Ronnie McCann and his father-in-law, John Gaughan, transformed this derelict patch of land into a vibrant green space—complete with a hand-built pigeon loft (or doocot) public seating and flower beds. Through power washing, planting, and building from salvaged materials, this became a safe place for children and families to come. 

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When the council issued an eviction notice in 2022, the community rallied to support. More than 40 people gathered in the rain to protest, chanting “save the doos!” Among them was a representative from the South Community Recovery Network, who shared that people in addiction recovery were using the space to support their mental health.

 

While doocots are primarily built to shelter pigeons- often for racing, they also hold important social and cultural significance in Glasgow’s communities. Often built on neglected council land in areas with limited gardens or green space, they reflect how reclaiming public green spaces can foster pride and strengthen community ties to the environment. 

 

For Ronnie, pigeon keeping is more than a hobby- it’s a tradition passed down through generations. It offers a sense of resilience and purpose, connecting him to memories of his own childhood flying pigeons with his dad.