Economy | Paisley Scotland

West College Scotland (WCS) has become the first Scottish college to achieve the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation.

WCS is committed to ensuring young adult carers in the west of Scotland have the same opportunities and access to high quality Further Education as those without care responsibilities. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and wider society, but in doing so can miss out on other life chances. The changes West College Scotland has introduced are aimed at ensuring local young adult carers have the chance to achieve their full potential.

Working with the Lottery-funded Driving Change Project, which aims to improve the support available to young adult carers in Further Education across the UK, West College Scotland has actively removed some of the barriers that can prevent young carers from accessing continued education, developed new policies and procedures, improved access to bespoke support and raised awareness – including demonstrating good practice in supporting carers in the wider community.

Iain Forster-Smith, Assistant Principal Student Life and Skills at West College Scotland said:

“We are delighted to have achieved the Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support accreditation. Student Carers must cope with the extra pressure of caring for a loved one and this award acknowledges that we recognise their contribution and have robust Student Carer support services in place and a fantastic team supporting our students.”

He added, “WCS works closely with local services such as Carers Trust Scotland, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire Carers Centre, and Y-Sort It in West Dunbartonshire which provide wraparound support for Student Carers covering finance, networking and physiological needs. This really is a fantastic recognition of the hard work, commitment and innovation which has been going on across the College.’

The Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) assessment report on WCS observed “West College Scotland has implemented effective systems and processes to support early identification of student carers and ensured cross-college uniformity in provision. The Student Services team show a clear commitment to developing support for YACs alongside other vulnerable student groups. There is clear evidence of wide cross-college commitment and understanding of processes and responsibilities, and staff recognise the benefits of new developments for students.”

Naomi Sykes, QSCS Development Worker, Carers Federation Limited said:

“The Carers Federation Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) accreditation demonstrates West College Scotland’s commitment to improving access to education for young and young adult carers.”

The Quality Standard criteria helps schools, colleges and universities develop effective processes to identify student carers and to improve their wellbeing, learning experiences and educational outcomes. Importantly, the process helps participating organisations to provide consistent provision of support and enables them to monitor the collective and individual outcomes for their students with caring roles.

Naomi added, “West College Scotland has developed comprehensive systems to ensure student carers are recognised and supported to achieve their aspirations and goals, raising awareness of young and young adult carers across the college and increasing understanding of the additional challenges they face in education.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive, Learning and Work Institute said:

“Many congratulations to West College Scotland for becoming the first college in Scotland to achieve the Driving Change quality standard in carers support. Young adult carers make a huge contribution to their families and society, yet they too often miss out on vital opportunities and support. The changes that the college has put in place will give local young adult carers the chance to pursue their talents and achieve their potential. We look forward to working with many other colleges in Scotland to build on the achievements of West College Scotland so that young adult carers across the country get the opportunities they deserve.”

West College Scotland students can receive confidential support by contacting info@wcs.ac.uk. The Student Carers team assess each carer’s personal situation and identify what support mechanisms are available through the College and includes bespoke induction programmes, support services and financial support.

As a nationally recognised accreditation, it is hoped that both prospective and current students will feel more comfortable disclosing that they are carers and are more aware of what support mechanisms are possible to make sure that the College recognises their unique circumstances. West College Scotland welcomes students from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds and will offer appropriate, discrete support.

23/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, economy, Events, Glasgow, Newsletter, Paisley, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

Food Train expands Phone Friends to tackle loneliness in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire

Increased support for older people in region amid concerns about increased social isolation as a result of Covid-19 pandemic

Jo Dallas who volunteers for The Food Train.
Jo calls a core group of seven people who live on their own or who feel isolated.
The talking is something Food Train offer as well as help with shopping.
Often Jo and the people she calls will talk about food and what they are cooking.
Jo regularly talks to a retired home economics teacher and they share tips for making scones.

A scheme tackling loneliness among older people is being expanded to reach more in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

Food Train has opened its Phone Friends service to the general public after work to support its members during the pandemic highlighted the strong need for it.

It connects an older person with a volunteer who regularly phones them for a chat – giving them someone with whom they can share how they are and enjoy a laugh.

Food Train is best known in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire for its shopping services, which have faced sustained high demand to deliver groceries to the homes of over-65s since Covid-19 took hold.

Morna O’May, who is overseeing Food Train’s Phone Friends service, said: “Covid has had a huge impact on older people who have had to shield and isolate. Because of the length of time this is going on for, they are losing confidence in being able to get back out and about again in public.

