No longer willing to abide by its outdated reputation, Ferguslie Park has become a microcosm of how to improve a local community. Now, Darkwood Crew’s Terry McTernan is here to take you through their self-determined path to prosperity. Once referred to as the “biggest cul-de-sac in Western Europe” by the European Parliament, Ferguslie Park...
Read MoreTwo decades into his on-screen career, Paisley-born Tom Urie discusses his early years, Tutti Frutti, T2: Trainspotting and mental health. You may know his face, but you might not know his story. To the casual observer, Tom Urie is a veteran of the small screen. To others, he’s seen as an inspirational figure due...
Read MoreAlthough he may be a veteran of his craft, award-winning barber Roberto Gelali is always striving for more. How long have you been in the industry for? I’ve been barbering for nearly 25 years. It seems like a long time, but I’m constantly learning. Fifteen years ago, it wasn’t really in fashion. Now, it’s...
Read MoreBy Claire Casey A mouth, snarling at the world, a figure of stone, standing against all the evils of this world that threaten to overrun. It forces them back from whence they came, and protects the building that it calls home. No evil shall enter, or pass beyond, the thick, ancient stone walls. Not...
Read MoreReviewed by Keira Brown, co-producer of the Paisley Book Festival Andrew O’Hagan has done it again. Ever since reading The Illuminations, I have noted this author’s ability to revolve novels around sensitive subjects. Anchored by a succinct voice and wonderful characterisation, he does so marvellously in Mayflies. It’s Summer 1986 in the west coast...
Read MoreOriginally hailing from Lochwinnoch, soulful singer/songwriter Cara Rose discusses early beginnings, inspirations and her debut EP, Urges. How did music become a guiding force in your life? “Well, both my parents are in the arts. As soon as I could walk and talk, I was in that environment. They were really into music and...
Read MoreNow in his 8th decade, John Byrne is still that same man from Ferguslie with ingenuity to spare. Here, we discuss his recent milestones, Renfrewshire’s enduring spirit and much more. When people from beyond the region’s postcodes, think of Paisley and Renfrewshire, a few things will commonly come to mind. Perhaps they’ve visited for...
Read MoreThrough Paisley YMCA, Renfrewshire boasts a masterclass in digital youth work. As told to us by the man that spearheaded this change, find out how their inspiring story came together. In many cases, necessity serves as the mother of invention and for Darran Gillan of Paisley YMCA, this statement rings especially true. Taking over...
Read MoreReviewed by Keira Brown, co-producer of the Paisley Book Festival At a time in society where political demos and protests are rife, Comma Press’ anthology Resist is a significant historical read, considering mass strikes and resistance since the times of Boudica to the neglectful incident of the Grenfell Tower. With fictionalised accounts from Kamila...
Read MoreAmong the country’s most hotly tipped singer/songwriters, get acquainted with Glenburn’s own John Rush. Hailing from Glenburn, have you always had aspirations of being a songwriter? My Mum was into Marc Bolan and my Dad loved Elvis so I grew up with music, but I think it would be hard not to be inspired...
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