Braehead Archives - Paisley Scotland

The Beat the Street challenge taking place across Renfrewshire has entered its Go Active-themed week on Wednesday, 13th October to encourage participants to find new activities and sports to try out.

This week, players can celebrate Go Active week from 11am-2pm on Wednesday, 13th October at Thomas Shanks Public Park to try out free sporting activities with coaches. There will be a mobile Beat Box for bonus points, and players can also have their bikes checked over by Dr Bike.

The idea of the Go Active themed week is that people will find something that they might not have tried before to help them continue to keep up their new active habits after the Beat the Street competition comes to an end on Wednesday 27 October and to explore the sports and leisure options on offer.

Nearly 6,200 people have signed up to play the Beat the Street Renfrewshire game that is currently taking place across the towns and villages of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch. Together, participants have walked, cycled, wheeled, run and scooted an incredible 42,000 miles so far in the competition. This has triggered a donation of £100 to MND Scotland. A further £100 will be donated when players reach a collective active travel mileage of 45,000 miles.

Teams of all varieties, including schools, community groups and workplaces have been battling it out for the past several weeks across the average and total points leaderboards to take home prizes of vouchers for books if they top the leaderboard. There are also prizes for individuals and ‘lucky spot’ prizes just for taking part.

Fordbank Primary School remains at the top of the total points leaderboard and The Wild Girls top the average points leaderboard with Active Communities in second place. One of their players said: “It gets me out even when it’s raining, as I want to help my team and my health is reaping the benefits.”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “The aim of Beat the Street is to encourage our communities to become more active and to incorporate those healthy habits into their lifestyles over the long-term so they become part of people’s lifestyles. The Go Active themed week is a celebration of all the ways you can get moving in Renfrewshire and a fantastic opportunity to try out something new without any pressure.”

Beat the Street Renfrewshire has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and is funded by The Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.

Anyone of any age is invited to take part and you can still get involved now by picking up a card from one of the distribution points on www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire More information is available on social media @RenfrewshireBTS

12/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Having honed his talents on the cycle routes of Renfrewshire, Jack Carlin hopes to inspire a peloton of cyclists to follow in his footsteps after winning silver and bronze at the Tokyo Olympic Games this summer.

Born and brought up in Paisley, Jack spent his younger years as a footballer but after an injury put him into the saddle as part of his recovery, football soon became a distant memory.

Using Renfrewshire’s many safe cycle routes, Jack developed his love of cycling and now, thanks to Renfrewshire Council’s new #YouDecide campaign, Jack hopes to inspire the next generation of cyclists and support those who just love getting out on their bikes.

Jack said: “I’ve been using the cycle routes around Renfrewshire since I was young and it’s on them that my love of cycling really started to develop and I believe it’s so important that all cyclists have the opportunity to get out on their bikes.

“Obviously in my case, it has led to a career and ultimately competing at the Olympics, but it’s so important that people of all ages have the chance to cycle safely around where they live ad enjoy cycling for what it brings to their physical and mental health.

“It’s great that this new campaign will give people the chance to put forward improvements to their local cycle route or even suggest new ones and I’d encourage everyone to get involved – it’s our chance to have our say and make a positive difference to our local area.”

The #YouDecide campaign is the first Community Choices project of its kind undertaken by Renfrewshire Council and gives the community the chance to decide how part of the Council’s budget is spent.

A total of £1.2million has been allocated to the campaign from the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure budget and ideas are being sought for possible infrastructure upgrades in Renfrewshire, such as road safety initiatives, new walking or cycling routes, park upgrades or outdoor gym equipment.

The ideas process open until Sunday 14 November 2021 and can be submitted online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide or via post boxes placed in libraries, leisure centres and Morrisons supermarkets across Renfrewshire.

Officers will carry out a feasibility study on each idea and, once complete, a shortlist of all viable projects will be put to a public vote in early 2022.

Local people will then have the chance to choose the ones they’d like to see completed in their area, with the Council carrying out the work on the successful projects

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “It was incredible to see Jack’s success at this summer’s Olympics, especially knowing that he’d started his journey here in Renfrewshire.

“We’re want to ensure people are able to cycle safely throughout Renfrewshire and it just goes to show the importance of providing safe cycle routes as we may be inspiring the next Olympic athlete for Team GB.