“It is creating a situation where people who had a connection to their community are losing that and those who were already isolated are feeling it even more keenly.

“The Phone Friend service is an ideal way to make connections again from the safe environment of your own home.”

Food Train first opened its Phone Friends to members after volunteers made check-in calls to older people during lockdown – to ensure people were well and had all they needed – when many of its members were unable to enjoy the social side of shopping deliveries or days out organised by the charity.

That service to members across the country has seen volunteers make 1,550 calls – chatting to older people for 28,000 minutes.

The response to it has been so positive that the service – which costs £5 per month to join – is being made available to non-members too. Phone calls can be weekly, fortnightly or less often if people wish.

Morna added: “Phone Friends allows a friendship to develop without having to involve any travelling or visiting which suits many older people and volunteers.

“We have volunteers vetted, trained and ready to be matched.”

For more information about Phone Friends, call 0800 048 9945 or email phonefriends@foodtrainconnects.org.uk.

20/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, economy, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, Paisley Library, Paisley Museum, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Council, renfrewshire events

Work begins on £42million transformation of Paisley Museum

Paisley Museum’s £42million transformation is now underway as construction work starts on campus to redevelop the four buildings which make up the site.

Kier is delivering the main works phase on the campus which includes two grade A listed buildings, including Scotland’s first public Observatory. Construction is likely to be completed by late 2022, with the museum reopening to the public in 2023.

This marks a significant step forward in the Paisley Museum Reimagined project – the signature project in Paisley’s radical regeneration which also includes the £22million refurbishment of the town’s A-listed Town Hall and a new learning and cultural hub housing library services on the town’s High Street.

The project will see the overall museum campus grow by 20 per cent delivering a 27 per cent increase in public space and 26 per cent increase in gallery space, allowing for Paisley’s internationally-significant collections to be re-interpreted and the number of objects on display to be more than doubled.

The Garden Gallery, which will be located in a new-build extension housing an accessible visitor reception and café, will deliver a true ‘wow’ moment for visitors with spectacular views and a unique social space connecting the Museum with the outdoor landscape. New images of the Museum’s Garden Gallery and exterior have been released to coincide with the start of construction.

As part of the redevelopment, there will be two dedicated learning spaces, a makers’ space and a revamped heritage centre which will introduce users to its key resources in an engaging way, encouraging interaction, research and participation. Other notable additions to the campus include new facilities such as a revitalised shop, multifaith prayer room, improved access with new lifts and a public courtyard. There will also be a museum café with capacity for 60 covers providing a social space for families, groups and individuals to enjoy. A picnic area will also be located close by.

The museum transformation project is an important part of Paisley’s economic recovery from lockdown, both in terms of the on-site activity that will take place during construction and the increased footfall that will follow when the museum reopens to the public. When Paisley Museum opens its doors, it is expected to attract 128,000 visitors each year from Scotland, the UK and overseas and provide a £79million economic boost to the area over the next 30 years.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The beginning of work on site is a major step forward in our journey to transform Paisley Museum into a world-class destination, bringing in visitors from across Scotland, the UK and abroad.

“The project is part of a wider investment by the council in Paisley’s venues to transform the town centre and take the work already done to make the town a key cultural destination within Scotland to a new level.

“The project team have already worked with hundreds of local people and groups to capture their stories. And we will continue to work with neighbours and surrounding businesses to make sure they are involved throughout the project and are ready to benefit from the massive boost this will bring to the town.”

Architects AL_A have radically reimagined the museum and its campus, reshaping it into a cultural hub of discovery, skills development, creativity and innovation. Working with an international team, including exhibition designers Opera Amsterdam, their design will allow the number of objects on display to be increased by 150%.

Matthew Wilkinson, Project Lead for AL_A, said: “The new museum will have a profound impact on Paisley’s future and it’s testament to the commitment and hard work of the whole community that we’ve reached this point. We’re extremely excited to be starting construction at Paisley Museum and to see our ambitious proposals coming to life.”

Kier have worked on a number of high-profile heritage construction projects throughout the UK and are currently helping to deliver the refurbishment of The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.

Phil McDowell, regional director for Kier Regional Building North & Scotland, states: “We know that Paisley museum is important to the local community as well as being a significant cultural destination in Scotland and we are delighted to start on site to expand and transform the building.

Over the duration of the project, we will work collaboratively with Renfrewshire Council and local supply chain partners to deliver this project. As part of our commitment to leaving lasting legacies in areas in which we build, we will also be providing job, training and apprenticeship opportunities.”

