The CatStrand

The CatStrand began life as Kells Primary School in 1743 and served the surrounding communities for over two centuries until the school moved to its present site at Braehead in 1964. The building then underwent a variety of incarnations including short periods as a knitting factory, a Masonic hall, a youth club and even a stint as a hairdressers! The old school became vacant in the 1990s and soon fell into a state of disrepair. The Glenkens Community & Arts Trust was formed in 2001 with the aim of transforming the building, which was, by now an eyesore, into a centre for community cultural activities. Within 2 months the local community had contributed enough funds to purchase the building and The CatStrand was on its way. Six years, and a £1 million fundraising campaign later and the building is now celebrating its opening festival! Named The CatStrand after the small stream which ran under the building, the centre will provide a wide range of arts, community and training activities for all the residents of the Glenkens. Photos of the development can be seen below: CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development CatStrand development