The Estate

Synopsis

Built in the 1960s, the Sighthill Estate was once home to 7,500 people. As the area is primed for demolition, the community is slowly disappearing. These are the stories of THE ESTATE...

From the outside, the Sighthill Estate in North Glasgow is better known for crime, drugs and poverty than for its sense of community. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse communities in Scotland due to the Government’s asylum-seeker dispersal policy, which has seen more than 50 nationalities housed within the area. Over its 40 year lifespan, the Sighthill Estate has battled high levels of unemployment, addiction and poverty but continued to give solace and home to its residents. Despite the estate slowly falling into disrepair, a recent study (The GoWell 10 year Health Study, March 2007) found that 70% of the community was happy with the area and only 4% actively supported plans to demolish the towerblocks...

Filmed over one year, THE ESTATE for Channel 4’s 3 Minute Wonders strand presents an intimate and insightful portrait of this truly unique neighbourhood as it prepares for, and witnesses, the demolition of towerblocks that thousands once called home. Dealing with issues of community, family, identity and diversity, THE ESTATE reveals extraordinary stories about the very meaning of ‘home’ from deep within the heart of a fated community...

The 16-part series is directed by Ruth Carslaw and produced by Sarah Tierney. THE ESTATE transmits in the 3 Minute Wonder slot at 7.55pm on Channel 4 each Monday to Thursday from 13th July to 6th August 2009.