The project is being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council and led by a project team based within charitable arts and leisure trust, Renfrewshire Leisure. The project is being funded by Renfrewshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The museum’s final phase of fundraising is now under way, with the museum website reimagined.paisleymuseum.org showcasing the project’s ambitious vision.

14/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

West College Scotland August Clearing Days: 2-7pm – Pre-Register Now!

Greenock (Finnart): 10 August

Clydebank: 11 August

Paisley: 12 August

Whether you are a school leaver or an adult returner looking to upskill or retrain, West College Scotland’s Clearing Days are the perfect opportunity to chat with staff and sign up for an August Start course that’s right for you!

Over the three events they have over 25 curriculum departments attending alongside our Student Services Department, who can guide you through your application.

They’ll also have representatives from Student Funding, the Student Association, Student Wellbeing, Enabling Services and Digital Device Support, who’ll be able to give further advice and support available to you whilst you study at College.

If you’re a school pupil in the Senior Phase they have some options available to you to enhance your school experience. Go along and chat to their Schools Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship Team!

To minimise queuing on the day and to receive Clearing Day updates direct to your inbox:

PRE- REGISTER HERE

14/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

AGS commits to achieving net zero for direct emissions by mid-2030s

AGS Airports, which owns Aberdeen International, Glasgow and Southampton airports, has committed to achieving net zero for its direct emissions by the mid-2030s as part of its new sustainability strategy which it launched today (Wednesday 30 June).

Scotland’s Minister for Transport, Graeme Dey MSP, joined AGS’ Chief Executive, Derek Provan, to launch the strategy which sets out how AGS will balance the undoubted social and economic benefits of aviation with its climate change responsibilities.

All three AGS airports achieved carbon neutrality status in 2020 and the group has now set a roadmap for its transition to net zero by the mid-2030s which will involve the decarbonisation of AGS’ infrastructure.

The strategy, which is anchored in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, sets commitments against a wide range of material issues including decarbonisation, biodiversity, modern slavery, circular economy, community support and how it will support its people. Commitments include:

Achieving net zero

AGS will maintain its commitment to carbon neutrality as it delivers its net zero roadmap to achieve net zero carbon for direct emissions by the mid-2030s.
AGS will support the continued development of Sustainable Aviation’s Decarbonisation roadmap including the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, hydrogen and electric flight.
AGS will transition its fleet of vehicles to ultra-low emission vehicles and will continue the roll-out of electric charging infrastructure.

Supporting communities

AGS will continue to invest in its community funds which have awarded over £2 million to local community groups and charitable organisations since 2010.
AGS will work with partners, including the NHS, to trial the UK’s first medical drone distribution network.
AGS will work with local communities, schools, colleges and universities to provide training and internship opportunities.

Supporting its people

AGS will align policies and processes with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
AGS will work with the Slave Free Alliance to review its approach to modern slavery and develop and publish an action plan, in addition to establishing a supplier code of conduct.
AGS will implement a gender equality strategy with objectives focused on flexible working, pay equality and gender composition.

Derek Provan, Chief Executive of AGS Airports, said: “At AGS we have always been acutely aware that operating such important pieces of infrastructure comes with responsibilities; to our people, to our communities and to the environment. As we seek to regrow and restore the connectivity that will help drive Scotland’s and the UK’s recovery post-COVID, we will balance the undoubted social and economic benefits of aviation with our climate change responsibilities.

“We have made significant progress in addressing our own environmental impacts however, we recognise there is more work to do. In 2020 we became carbon neutral which is an important first step towards our ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon for our direct emissions by the mid-2030s. Whilst this is a central pillar of our strategy, our sustainability commitments go beyond the decarbonisation of AGS. We want to create shared value and ensure our communities can share in our success as we seek to rebuild.

“In November, the world will look to Glasgow when we host the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26. This will be the opportunity for governments to agree a global response to what is a truly global challenge. At AGS, we are committed to working with governments to ensure we play our role in addressing the climate emergency whilst supporting economic and social development in the regions we serve.”

Scotland’s Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “I’m delighted to see AGS Airports lay out their plans to reduce emissions across their sites and play their part in helping Scotland achieve our ambitious climate change targets.

“I warmly welcome their commitment to achieving net-zero carbon for direct emissions by the mid-2030s and working with the wider aviation sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.

“Working together, Government and the aviation industry can look to create a future in which we enjoy the social and economic benefits of air travel without having an impact on the environment.”

