Blog Archives - Paisley Scotland

More than 21,000 people headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Families enjoyed a full day of free, Christmas-themed fun, with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron carrying out the big switch on alongside Santa and X Factor stars, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.

They were helped by 11-year-old Taylor McPherson, from St Peter’s Primary School, who won the annual Christmas card design competition.

Earlier in the day the gathered crowds marvelled as the 300-strong parade, led by Santa himself, wound its way through the streets featuring festive floats, costumed characters and choreographed displays from local community groups and professional performers.

A new addition to this year’s event – the Winter Roller Disco – proved a firm favourite with visitors with hundreds taking a spin on the rink before the day was through.

The live stage offered plenty of music and entertainment with performances from; Funbox, The Swinging Santas, Nickajack Men and this year’s stage headliners, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie. A number of local community and school choirs also delighted visitors with classic carol performances in Paisley Abbey to help make everyone feel merry and bright.

Kids were given the chance to give their wish lists to Santa in his Grotto in The Piazza Shopping Centre. The Coats venue also offered plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained. There was also a funfair, Creative Craft Trail around the town’s local cafes and businesses and Crafty Christmas Market for people to do a little Christmas shopping.

This year the lights extend to the top of the High Street leading to a giant illuminated Christmas bauble in the grounds of the Coats venue, delivered in partnership with Paisley First. The bauble will be in place throughout the festive season, offering the perfect festive selfie spot.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron said: “The Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the big events in the winter calendar and this year didn’t disappoint with a packed programme with something for everyone.

“It was a great way to celebrate the start of the festive season and it was wonderful to see so many families and young people coming into the town to take part in the day.

“I’d like to take this chance to wish everyone a peaceful and Merry Christmas when it comes.”

The festive fun continues across Renfrewshire with Christmas Lights Switch-Ons in Renfrew on Saturday, 23 November and Johnstone on Saturday, 30 November.

Paisley First’s WinterFest also opens in the town centre on 23 November and runs daily until December 30, except for Christmas Day and is sure to provide even more opportunities for people to spend local.

To find out more about future events taking place please visit: https://paisley.is/list_event/.

16/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Events, Music, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Fireworks/Christmas Lights, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Council, renfrewshire events

Paisley Christmas Light Switch On Times

Step into Christmas in Paisley! We’ll be celebrating all things festive with Santa, his reindeer and a sleigh-load of free, family fun throughout Paisley town centre on Saturday 16 November from noon till 6 pm.

Gus from Pulse FM will kick things off on the live stage shortly before the tinsel-tastic Santa parade gathers, ready to process through the town centre on this year’s new, longer route from 12.30 pm.

With Santa in his sleigh and his trusty reindeer leading the way, this year’s 300-strong parade will dazzle spectators with its giant festive floats, costumed characters – including ice queens, delectable sweets, gingerbread men and roller-skating candlesticks – plus choreographed displays from local community groups.

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Times for Saturday 16th November

12:00-18:00

Crafty Christmas Market @ Piazza Shopping Centre

12:00-18:00

Winter Roller Disco @ County Square

12:00-18:00

Jolly Kids Zone @ Coats Venue

12:30

Santa Parade

13:30-14:15

Visit Santa’s reindeer @ UWS

13:30-18:00

Live Stage @ Gauze Street

13:45-16:00

Festive Choir Concerts @ Paisley Abbey

14:00-17:30

Santa’s Grotto @ Piazza Shopping Centre

18:00

Lights on!

And speaking of roller skates, we’ll also be operating a new Winter Roller Disco over in County Square. With skating sessions running throughout the day, you can test your balance on 4 wheels with a spin around our roller rink.

Coats Venue will be our jolly kids hub this year; a fantastic, free space that’s bursting like a Christmas cracker with things to do for young children. Head here to write your letter to Santa, make Christmas cards, get a glitter tattoo or take a yuletide selfie.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without carols either, and where better to hear them than the atmospheric Abbey. Make sure you stop in for a mince pie and a rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer before heading to the Piazza for a spot of shopping – courtesy of the Urban Market – and a visit to Santa in his Grotto!

