One of Scotland’s most forward-thinking imprints, we spoke to Lost Map’s Johnny Lynch, aka Pictish Trail, about returning to The Spree alongside his labelmates. How would you define the philosophy behind Lost Map? It’s more of a compulsion. I’m a big music fan, and there’s no greater thrill than championing what you love, made...
Read MoreA husband and wife team are putting Paisley on the map with a hot dose of Latin American passion. Now in its third year, the Paisley International Tango Festival is currently the only event of its kind in Scotland. It’s the brainchild of Drew and Taryn Moir, who also host lessons and events throughout...
Read MoreMeet an award-winning ceramicist who creates narrative illustrations on porcelain. In a converted farmhouse just outside Lochwinnoch, Wendy Kershaw appears to be enjoying an idyllic life combining work with feathered domesticity. When we call her in her workshop, she reveals she’s not alone: “Two pheasants are watching me from outside as I haven’t put...
Read MoreGo deeper underground in the company of urban historian Stephen Clancy, as he takes us on a fascinating journey through time. The hidden gems of Renfrewshire’s past are mostly hidden beneath our feet, never to be seen again. However, in some cases such as Paisley Abbey’s magnificent Medieval Drain, currently under excavation once again,...
Read MoreBrian Whittingham is the recently-appointed Renfrewshire Makar. Peter Ross accompanied him on a poetic perambulation. Bunnet pulled low against the wind off the water, his one good ear alert for the passing muse, Brian Whittingham, shipbuilder turned poet, leads the way along the riverbank to a boundary of his realm. We pass oystercatchers, joggers...
Read MoreBest known for playing Methadone Mick in Still Game, the Paisley-based actor opens up about the highs and lows of working within an unpredictable industry. Scott Reid has St Mirren to thank for his career. A keen footballer, he had a trial for the team as a teenager. As he recalls, “They said to...
Read MoreThe Sma’ Shot Cottages in Paisley are one of the town’s most cherished tourist attractions. Stepping back in time is easy when you have free access to the beautifully preserved likes of the Sma’ Shot Cottages. Originally built in the 1740s, the weaver’s cottage on Shuttle Street has been painstakingly restored to how it...
Read MoreTony Fitzpatrick interview by Paul English. When Tony Fitzpatrick stood at the top of the Love Street terracing as a 12-year-old boy, he had a vision. “I knew this is where I wanted to play football,” says the Buddies’ Chief Executive half a century later, having not only played for, but managed, the team...
Read MoreThe Unthanks are folk troubadours in the classic tradition. We spoke to Rachel about keeping the flame alive. Since The Unthanks released their first album in 2005, Tyneside siblings Becky and Rachel Unthank have accumulated a barrage of awards and critical acclaim. Their restless musical journey has involved collaborations with Sting, Paul Hartnoll from...
Read MoreThe SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Mhairi Black was elected while still a student at the University of Glasgow. Words by Nadine McBay. In May of 2015, Mhairi Black became the youngest person to be elected to the House of Commons since the 1830s. Still the ‘baby of the House’ at the...
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