An oral history of Paisley Radicals: Catalysts for Change

In March of 2020, Edinburgh-based live arts production house Civil Disobedience were commissioned to craft a creative response to the 200th anniversary of the Radical War and Paisley’s role therein by Renfrewshire Council. Courtesy of the challenges that the year presented, this project – which eventually became Paisley Radicals: Catalysts for Change – would push them... Read More

The Life and Times of Jane Arthur – Not The Weaker Vessel part 1

In the first of a series of articles that looks back upon some of Renfrewshire’s pioneering figures that helped to mould our area into the prosperous and forward-thinking community that it is, artist and heritage consultant Lil Brookes guides us through the revolutionary and civic duty-led life of Jane Arthur. The bells of the... Read More

From Kashmir to Renfrewshire

Dress and Textiles History Scholar Lucy McConnell transports us back to the heyday of textile production in Renfrewshire at the time of the Paisley shawl. Recognised for its level of production and the quality of industrial output, Renfrewshire was a major manufacturer of textiles across numerous decades. As woven textile production spread throughout the... Read More

Sma’ Wonders in Shuttle Street

The 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 More

Renfrew Town Hall

The rich and varied history of Renfrew is brought to life inside one of its oldest buildings. When Renfrew Town Hall was fully refurbished in 2012, the idea was to preserve the building as an historic landmark while opening up its facilities for local residents and visitors. That plan was a success, as these... Read More