In 2020, AGS Airports was recognised as an “airport transport sector lead” for its sustainability performance by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) which assesses the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios.

Glasgow was ranked as the best performing airport in the world by GRESB. Together with Aberdeen it received a five-star rating for its sustainability performance, and both were recognised as “airport transport sector leads.”

Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton were ranked first, second and third respectively within both the UK and European Transport: Airport Companies categories. In the same worldwide category, Glasgow was ranked first, Aberdeen second and Southampton sixth.

01/07/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, economy, Hawkhead, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley East End, Paisley Jobs, Paisley Photographs, People from Paisley, Renfrewshire

Miller Homes’ Paisley Site Manager scoops prestigious industry award

Paisley Site Manager John Mitchell, from Miller Homes’ popular Hawkhead development in the town, is celebrating after receiving a Quality Award in this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards.

Miller homes

The annual awards recognise the commitment and dedication of development site managers in attaining consistently high standards in the delivery of new homes. They are among the most prestigious awards for site managers in the housebuilding industry, where more than 10,000 candidates from across the UK are assessed across six key areas for up to 12 months against the NHBC’s stringent standards.

Miller Homes’ team in Paisley demonstrated best practice in the field, and Site Manager John Mitchell took delight in achieving the Pride in the Job Award while facing stiff competition from the best in the country.

John, a Paisley local, is passionate about bringing quality homes to his hometown and has proven a popular fixture with residents of the Hawkhead development, where he is known for his can-do attitude and commitment to ensuring that the neighbourhood becomes a key part of Paisley’s thriving community.

John’s win is his second Quality Award after he continued to show outstanding service and ensured that his team delivered consistently in creating homes of the highest standards for Paisley residents.

John Mitchell, Site Manager at Miller Homes Hawkhead, said: “It’s a huge honour to have won the Quality Award at this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. I’m so proud to have stood out to the judges among such strong competition from so many brilliant candidates, including several of my colleagues at Miller Homes.

“This year had been a difficult one for the housebuilding community, and we’ve faced many unprecedented challenges. I’m thrilled we’ve managed to keep up our high standards through a particularly demanding period and deliver beautiful homes for our customers here in Paisley.

“I’d like to say thanks to my brilliant site team, who work so hard, as well as our wider team at Miller Homes and our excellent suppliers for all of their support, and of course, our wonderful residents of Hawkhead. I’d also like to thank my partner, friends and family – especially my mum and dad, Anne and Jim, who have been cheering me on the whole way.”

John explains how he got into construction: “I grew up in South Park Drive and attended St Charles Primary School and St Andrew’s Academy. From there, I joined the TIGERS training scheme, which enabled me to gain an apprenticeship as a joiner with a local business David Barclay Joiners. After gaining valuable experience, I wanted to take the next step in my career. I wanted to progress into a managerial role, so I studied Construction Management at North Glasgow College.

“I’d like to encourage school leavers to give the construction industry a go. My job brings me lots of joy and satisfaction, and I truly love every minute of it. It feels really special to be building homes in the town where I grew up.”

Greig Anderson, Regional Production Director for Miller Homes Scotland West, commented: “Everyone at Miller Homes is incredibly proud of John for winning this award. It’s a fantastic achievement for our site managers to be recognised among their peers in the industry and shows John’s dedication to his role. He has gone above and beyond to ensure that our customers in the West of Scotland enjoy homes of the highest standard, and we’d like to send him our warmest congratulations from everyone across the business.”

Following on from the Quality Awards are the NHBC’s Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, which will be announced in Autumn.

For buyers interested in the Hawkhead development, there are a series of four and five-bedroom homes soon to be available to reserve. Interested buyers can find out more by visiting www.millerhomes.co.uk.

30/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

This weekend will see Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations go digital for a second year as a series of online events are planned to mark this important date in the town’s calendar.

The online event will take place this Saturday 3 July – the time when the weavers and their families would traditionally take their holidays.

Last year’s digital Sma’ Shot Day was a huge success and this year looks set to be even better with a diverse programme of online performances and features planned to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers.

The move to take the event online for 2021 is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure celebrations can still take place in adherence with national guidance.

The traditional Sma’ Shot holiday in Paisley takes its name from a famous dispute between the local shawl weavers and manufacturers in the 19th century. In 1856, following a long dispute, the manufacturers backed down and an agreement was reached to pay for the Sma’ Shot, the invisible stitch which bound the Paisley shawls, with a new table of prices published on 1 July 1856.