“A new cycle route is just one possible idea though that you can submit as part of the #YouDecide campaign and we want as many and as wide a range of ideas as possible so, if there’s an infrastructure improvement that you would like completed in your area then submit it to us now.

“This is another chance for the Council and the community to work together to make Renfrewshire a better place to live, work and visit so don’t miss your chance to have your say.”

For more information and to submit an idea, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide.

11/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Business, economy, Events, Glasgow, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

Braehead rolls out the red carpet to become Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly Shopping Centre

BRAEHEAD has been named Scotland’s first Dementia Friendly Shopping Centre for their on-going partnership with the national charity, Alzheimer Scotland.

Staff at the shopping and leisure destination have been trained by the charity as Dementia Friends, so they can make life easier and more comfortable for people living with dementia when they visit the centre.

The team running the Braehead Centre have also placed coloured mats at the mall’s entrances instead of black mats, as they can appear as a hole in the ground to someone with dementia

The Alzheimer Scotland Purple Alert app has been downloaded on to staff phones and linked to the Braehead Centre’s control room, as a vital tool in finding someone with dementia who is lost.

And one modern wash hand basin tap in each toilet has been replaced with a traditional pillar tap, as it is more recognisable to someone with dementia. Signage in the centre has also been placed at eye level.

Staff from Alzheimer Scotland were given free mall space at Braehead every day last week between Monday, October 4 and Friday, October 8 to let people know about the many services they provide and how they can help people with dementia, their carers and families.

Dementia awareness-raising sessions were hosted by Anne McWhinnie, from Alzheimer Scotland in the mall’s central atrium every day.

Anne said: “Hats off to Braehead for everything they are doing and being hugely supportive. They are now officially the first Dementia Friendly Shopping Centre in Scotland.

“We’re really excited about what Braehead is doing for us and it’s fantastic. A recent survey we carried out showed that people living with dementia still want to go shopping and Braehead will give them a positive experience when they visit the centre.”

Braehead’s community development manager, Lydia Brown said: “We aim to make everyone’s visit to Braehead as comfortable and safe as possible.

“And we’ll do all we can to make sure people with dementia can enjoy the shops, cafes and restaurants like everyone else does.

“The staff have enjoyed their training from Alzheimer Scotland gaining more awareness of what they can do to make life easier for people with dementia, their carers, families and friends when they come to Braehead.”

Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour helpline is available by calling 0808 808 3000.

10/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

YOUNGSTERS can enjoy a variety of sports and fun activities if they come along to Renfrewshire Leisure’s October Activity Camps.

Running from October 11 to 15, between 10am and 3pm during the school holidays, the camps for Primary school-aged children – run by Active Schools Renfrewshire – are jam-packed with various sports, games, arts and crafts and dance classes.

They are taking place at the ON-X, in Linwood, Johnstone Community Sports Hub and The Lagoon, in Paisley.

The multi-activity camps at the ON-X feature sessions in various activities, including archery, bushcraft, orienteering, dodgeball, rounders and many more sports and fun activities. An early drop off at 8am and late pick up at 5:30pm is available.

A football camp run in partnership with the SFA and Renfrewshire Leisure Sports Services is being held at Johnstone Community Sports Hub, during the school holiday week.

These camps are suitable for all primary-aged youngsters, no matter what their football experience and are organised by qualified SFA coaches, in line with the National Player Pathway.

The camps aim to improve skill level, teamwork, fitness and communication. Players will improve through a combination of coaching, skills challenges and small-sided games, all based around enjoyment and having fun.

Johnstone Community Sports Hub hosts a dance and movement camp featuring a variety of styles from street dance, disco, cheer to lyrical, ballet and jazz.

The sessions will be delivered by experienced dance coaches at UKCC Level 1 and 2, using fun games, activities and routines.

Movement will range from stretching, conditioning, floor and vault skills. General skills will be based around rolls, handstands, cartwheels, round off, bridges, walk over and progressions.

An Active Families Disability Sport and Activity Club for Primary-aged children is being held on Wednesday, October 13 at 3:15-4:15pm and 4:15-5:15pm, at the ON-X, in Linwood; and on Thursday October 14 between 4:30-5:30pm,at the Lagoon Leisure Centre for young people of secondary school age.

Attendees will be able to take part in a club where two bouncy castles will be on offer, as well as the opportunity to take part in sports activities led by qualified coaches. These will include: boccia, archery, football, basketball and frisbee golf.

