Clutha Tragedy: 10 Years On

"Glasgow's a community built on love and we don't give up."

On 29 November 2013, a police helicopter crashed through the roof of The Clutha pub in Glasgow. Ten people died and many more were injured.

It was a privilege to produce BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live coverage of the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. I'm grateful to our contributors who spoke courageously about the night of the accident. I was moved by the many reflections on how the extended Clutha community continues to offer hope and support to those who lost friends and family, and others whose lives were deeply affected by the experience of the crash.

Pub owner Alan Crossan hopes the work of The Clutha Trust brings comfort to those involved. He set up the charity in the aftermath, to encourage disadvantaged young people into the arts. This year, a Clutha choir formed and joined other musicians for performances in the pub on Wednesday evening, marking the ten year anniversary. Alan plans to build a new creative hub on the crash site to secure the future of The Clutha for the people of Glasgow.

Presented by Hayley Millar, live from the pub, the programme heard from people who were there on the night of the accident, including the Scottish Ambulance Service. Sisters Nancy and Ann were both in The Clutha when the helicopter fell from the sky. Ann said it was almost impossible to process the event. She said the crash changed her: “I used to be a very adventurous person. I’m now apprehensive about a lot of things.”

We also spoke to local artist Margaret Archbold who spent the day writing the word ‘love’ across the floor of The Briggait arts hub. Margaret said her text installation commemorates the people who died and celebrates The Clutha: “Glasgow’s a community built on love and we don’t give up. When people can't keep going, we stand with them until they're ready.”

Listen to my report on the Clutha Choir below.