Two 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 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 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...
Read MoreRenowned for her work both in front of the camera and gazing through the viewfinder, we spoke to Scotland’s own Marianna Palka about her career, art’s galvanising power and more. As she sits in St Louis Café Bar on Dumbarton Road, Marianna Palka bears none of the hallmarks that you’d expect from someone who...
Read MoreFresh from her return to the tumultuous world of River City, we met Paisley-born Carmen Pieraccini to discuss family, finding her feet in the acting world and much more. On a brisk Tuesday morning, Carmen Pieraccini meandered around Barshaw Park for the first time in years. As her five-month-old son napped blissfully in his...
Read MoreHailing from Linwood, we spoke to modelling prospect Emily Trotter about her journey. How did you get started in the modelling industry? It began at 15 when I was scouted by Elite Modelling agency. At the time I wasn’t the age they were looking for so they were unable to sign me. My dad...
Read MoreThe acclaimed playwright, performer and author, Alan Bissett, has started gigging again following a move to Lochwinnoch and the birth of his second child. Words by Nadine McBay. Alan Bissett published his debut novel Boyracers soon after graduating from the University of Stirling. The Pink Floyd super-fan grew up in Hallglen, the Falkirk housing...
Read MoreOne of the UK’s foremost soul and disco DJ’s, we spoke to Paisley native Al Kent about his origins as a mod, how he entered the club world and more. What was your gateway into soul music? “I was still at school at the time. My generation were the second wave of mods from...
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...
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