Both Ends Against the Middle by Mairi Murphy Mothers knit the streets together: picking up dropped stitches of the careworn darning tears, dispensing gallus compassion, doling out rampant favouritism – cheeky bisoms shouting the odds, one slap fits all. Everyone named, everyone known, doors open, falling out, falling in, swinging lampposts, chalking beds, deliberate...
Read More35 years since he first graced a stage, Fred MacAulay discusses his career’s roots in Renfrewshire, his biggest highlights and more… Fresh from 18 holes at his local golf course, Fred MacAulay somehow seemed every bit the showman while sitting in his car as he does onstage. Almost unconsciously, he slipped into an anecdote...
Read MoreFor over 20 years, Star Project has been doing its utmost to support members of the community, now, chief executive Sharon McAulay and her award-winning team are doing everything they can to improve lives during the cost-of-living crisis Founded after a consultation which sought to find what people needed to know and what help...
Read MoreBrian Hannan, local author and manager of Abbey Books in Paisley, reviews Glasgow, The Clyde and Slavery by D. Pettigrew Britain was officially involved in the slave trade for 170 years, from Charles II granting a charter in 1663 until the Slave Abolition Act of 1833. It’s estimated that during that period British ships...
Read MoreAhead of his upcoming show at Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock, comedian Chris Forbes chats to us about his upbringing in Bridge of Weir, moving to America at 16 and more Although he may be hurtling towards Aberdeen for a run of shows that weekend, Bridge of Weir-born comedian Chris Forbes remains an engaging...
Read MoreBrian Hannan from Abbey Books in Paisley takes a look at a new crime novel, The Thief Takers by Patrick Pringle Notions of freedom proved an almost insuperable barrier to Britain having a competent police force for hundreds of years. In Europe, the land-based armies required to be maintained in case of war with a...
Read MoreBrian Hannan from Abbey Books in Paisley takes a look at a new crime novel, A Thief’s Justice by Douglas Skelton Every now and then a crime novel hits the bulls-eye. Until now Glasgow writer Douglas Skelton has been better known for non-fiction and his contemporary crime series featuring journalist Rebecca Connolly. That’s going to...
Read MoreReunited – the original Slab Boys and Girls remember the inspiration behind John Byrne’s iconic play It took Paisley to Broadway and has had Hollywood heavyweights including Sean Penn, Robbie Coltrane and Kevin Bacon playing its much-loved characters – but now, some of the original Slab Boys and Girls who worked with renowned Scottish...
Read MoreAfter maturing before the world’s eyes on Shetland, Erin Armstrong talks about her breakout role, staying grounded and stepping into a real person’s shoes in Lena One of the first things that strikes you about Houston-born actor Erin Armstrong is her apparent aversion to free time. In addition to her acting work, Erin has...
Read MoreAhead of the Abbey Books Summer Book Festival, organiser Brian Hannan interviews historical crime novelist Steven Veerapen What attracted you to the period of Henry VIII – the setting for Of Judgement Fallen? I’ve loved reading about this period since childhood – from Horrible Histories to the old 70s drama series on Henry and his...
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