A Special Invitation

This event marks the launch of Alan Dimmick’s new Book Island Record: Photographs of Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae.

Interviewed by archaeologist Alan Leslie, Alan will also be reflecting on his remarkable career documenting Glasgow’s people, places, music and cultural life through his distinctive photographic lens.

Together they’ll explore the city’s changing landscape, the stories behind the images, and the importance of preserving Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage, as well as discussing the genesis of the new book Island Record.

The interview will be followed by an audience Q&A, giving you the opportunity to hear more about Alan’s work and the people and places that have inspired it.

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About the Book

Alan Dimmick has been taking photographs since buying his first camera in 1977. He has been visiting Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae annually since he was a baby and continues to visit year on year with friends and his own grown-up family. He has a sustained love for Millport and the Isle of Cumbrae and has a substantial archive of images taken on his visits and holidays with images dating from 1979.

Many people have a deep running affection for the Isle of Cumbrae and Millport. You might have experienced the thrill of island adventures with friends and lovers, a quick escape here warping and stretching time. For others, the attachment is tied up with memories of visits with and to family. Connections to this wee and perfect island are plentiful and often yearned for, frequently repeated and revisited, the echo of an echo of an echo.

“Anthropology in action: unseen images of northern tribes, a people, their place, the relationships between people and time; and this place is dreaming.”
Ross Sinclair

“The stories that haven’t been told, the histories that haven’t yet crystallised but are still in liquid motion.”
Moira Jeffrey

This event is part of the inaugural Govan Book Festival. Events taking place at the Govan Stones between June and late August 2026.

Access Information/ Limitations

Renovations at Govan Old Church are underway to ensure Govan Old Church will be, for the first time, fully accessible.

However, at present, the church entrance has 5 steps, with a mobile ramp on site to assist when required. Unfortunately this is not suitable for larger powered wheelchairs.

Our team are happy to assist with venue entry and exit with advance notice of your visit. If mobility support would be beneficial for you during your visit, we invite you to contact the Govan Old team in advance, at info@thegovanstones.org.uk

Throughout renovation works, temporary toilet facilities will be in operation inside the venue. We regret to inform that these temporary facilities do not currently support wheelchairs.

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