits. 

Re-engage Group Coordinator Hannah Blair, a volunteer since 2007, said: “We’ve been to every museum and art gallery but are still keen to keep going. The visits are great events, and the older people love learning something new every time they go. They’ve done lino printing and worked with clay as well as seeing lots of objects that other members of the public don’t get to view. 

“I really enjoy going along and it’s been nice to see how many friendships have been created. Everybody in the group is friendly and we have all connected in a big way.” 

Margaret, 97, who is a guest of the Re-engage Glasgow Museums 1 group, said: “I really enjoy the trips, particularly to the art galleries as I’m an amateur painter. Everybody is friendly and I am driven to and from the venues. It’s far more interesting going to an exhibition than sitting in someone’s front room!”