This family club is available to any family with a young person with a disability and/or sensory impairment and siblings are welcome.

A parent or guardian must stay with the participant for the duration of the club and are actively encouraged to take part.

When a rest is required, soft drinks and snacks will be available. This hour-long club allows all the family to take part in fun activities.

Mark Tokeley, Head of Leisure and Community Services at Renfrewshire Leisure said: “We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy during the school holiday.

“The activities we provide for the young people are not only great fun, but they are beneficial to their health and fitness.

“These camps are a great opportunity for youngsters to keep active, learn new skills and meet new friends at the same time.”

Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/october-activity-camps-2021 for more information on the camps and details of prices and to book go to www.renfrewshire-leisure.class4kids.co.uk.

06/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Team GB’s double medal winning cyclist Jack Carlin has helped launch Renfrewshire Council’s brand-new campaign #YouDecide which gives local communities control over part of the Council’s budget.

Local people are being asked to submit their ideas for infrastructure projects, such as road safety initiatives, new walking or cycling routes, outdoor gyms, or anything which they know will make their community a better place to live, work and visit.

It forms part of the Council’s commitment to community empowerment and £1.2million has been allocated from the Environment and Infrastructure budget across three years (2020-2023).

Having honed his talents on the cycle routes of Renfrewshire, Jack hopes new and improved cycle routes will inspire the next generation of cyclists and support those who just love getting out on their bikes.

Jack said: “Safe cycle routes are so important as I really believe that cycling is a great way to improve your mental and physical health and everyone should have the opportunity to get out on their bikes safely and to have fun.

“This new campaign is a great opportunity for us to tell the Council what improvements are needed to our local cycle paths – and even suggest new ones – so please get your ideas in as soon as you can.

“It’s a chance to make real improvements to our local area, not just for cycle paths but for anything that we know might not be on the Council’s radar but needs an upgrade.

“So get involved, tell your friends and let’s decide together what this money should be spent on.”

The #YouDecide campaign is the first Community Choices project of its kind undertaken by Renfrewshire Council and gives the community the chance to decide how part of the Council’s budget is spent.

Ideas are being sought for possible infrastructure upgrades in Renfrewshire, with the ideas process open until Sunday 14 November 2021, and they can be submitted online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide or via post boxes placed in libraries, leisure centres and Morrisons supermarkets across Renfrewshire.

Officers will carry out a feasibility study on each idea and, once complete, a shortlist of all viable projects will be put to a public vote in early 2022.

Local people will then have the chance to choose the ones they’d like to see completed in their area, with the Council carrying out the work on the successful projects.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We want to involve our communities in decision making around how we spend our budget as there is no substitute for local knowledge.

“We know that local people will know exactly what is needed where they live and often it’s not something that we as Council could be aware of until people tell us.

“So, this substantial allocation from the record investment we’ve put into our roads budget will allow projects to be delivered that will make a real, tangible difference for people across Renfrewshire and I’d encourage everyone to put forward their ideas, no matter how big or small.

“This is another chance for us to work together as a Council and a community so let us know how we can make a positive difference to your neighbourhood.”

The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 requires local authorities to promote and facilitate public participation in the decision and activity of the authority, including the allocation of resources.

It has been shown that better community engagement and participation leads to the delivery of more responsive services and better outcomes for communities.

Community Choices allows communities to discuss and agree on how a percentage of the budget can be spent in their area.

For more information and to submit an idea, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide.

05/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Go Wild for Beat the Street Renfrewshire!

Organisers of the Beat the Street Renfrewshire game are inviting participants to Go Wild this week!

The themed week starts on Wednesday, 6th October with the aim of encouraging local residents to explore their local parks, waterways and green spaces. There will be bonus points on certain Beat Boxes plus the opportunity to win prizes in a competition to design a birdhouse where the winners will be chosen by the RSPB in Lochwinnoch.

Already, nearly 6,000 people have signed up and have together travelled nearly 34,000 miles across the towns and villages of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch.

There are leaderboards for school, community, workplace teams and individuals. The top school team on the total and average points leaderboards will win vouchers for books or sport equipment. Additionally, MND Scotland could receive a charity donation of up to £500. The community has reached its first milestone, triggering a £100 donation. If players reach 35,000 miles, the next £100 will be donated.

Currently, Fordbank Primary School is at the top of the total points leaderboard, but it’s still all to play for!