For music and entertainment, head to our live stage. Here you’ll catch performances from Funbox, The Singing Santas, Nickajack Men and this year’s stage headliners, special guests Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.

With their help (and Santa’s magic!) we’ll countdown to Christmas before lighting up the town with the big switch-on at 6 pm. We hope we’ll see you there!

15/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Events, Glasgow, Music, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Photographs, People from Paisley, Press Release

Paisley Songwriter Lisa Kowalski will perform a new song for Paisley at New York Tartan Week 2020

Lisa Kowalski has received funding from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund (CHEF) to write and record a song that sings Paisley’s praises. The funding will also cover the production of a music video that will be set in and showcase the Paisley area.

The project will start in November 2019, when Lisa will consult with her Paisley buddies about what aspects of the town they think should feature in the song. Lisa will then use her award-winning songwriting skills to put together suitable lyrics and music and record the track locally. There will be opportunity for local artists to design artwork for the release of the song.

Once the song is completed, the shooting of the video will take place in and around Paisley, with potential for local people to feature in the filming. The song and video will be released early in 2020 and Lisa will head off to New York’s Tartan Week at the start of April to perform the song at a ceremony in Manhattan’s Bryant Park.

19-year-old Lisa started her music career 5 years ago, busking on Paisley High Street. She has always valued the support she has received from local people and organisations, having been named as a “woman of influence” by the Provost and “Paisley’s first lady of music” by Mike Dillon, Celtic FM presenter. Lisa considers her involvement in the Paisley 2021 UK City of Culture Bid and her invitation to New York Tartan Week 2018 to be two of the highlights of her musical journey. Her 2017 “Hearts of Gold” song and video, also about Paisley and also funded by the CHEF grant, attracted the attention of the American Scottish Foundation and resulted in the invite to New York. She therefore thought it would be wonderful to have a new Paisley song to take with her for her second visit, demonstrating that Paisley’s cultural ambition continues even though the town didn’t win the 2021 bid.

“Hearts of Gold” is a happy, catchy tune that tells the story of Lisa’s busking experiences, but Lisa aims to write her second Paisley tribute song in such a way that everyone can sing along to the lyrics and relate to the message – a real anthem.

Lisa started studying Commercial Music at the University of the West of Scotland this year and continues to pursue a career as a singer song writer. She hopes the music that she plans to release over the next two years will raise her profile as an artist, at the same time elevating Paisley as a town full of talent.

The Culture, Heritage and Events Fund is a cultural grants programme run by Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure. It sets out to raise cultural ambition, enhance participation and unlock creative potential in Renfrewshire.

15/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire Council is recruiting for Depute Heads of Centre and Heads of Centre jobs in nurseries across the area.

St John Bosco Nursery

Gillian Kinnear is the Head of Centre for Glendee Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Renfrew and says the job helps her make a difference for children and families.

She said: “I aspired to be a Head of Centre because I wanted to make a difference to the lives of children and their families.

“Nurturing is a key part of the job. Coming into a nursery should be a fun experience and one where people can turn to one another for support if they have something going on in their lives. That’s why I greet parents and children every morning when they come into nursery. It’s about building relationships and making sure I’m there if they need someone that morning.

“It’s the same philosophy I have with my team, making sure their needs are being met, that they have the training in place they need and want, as well as letting colleagues take the lead on initiatives, such as STEM and literacy, so they can learn and grow.

“We have around 100 children in our nursery at any one time and we make sure we have a broad range of quality learning experiences for them, including the outdoor areas that children can access at any time. We also have break-out areas for children to take some quiet time as it can get very busy in the play areas.

“Lunchtime is also an exciting time for children. They get to develop their social skills and have a routine of going to the same table with the same members of staff. They also develop social skills from visiting the local care home once a week and meeting their buddy there.

