About The High Backs
A community garden rooted in Burnhill, Rutherglen
On this page you can read all about us. What the High Backs is, who it is for and why we do what we do.
There is a Mission Statement, Vision Statement and a set of our values.
If you want to know even more - have a look through Our Story, Our People, and the page dedicated to the physical space at The High Backs.
The High Backs is the heart of Burnhill.
We are a community garden and gathering space in Burnhill, Rutherglen. But you know what - there’s more here than meets the eye.
The High Backs is a place where time slows down and the kettle’s always on. You can come for an hour and still be here four hours later - nobody is rushing you out the door. You can say what's on your mind at The High Backs - it won’t be judged.
The High Backs is for everyone.
✦ It's for the person who's been walking past the gates for weeks and hasn't quite come in yet.
✦ It's for the neighbour who just wants a blether and a cup of tea.
✦ It's for the person whose mental health hasn't been great, who needs somewhere that feels safe.
✦ It's for the volunteer who didn't think they had much to give, and found out they did.
✦ It's for the parent who wants a safe place for their kids to play.
What's here
We’re here whatever the weather - blowing a hoolie or roasting hot. There are indoor spaces to gather like our brand new coffee cabin where you can sit, have a cuppa and catch your breath. The cabin even has our first ever, proper, plumbed in toilet! So come along, whatever the day looks like outside.
We are no educated folk. But we are compassionate folk.
The minute you walk through our gates, we’ll speak to you like we’ve known you a hundred years. There's no cliques here. No agendas. No pressure. We’ll make sure you feel like you belong - because you do.
The kids are at the heart of everything we do. To find out why - Read our story
Don’t stop at the front gates.
"The High Backs is just the heart ae the Burnhill."
Lizzy McDonald
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
The High Backs exists to bring people together in Burnhill - creating a safe, welcoming community space where everyone belongs, where young people are believed in, and where neighbours look after each other.
Our Vision
A Burnhill where every resident - whatever their age, background or circumstances - has somewhere to go, someone to talk to, and something to be proud of.
Our Values
Everyone belongs
No cliques, no agendas, no pressure. From the moment you walk through our gates you’re welcome - whether you’ve been coming for years or you’ve been walking past for weeks.
Community knows best
Everything at the High Backs was designed by the people of Burnhill. From the allotment to the football goals - it all started on a big board at our first event, where we asked the neighbourhood what they wanted. We trust our community to lead.
Young people first
The kids started this. A question from a child at a locked gate is what built everything you see here. Their voices, their ideas and their future are at the heart of every decision we make.
Show up
We showed up when the gates were locked and the space was a jungle. Our community showed up when we asked. We believe in turning up - for each other, whatever the weather, whatever it takes.
Compassion over credentials
We are no educated folk. But we are compassionate folk. You don’t need a qualification to make someone feel like they belong.
Governance and Transparency
The High Backs is a registered Scottish charity (SC053429), regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (opens in new tab) (OSCR).
We are governed by a board of trustees drawn from the local community. Meet our board on the Our People page.
Our work is made possible by the generosity of our funders and partners. Find out more on our Community Projects, Our Impact and Thank You pages.
