“As soon as Glasgow was successful in securing its status as host city for the 2014 Commonwealth games, the redevelopment and regeneration plans began. Special investment vehicles, dedicated business and development committees, small and nimble transformation teams, sprung up overnight (or so it seemed). But as with all such projects, while the end result may be positive, there is undeniable upheaval for many of the people who, the regenerators tell us, are expected to benefit most. Newspaper reports through 2011, 2012, 2013 focused on stories of long term, sometimes life long, Dalmarnock residents who were holding out against the tide of progress (or so the narrative had it).

With less of a fanfare, another group (but one with often significant crossover) also viewed the coming change with concern. Although there were promised new businesses, new jobs, investment, there were already businesses and jobs there, in which people had invested not just money, but time and commitment.

Mandy Edwards set out in 2010 to record the shopkeepers of Dalmarnock, whose livelihoods, built over years, sometimes decades, were at that point directly threatened. The plans were well-meaning, but possibly also unfeeling, and “improvements” to the area could simultaneously destroy many small businesses at the heart of the community.

The project’s inspiration came from earlier work, on a much smaller scale, with shopkeepers in Mandy’s own Yorkhill neighbourhood. Four of the subjects from that project were retained in the larger collection.

“A Celebration” was supported by Street Level Photo Works, Glasgow, and funding provided by a Glasgow Life Visual Artist Bursary. The project was exhibited at Trongate 103, Platform (Easterhouse), and Dunoon Burgh Hall.”

The set is available for £17 inc p&p, email coastcollectivedocumentary@gmail.com to order