“Since I started working for a council-run nursery back in 2001, I have benefited from a range of training and development opportunities, including a BA in Childhood Practice and a Froebel Certificate in Early Childhood. It is definitely a benefit of working in this sector that you can learn on-the-job and develop your career.

“My role comes with a lot of responsibility, but I enjoy it and it has given me many opportunities to make a difference for families, and that’s what I really wanted. I’d recommend working towards a management role if that’s what you want to do too.”

To apply for a Depute Head of Centre or Head of Centre job, visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk.

13/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Johnstone residents are being urged to support local traders this Christmas – after members of the local business group signed up to the campaign to Spend Local in Renfrewshire.

Johnstone shop local

Research shows around 65p from every pound spent in the local area stays in the local area – so members of the Johnstone Business Consortium are encouraging residents to help support local jobs and services by doing just that.

Renfrewshire Council launched the Spend Local campaign earlier this year in Paisley in partnership with local business improvement district Paisley First – and is now rolling it out around the area.

The area has lots of independent businesses of all types and sizes – so the council is working with local business groups to promote what they offer and take some practical measures to encourage local trade.

Spend Local posters and window stickers are available to any Renfrewshire businesses for display.

Stacey Thomson, owner of the Pet Shop in Houston Court and a member of the Johnstone Business Consortium, said: “Johnstone has got a variety of different businesses.

“Because we are local to you we know what you are looking for you can come in and chat to us. So it’s like shopping with friends – we get to know your names and what you want.

“It’s important to Spend Local because if you don’t use the shops you will lose them. You can chat to people and get the knowledge and experience they have rather than buying online where you are faceless.

“Money spent in your local community stays in the local community rather than going abroad to some multinational company instead. It helps everything work the way it should – it keeps money here, it keeps jobs here, and it supports the services you need.”

Stacey was joined by the owners of two long-standing family-owned Johnstone businesses – Allan Henderson of Henderson’s Flowers and Carole McLellan of R Brown’s Shoe Repairs and Key Cutting.

If you own a business and would some Spend Local posters or window stickers to display in your own premises, please email hello@Paisley.is

Johnstone residents and visitors to the town will be able to Spend Local in the town in the coming weeks at two big events. First, the business consortium is hosting a Christmas Market from 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday 16 November offering free children’s activities and a visit from Santa himself.

Then, on Saturday 30 November when the town’s Christmas Lights switch-on takes place, with an afternoon of family entertainment planned in Houstoun Square.

Before then, Paisley and Renfrew will host their own festive switch-ons, on Saturday 16^th (Paisley) and Saturday 23^rd (Renfrew) – meaning residents can support businesses there too. See www.paisley.is or www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events for more on festive events.

13/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Residents are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the UK General Election on 12 December.

To vote in the election, residents must be registered on the electoral roll and this does not take place automatically if they pay council tax.

Anyone over the age of 14 in Scotland can register but to vote in this election, voters must be over 18 and a UK Citizen.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 26 November.

Kate Crawford, Renfrewshire VJB Electoral Registration Officer, said: “If you’re not already on the electoral register, you need to register to vote by midnight on Tuesday 26 November 2019 to vote in this election.

“It is important that you register as early as possible in case we need to check any details with you, so please register to vote online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.”

Anyone unable to visit a polling station on the day of the election can request a postal vote, with the application deadline being 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.

Due to the increased volume of mail in the run up to Christmas, postal voters are encouraged to complete and return their postal votes as soon as possible.

They can also request a proxy vote – where a person votes on their behalf – and the deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December.

For more information regarding electoral registration, please visit www.renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk or www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/GeneralElection2019.