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’re delighted with how Beat the Street is going so far and it’s great to see people out exercising and exploring Renfrewshire.

“It’s amazing how we tend to stick to the same tried and tested routes when out walking or cycling, but the game has opened up the idea of exploring our towns and villages, which is revealing new areas and parks people might not have been to before, even if they’ve lived there for years.

“Beat the Street is a positive and community-focused way of encouraging people to get more active, by walking, cycling and wheeling around this beautiful area, plus it’s more important than ever to get as fit and healthy as possible”.

Beat the Street Renfrewshire has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and is funded by The Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.

Anyone of any age is invited to take part in the free game and you can still get involved for the remaining weeks. Just pick up a card from one of the distribution points listed at www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire or search for @RenfrewshireBTS on social media

04/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

The Renfrewshire Bereavement Network, comprising local hospices ACCORD and St Vincent’s, as well as the Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Renfrewshire Council and RAMH, has recently launched a new grief and bereavement service for families in Renfrewshire.

The Network aims to provide support to people in the Renfrewshire area who are experiencing loss or dealing with grief – by offering access to the most appropriate advice, guidance and counselling available – all from a single point of access.

People who need support will be able to self-refer by contacting a new helpline where they can discuss the help they need. After an assessment, staff who have been trained to manage calls, will aim to make sure they receive the most appropriate support for their individual circumstances.

The service is available to adults in the Renfrewshire area, regardless of their gender, social group or location.

If you know of anyone who needs to get in touch with the Renfrewshire Bereavement Network, they can do so by calling 0800 038 6020 or by emailing: support@renfbn.org.uk.

For more information visit: www.renfbn.org.uk

30/09/2021/by Brian McGuire

1. Beat the Street Renfrewshire enters its Go Travel week

Players in the Beat the Street Renfrewshire game can clock up double points this week by leaving the car at home.

From Wednesday, 29^th September, this week is ‘Go Travel’ week where people are encouraged to think about walking or cycling to work or school rather than taking the car, with double points on offer during traditional commuting hours.

Taking place until Wednesday 27 October, Beat the Street has transformed the towns and villages of Bridge of Weir, Elderslie, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Linwood, Johnstone and Lochwinnoch into a real-life game with players tapping special sensors called Beat Boxes dotted across the area.

The free physical activity game encourages players of all ages to get active and to ditch the car, and walk, scoot, wheel, cycle or run instead.

Participants in Beat the Street Renfrewshire have already racked up 26,300 miles and more than 5,630 people have signed up to take part and it’s not too late to get involved.

There are total and average points leaderboards for schools, community teams and charities with vouchers for the teams that travel the furthest, plus you can help chosen charity MND Scotland get a potential donation of £500!

Currently, Fordbank Primary School leads the total points leaderboard and Johnstone High School leads the average points leaderboard.

Vhari Duncan, Principal Teacher, Bridge of Weir Primary School, said: “Families at Bridge of Weir Primary are loving taking part in Beat the Street, especially on their walk to and from school. We have been using our brand-new social media accounts to motivate children and to keep families up to date with how we are rating on the leaderboard!”

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We are really enjoying seeing people getting out and playing the game. It’s great to see people of all ages making the most of the chance to get outdoors and doing their best to leave the car at home wherever possible.

“Keep getting involved over the next few weeks for the chance to win prizes and to raise money for the Provost’s chosen charity MND Scotland.”

Beat the Street Renfrewshire has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with Renfrewshire Leisure and is funded by The Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, administered by Paths for All. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.

More information will be available at www.beatthestreet.me/renfrewshire and on social media @RenfrewshireBTS

28/09/2021/by Brian McGuire

The deadline for entry for the ROCCO’s (the annual business awards of Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce) has been extended to Midnight on Monday 27th September. The Rocco’s are Renfrewshire’s premier business event now in their 17th year and will take place on Friday 19th November at the Normandy Hotel. For the third year the ROCCO Main Sponsor is Paisley.Is, the destination brand for Paisley & Renfrewshire.

Chamber chief exec’ Bob Grant commented. “Entries are coming in thick and fast but you still have time to gain recognition. Many companies have great stories to share as we celebrate everything our business community has achieved together in challenging times. Resilience, recovery, andrebuilding sustainably are all key themes for ROCCO 2021.

