The High Backs Newsletter
Here is our first ever email newsletter that was sent out in September 2026. If you'd like to receive our newsletters - sign up at the bottom of the page.
The High Backs - Bringing our community together
It’s been a brilliant summer at The High Backs. We’ve welcomed new faces, launched new groups, supported local families, celebrated our volunteers and continued building a place where everyone feels welcome.
There’s lots happening as we head into autumn - so here are some of the highlights and what's coming up.
Lizzy x
What's coming up
🕯 Crafts & Enterprise Group
Starts Thursday 1 October · 5.30-7.30pm
We'll be making soaps, candles, ceramics and box frames to sell at our Christmas event.
🍳 Six-Week Cooking Class
Starts Monday 5 October · 5.30-7.30pm
A new six-week cooking class led by Margaret.
🎅 Meet & Greet with Santa
Saturday 5 & Saturday 12 December · 1-3pm
Come along, meet Santa, enjoy a hot roll and a cuppa - and bring your pet along for a festive photo.
🎄 Christmas Event
Saturday 19 December · 5-8.30pm
Santa, food, entertainment, animals and outdoor fun.
Burnhill's kids shone this summer
Our summer was full of outdoor play, crafts, games, food, friendship and fun.
Our Summer Lunch Club provided free nutritious meals twice a week, while our Inside Out Summer Camp gave young people a week of crafts, games, nature activities and wellbeing sessions.
We also provided school supplies to families who needed some extra support - and, thanks to funding from ASDA, our outdoor play zone got a fantastic makeover. Read our summer 2026 story here.
A few things we've been up to
🐄 Highland Cows
Families loved meeting, feeding and spending time with the Highland cows when they visited The High Backs.
🌳 Outdoor Play Zone
Thanks to ASDA funding, we've upgraded our outdoor play area - and the children loved it.
❤️ Celebrating our volunteers
Our AGM in June was followed by a Volunteer Celebration Day, where we enjoyed food, bingo and celebrated the people who make The High Backs possible. Read about our AGM here.
Skip day success!
At the start of the year, we placed four 16‑yard skips in the Glencairn car park - and we couldn’t believe how well they were used.
The response was fantastic, so watch this space for January, as we hope to bring them back again.
The Kiltwalk 2026
Kiltwalk
We want to give a huge congratulations to Burnhill MENding Minds, our amazing community members, and Josh’s family, who completed the 23‑mile Kiltwalk in memory of Josh. Together, they raised an incredible £11,000.❤️
And finally
Did you know?
We provide free SIM cards for anyone struggling to top up their phone. If you know someone who could benefit, pop into The High Backs.
We’re working with Youth, Family & Community Learning to support young people in Burnhill who are involved in antisocial behaviour. We don’t blame or judge, we want to understand and offer positive alternatives to make sure young people have safe spaces, structure, and support.
Coming up:
Outdoor seating & memorial garden
We got funding to buy 100 pantomime tickets
Halloween Outdoor Greenspace Event
Toilet Block final plumbing-in is imminent!
Don't stop at the front gate - pop in & say hello.
We’re open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm. If the gate’s open, pop in - the kettle is always on.
We'd love help with:
Gardening
Groups
Leaflet drops
Social Media
Events
Get involved:
The High Backs is a registered Scottish charity and community hub at 23 Penman Avenue, Burnhill, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on the doorstep of Glasgow.
Registered Charity: SCO53429
Join us on Facebook - the best place for the latest updates, search: The High Backs
