Brian Hannan from Abbey Books in Paisley takes a look at The Extraordinary Life & Momentous Times of J.M.W. Turner by Franny Moyle. One of the biggest benefits of running a second-hand bookshop is that hundreds books pass in across my desk in a week. It’s like watching a conveyor of delights. I’m something...
Read MoreBrian Hannan from Abbey Books in Paisley talks through The Slab Boys on Broadway programme, a beautiful piece of John Byrne memorabilia. You are probably unaware just how big a global success iconic Paisley author/painter John Byrne achieved with his play The Slab Boys. I was, too, until among a recent donation to Abbey...
Read MoreThe newest member of our writing team, Kate Cohen, reviews Get High – the latest single from Glasgow-based soul artist Nicola Taylor. When it comes to emotive songwriting, relationships – good, bad, or otherwise – can be an incredible source of inspiration, for artists and listeners. Whether you’re thinking of Someone You Loved, or looking...
Read MoreMusician and journalist Mya Brown reviews the debut track called Car Park in the Sky by Paisley band, The Braes. Whether it’s the stunning scenery or the skyline right on your car bonnet, you could ask anybody in Renfrewshire about Car Park in the Sky and they’ll point you to The Gleniffer Braes. So,...
Read MoreJust weeks on from his appointment as Tannahill Makar, Mill caught up with spoken word artist Shaun Moore to discuss his new role, Renfrewshire’s radical heritage and more. When it’s done right and without airs, graces or elitism, poetry and spoken word has the capacity to effect and advocate for change, broaden horizons and...
Read MoreAfter releasing one of the most lauded books in recent memory with Duck Feet, Renfrew-born author Ely Percy takes us through their journey to bring the experiences of high school classmates to the page. Although they may be fresh from a honeymoon to Paris that had been thwarted by an unanticipated bout of Covid,...
Read MoreConfidence by Denise Mina reviewed by local councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes. The multi-award winning Denise Mina has been heralded as crime writing royalty by Val McDermid and legions of readers, and with Confidence, she certainly keeps the title intact. Lisa Lee, a young, urban explorer and vlogger disappears from North Berwick after posting a video from an...
Read MoreLoud & Proud’s Jamie McGrory talks us through his career and role behind the kit for the Bay City Rollers Origins as a drummer? It was in school, basically. I got a shot of a drum kit one day in second year and that was the start and end of it (laughs). Then, my...
Read MoreAfter pivoting to an online model, the famed PACE panto is back and being brought to life in a new venue We all have our own individual festive traditions that are a hallmark of the holiday season. Whether it’s a pub crawl with pals or taking the kids to see Santa, there are some...
Read MoreRichard Vassie, Cameron Swanson and John R Hume talk to us about Ferguslie Thread Works and their place in both local and international history When it comes to Renfrewshire, it’s safe to say that we don’t shy away from our proud industrial history, particularly as it pertains to our storied relationship with thread. Once...
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