“Thank you to all our category sponsors, without their support, the ROCCO’s would not be possible. I encourage businesses & organisations from all sectors to enter. Winning a ROCCO is a great achievement – the process we follow for selecting a winner is taken very seriously.

Across the 17 categories we have something for everyone;from a sole trader or young entrepreneur & community group to well established SMEs and large corporates. You can enter as many categories as you wish, good luck!”

The ROCCO’s are free to enter for members based anywhere plus non-members that are based in Renfrewshire. The 17categories this year are:

The ROCCO’s are free to enter for members based anywhere plus non-members that are based in Renfrewshire. The 17 categories this year are:

ROCCO Award for Environmental Sustainability – Sponsored by Paisley Is

ROCCO Award for Developing the Young Workforce –sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce (West)

ROCCO Award for Innovation & Technology – sponsored by Creation IP

ROCCO Award for Excellence in Manufacturing -sponsoredby National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

ROCCO Award for International Trade -sponsored by Glasgow Airport

ROCCO Award for Excellence in Business Resilience – sponsored by Invest in Renfrewshire

ROCCO Award for Employer of the Year – sponsored by West College Scotland

ROCCO Award for Most Promising New Business -sponsored by Renfrewshire Council

ROCCO Award for Family Business of the Year – sponsored by The Malcolm Group

ROCCO Award for Young Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Rolls Royce

ROCCO Award for Resilience in Tourism – sponsored by Paisley.is

ROCCO Award for Community Champion – sponsored by Engage Renfrewshire and the Royal Bank of Scotland

ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business 5 or fewer employees – sponsored by Braehead

ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business <25 employees – sponsored by University of the West of Scotland

ROCCO Award for Outstanding Performing Business >25 employees – sponsored by Doosan Babcock

ROCCO Award for Business Leader of the Year – sponsored by Diageo

ROCCO Award for Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business – Sponsored by The Paisley Daily Express. To nominate your favourite business please email gavin.mcinally@reachplc.comby noon on Wed 6th October and explain why they deserve to win in 100 words. Please include ROCCO AWARD in the subject header, name of the business, your own name, addressand phone number.

The awards are open for entry until the 27th September. Shortlist will be announced early October and the winners announced at our awards ceremony on Friday 19th November at The Normandy Hotel hosted by Fred MacAulay.

On the night a charity raffle will support 2 charities including St Vincents Hospice and Kidney Research UK.

For more info and to enter / book a table – please visit www.roccoawards.com
The social medial hashtag is #2021Rocco

17/09/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Business, Glasgow, Newsletter, Paisley, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

Working at Braehead is just the job as staff say ‘come and join us’

SECURITY and cleaning staff at the Braehead Centre have issued a message to anyone looking for a job: “Come and join us – this is a great place to work.”

The shopping and leisure destination is hiring new staff and are looking for people to work with both the security and cleaning teams at the popular mall.

A recruitment drive has been launched and two special events for anyone interested in working at Braehead are being held in the marketing suite, on the top floor of the centre, between 5pm and 8pm on Monday, September 20 and 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday, September 22.

Staff already employed at Braehead yesterday told how much they enjoy working at the mall and encouraged people who are looking for a job, or fancy a career change to apply for one of almost a dozen positions currently available.

Almost six years ago, Louise Reynolds was a hairdresser, but wanted a change of career. She got a job as a security officer at Braehead and since then has been put through various training courses and promoted to security co-ordinator.

Louise says: “Working at Braehead is more than just a job – it’s like we’re all a family here.

“If you want to improve yourself and move up the career ladder, the company will invest in you with all kinds of training.”

Margaret Tazzar is an environmental co-ordinator at Braehead with responsibility for organising the cleaning staff at the mall. She’s worked at Braehead since it opened 22 years ago and says:

“I love my job and every day is different. There’s a great team working here and the morale and the banter between us is really good.”

Hasham Shazad has been a member of the security staff for the past two years. He adds: “This is a great working environment and the job certainly keeps you fit and active.

“I get a lot of job satisfaction being able to help people. A lot of visitors to Braehead are regulars and you get to know them. It certainly makes your day when people come up to you and ask how you are doing.”

Braehead’s Security and Environmental Manager, Paul-Scott Wiggins said: “The aim of our recruitment events is to allow people to drop in and discuss the roles, duties and benefits with the centre’s team leaders in a more casual setting as opposed to a formal interview.

