Judith Parrott 

Larach (Footprint) examines the influence of the Gaelic community on the city of Glasgow. This short film explores the historic mass migration of Gaelic people to Glasgow, and how this helped shape the reputation as one of the world's most hospitable cities, one that welcomes strangers in.

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The focal point of Larach is the Heilanman's Umbrella - the glassed walled railway bridge which carries the platforms of Glasgow's Central Station across Argyle Street.

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At the time of the second Highland Clearances, Gaelic speakers new to the city gathered under the bridge to keep in touch. They brought stories from home and received support from Gaels who had arrived before. Once settled, they in their turn passed the favour on. In so doing, the Gaelic community continued to embrace their own culuture of hospitality, evident in the Glasgow of today.

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The Heilanman's Umbrella was a shelter, physical and emotional, for displaced Gaelic people.

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Larach was presented in the heritage Tardis (police Box) in Buchanan Street as part of Merchant City Festival, supported by Glasgow Life.

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