12/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Pirates, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

PIRATES BACK IN ACTION

Paisley Pirates are back on home ice this SATURDAY in a mouth watering clash which sees them take on the high flying Murrayfield Racers in their final Stuart Robertson Cup match (face off 6.30pm). They will be looking to put on a show for their supporters after the disappointment of only managing a draw and a loss against North Ayrshire Wild last weekend in the same competition, and know that only a top performance will do against a side which beat them comfortably in the reverse fixture in Edinburgh a few weeks ago.

pirates

Head Coach Ian Turley commented,” We can’t keep using the excuse of being behind other teams when it comes to time spent of the ice. It’s unacceptable to be 5-1 behind on your own ice in front of fans who have paid good money to come and watch you. Sure, we have a couple of injuries but that happens and we really need to decide on our identity this year as so far we’ve been way off the mark and that simply won’t do.”

Off Ice Operations Manager Jackie Turley said, ”The Braehead Centre now in the run up to Christmas we’re hoping festive shoppers might take the opportunity to come along and treat themselves to watching two of Scotland’s top amateur ice hockey teams in action without breaking the bank in the process. With the match facing off at 6.30pm, it means they’ll still get home in plenty of time and we look forward to welcoming them along to the Braehead Arena for an early Christmas treat.”

12/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog

The Importance of Legal Education

Legal education is extremely important in today’s world because, aside from being professional education, it shapes the quality of the rule of law. The faculties of law in different institutions help students fulfill societal roles like becoming Lawyers, Judges, Public Servants, Politicians, Corporate Executives, and more.

Through legal education, students attain the necessary training to pursue different professions. Every law faculty is obligated to provide its students with the necessary legal knowledge and skills that allow them to develop competence.

The professions associated with law require individuals to engage with the right moral dimension. Factors such as the social function of law, as well as how the law interacts with other social controls, should all be put into consideration.

Anyone looking to pursue a career in law should be in a position to respect people’s way of life and interact with them in an ethical manner. A healthy society can only be achieved when the rule of law is balanced, and individuals in the law profession uphold it.

As a law student in today’s informative era, you’re lucky because you can easily buy college essays online each time you feel overwhelmed by an assignment. This means that you have all the tools to facilitate your success in college.

https://images.pexels.com/photos/534204/pexels-photo-534204.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=3&h=750&w=1260

1. Legal Education helps you Pursue a Lucrative Career

Public, as well as private practices, are always competing for the best candidates from low schools. When you study legal education, you open yourself up to a very lucrative job market. Since there is so much competition, it means you have to be an achiever to get a high paying job. Otherwise, you end up as one of the lesser lights in your career field.

If you have resources after attaining your undergraduate degree, consider getting admission to graduate school. This way, you have a competitive edge over other candidates. Alternatively, you can use your first entry job to save for your further studies.

In the legal profession, your educational background plays a huge role in what position you’re eligible for.

2. You get to Opportunity to Fight for People’s Rights

If you’re a human rights activist, you should seriously consider getting a legal education. A comprehensive understanding of the rule of law helps you fight for people’s rights. In today’s era, where people stand up for what they believe in with no fear, you can help facilitate movements that don’t cross any line.

After all, fighting against oppressive systems the wrong way beats the whole purpose of you doing it. Movements need to show that equality can be achieved without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Aside from movements and strikes, you can also ensure you make a contribution towards phasing out discrimination. There are victims of discrimination in almost every sphere of life. In could be medical care, access to education, and public services, just to mention a few.

Did you know that even public housing tenants have rights that need to be protected? The law has provisions that ensure individuals who are not homeowners also enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Ensure you make a Contribution to Society

The society is always in need of individuals who are well vast then it comes to the rule of law. With the understanding that not everyone can pursue a legal education, you need to take your studies very seriously. This way, you can make your contribution to society.

Everyone in a community has a role to play. As a law professional, yours is to ensure individuals are informed about what the law requires of them in different circumstances.

Conclusion

Legal education is quite essential in today’s society because it helps shape the rule of law. As a law student, you need to take your studies if you’re to contribute to the development and advancement of your community.

12/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

The family-favourite, free event will begin at 12pm on Saturday 16 November before Santa and his sleigh ride into town at 12.30pm to lead the 300-strong parade that will greet the gathered crowds.