“We’re looking forward to meeting everyone who would like to come and work at Braehead and we’ll answer any questions they have about the jobs available.”

Anyone wishing to contact Braehead before or after the recruitment events directly can send an email to braehead.information@savillspm.co.uk or call 0141 885 1441.

10/09/2021/by Brian McGuire

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson has urged eligible families to apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment.

The one-off payment of £252.50, administered by Social Security Scotland, is made to families when a child is old enough to start primary school. The payment can be used to buy everyday supplies like a new pair of shoes, books and school bags.

More than £10 million has been paid in Best Start Grant School Age Payments to families across Scotland since the benefit launched in June 2019.

Applications are currently open for children born between 1 March 2016 and 28 February 2017. Parents or carers have until 28 February 2022 to apply.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment is part of the package of five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland. The package includes Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods and is available to families receiving tax credits or certain benefits.

Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said:

“As children enter education for the first time, it is vital that the youngest people in our society get what they need to thrive. Whether it be a new pair of shoes or books or paints for an art project, the Scottish Government is committed to providing extra help to give every child the best start in life.

“We know that covering the costs of starting school can be difficult. So, I am urging families who may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more.

“Even if you are deferring your child’s start date until next year or home schooling, please remember to apply before the closing date. We are keen to ensure parents and carers receive all the financial support they can apply for, such as a school clothing grant and free school meals.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that people are supported and encouraged to access all of the benefits they are entitled to, and will invest in new partnerships between schools and advice services to help expand these vital links for families.

“I am proud that we are already delivering a social security system that is there for people when and where they need it, that is fair and straightforward to access, and that encourages and supports people to get the financial support they are entitled to.”

Glasgow-mum-of-three Becky Taylor successfully applied online for the payment ahead of her daughter Bella (aged 4) starting P1 at St Roch’s Primary School in Royston this week.

Becky said: “It can be hard at this time of year but the Best Start Grant School Age Payment covered everything we would need for Bella. I was able to buy her uniform, school bag and shoes as well as things like tights and socks.

“I was able to do the whole process online and it was easy. People should look into seeing if it is something they are entitled to and apply.”

Visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222 to find out more or apply.

20/08/2021/by Brian McGuire

Announcement, Blog, Braehead, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Pirates, Press Release

Paisley Pirates Latest News

Paisley Pirates fans are celebrating the announcement that their favourites will be back in action for season 2021/22. The news was confirmed by Pirates’ Off-Ice Operations Manager Jackie Turley, after Pirates’ management had met with Glasgow Clan’s Gareth Chalmers to discuss steps necessary to ensure both clubs would be able to compete in their respective leagues for the new season. It is anticipated that other meetings will take place as the season draws nearer.

“After the uncertainty of the last 18 months it’s great to be planning for a new season, albeit one which will be restricted for a few short weeks,“ she told the “Paisley Daily Express”. “Clan had already announced that it was likely they would be unable to take to home ice until early November and we are in the same position as our partners.” We’d all like to be playing at Braehead Arena much earlier, but this situation remains immeasurably better than that which the clubs were in 12 months ago, when there was no prospect of ice hockey either in the short or longer term, and we know that both sets of fans will look forward to their respective opening nights with huge anticipation following the enforced break.”

“We understand that people will be disappointed to a certain extent by the slightly shorter season, but on the other hand, the prospect of being part of something special at Braehead Arena, being part of a new era for the sport in the area, offers a much more extended period of activity to look forward to and enjoy in the long term. So we hope that players and fans alike will feel able to wait that little bit longer for their favourite sport to be back at Braehead Arena, and be part of that very special atmosphere, rather than maybe wander off to other teams starting earlier by a few weeks and miss out on a special experience which we believe will continue for some considerable time, rather than just a few weeks.

“I’m told that when Pirates first opened the Arena in February 2007, very late in that season, players and supporters felt the very unique atmosphere generated, indeed we played in front of a crowd of almost 2,500 in our inaugural match, which is still an SNL record attendance. Pirates have been one of the top clubs in the SNL since that opening and we’ve every intention of keeping it that way. We want players and supporters to have the opportunity to be part of something special. We want them to be part of this new age for ice hockey at Braehead Arena and by coming along to play for and/or support their new look teams they can do just that!”

09/08/2021/by Danielle McGuire

Newsletter

#PositivePaisley

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