The parade will have a new, extended route for 2019 and is set to wow spectators with giant festive floats, costumed characters and choreographed displays from local community groups and professional performers. Following the parade there will be a number of street performers entertaining the crowds.

Visitors can take a spin around the Winter Roller Disco in County Square – a new addition to this year’s event it’s sure to be a family favourite with six sessions taking place throughout the day.

The live stage will offer plenty of music and entertainment with performances from; Funbox, The Swinging Santas, Nickajack Men and this year’s stage headliners, special guests – X Factor stars, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.

For those looking for a more traditional Christmas celebration there will be a series of local community and school choirs performing classic carols in Paisley Abbey – a sure way to get everyone in the festive mood.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained as Coats Memorial will be transformed into the perfect Christmas playground bursting with activities to keep the little ones entertained such as writing letters to Santa, making Christmas cards, face painting, soft play and much more.

Kids can meet Santa at his Grotto in The Piazza Shopping Centre to tell him what’s on their Christmas list, while those looking to do a bit of Christmas shopping can head to the festive Urban Market offering plenty of fabulous gift ideas.

A Creative Craft Trail will be taking place as part of the event in some of the town’s fantastic local cafes and businesses, where visitors can learn to make festive jewellery, decorations and fascinators among other activities.

The big finale moment of the day will be the switch-on moment which will take place at the Live Stage at 6pm.

This year the lights will extend to the top of the High Street leading to a giant illuminated Christmas bauble, delivered in partnership with Paisley First. The bauble will be located in the grounds of Coats venue offering the perfect festive selfie spot.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron said: “Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is a fantastic family day out with plenty of opportunities to get the whole family in the festive mood.

“This year’s event is even bigger with a longer parade route and children’s activities taking place in the stunning Coats venue.

“It’s sure to attract lots of visitors to the town centre and encourage people to see what fantastic festive goodies they can get their hands on in some of our great local businesses.”

There will also be a funfair at the event located on Bridge Street with smaller rides on Gilmour Street.

To find out more about future events taking place please visit: https://paisley.is/list_event/.

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Tickets for the Roller Disco are £2 including booking fee and e-ticket charge and skate hire is included in this charge. Children under 8 years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

Sessions are limited to 40 places.

You can purchase tickets in advance here: https://paisley.is/winter-roller-disco/

A quiet space will be located in POP inside the Piazza Shopping Centre and Coats Venue -this will be an autism friendly space with soft lighting, comfortable seating and noise cancelling headphones.

11/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paisley Cenotaph Remembrance Sunday Service

Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as hundreds attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday, with the largest service taking place at the Cenotaph in Paisley town centre.

More than 200 people paid their respects as military personnel from the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy paraded around the town centre before finishing at the Cenotaph.

A short service then saw a series of readings by local ministers, before the Royal British Legion presented their standards.

A bugler played a moving rendition of the Last Post ahead of the traditional two-minute silence, following which wreaths were laid on behalf of the Armed Forces, schools, local organisations and community groups.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Renfrewshire, said: “This weekend provides us all with an opportunity to pay our respects to the Armed Forces, past and present, for all they do to keep us safe, while remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out to services across Renfrewshire and it shows the spirit within our communities that they want to come together to show their appreciation for our service personnel.

“It’s also great to see the interaction between our veterans and young people each year as we educate the next generation on why it’s so important that we mark Armistice Day and encourage them to continue this tradition in years to come.”

Renfrewshire’s weekend of remembrance began on Friday 8 November as the annual Children’s Remembrance Service took place at the joint-campus of Mossvale and St James Primary in Paisley.

Depute Provost, Councillor Cathy McEwan, joined veterans from the Royal British Legion as they visited the school to see a presentation from the pupils on what they’ve learned about Armistice Day, before speaking about their experiences of having served in the Armed Forces.

For more information, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/RemembranceServices2019.

10/11/2019/by Brian McGuire