The Burning of the Cork – the centrepiece of Sma’ Shot Day celebrations is back for 2021. People can tune in to watch the premiere spectacle of the burning effigy and enjoy an exciting an expressive telling of the ‘cork’ and ‘weavers’ story captured on film featuring captivating performances led by aerial performance company, All or Nothing, in partnership with PACE, Right2Dance and Jennifer Scott Dancers.

Other programme highlights include The Charleston Drum Rally film, funded by Renfrewshire Council’s TH.CARS2 programme. The Charleston Drum: Past & Present explores the story of Paisley’s Charleston Drum – it’s historical significance and its meaning to locals today as a symbol of the town.

Loud n Proud will be showcasing a short film version of their production, ‘Sma’ Shot, the Musical’ in the evening on the Bungalow Facebook page. This mini musical compilation will give people a flavour of the full feature musical movie to be released later in the year telling the story of the Paisley weavers fight against the power of the establishment.

The Makers Market is also back and online for 2021. Delivered in partnership with Incube – people will be able to browse and buy a range of quality handmade items by local makers including Josef McFadden, Art with Heart and The Canny Squirrel.

For those who want to participate in the day they can follow a demonstration from local maker Rosie Little of Knitting on Cloud Nine on how to create a Woolly Weave Wall Hanging. Suitable for complete beginners the weaving tutorial guides participants step-by-step through some basic weaving techniques.

Also launching on the day is the Paisley Radicals: Catalysts for Change walking tour app, acknowledging Paisley’s role in the Scottish Radical War. Part audio play, part mindfulness app and part walking tour the app, produced by Civil Disobedience with app development support from Inner Ear, will address the events leading up to and including the Radical War of 1820. Funded by Future Paisley and the Paisley TH.CARS2 programme, which is jointly funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Renfrewshire Council, the ‘Paisley Radicals’ project is a joint production between Renfrewshire Council, with support from the 1820 Society and Paisley & District University of the Third Age (U3A); and the Museums team.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “Sma’ Shot Day is such a popular date in the town’s calendar and it’s excellent that we can celebrate it this year through a fantastic programme of online activities. The return of the signature Burning of the Cork will surely prove to be the true spectacle of the festival and I can’t wait to tune in and see the film in all its glory.

“The digital programme will offer people plenty of opportunities to have fun and learn more about this important part in the town’s history.”

For all the latest information on this event please visit: www.paisley.is/featured_event/sma-shot-day/.

30/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, economy, Glasgow, Glasgow Airport, Newsletter, Paisley Visitor Attractions, Press Release, Renfrewshire

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25/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland and whisky brand The Glenlivet – two organisations with a long history – have joined forces for a special online event on 1 July.

Inspired by the stories of illicit whisky production in Scotland’s past, the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club will give connoisseurs a taste of the rich history and heritage of the spirit which is synonymous with Scotland.

The event is the latest element of the Pioneering Spirit project which launched last summer. Led by the Trust’s expert archaeologist team, it aims to uncover the hidden stories of whisky production at Trust properties across the Highlands and beyond. Supported by The Glenlivet, the work has, so far included drone surveys of sites in Torridon and on the Mar Lodge Estate and digs in both locations too.

Head of Archaeology Derek Alexander will give attendees the first taste of the discoveries so far at the free event which runs on Thursday 1 July from 7 – 8.30pm. For more info and booking, visit www.nts.org.uk/pioneering-spirit .

Derek said: “We know how many people love whisky, and love our places – it’s the perfect blend and we hope lots of people will join us for the first ever meeting of the Underground Whisky Club.”

It will also be the first opportunity to see and hear new artistic commissions inspired by Scotland’s history and the illicit whisky trade. Featured artists include Alison Irvine, a novelist and creative non-fiction writer; Kevin Andrew Morris, an Aberdeen-based ceramicist; Michael Begg, an award-winning composer and sound artist; and Natalie Feather, a photographic artist.

also on www.glasgownews.org.uk

25/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

Dozens more urban locations to get Full Fibre, on top of 160 new rural places announced last month

Around 400,000 more Scottish homes and businesses are set to benefit from a broadband boost in the region of £160m^[1] thanks to Openreach – the UK’s largest broadband network provider.

People living and working in another 48 urban areas – including Dunfermline, Falkirk, Ibrox, Govan, Bridge of Weir, Paisley and Livingston – are set to benefit from the company’s national upgrade plan, with the majority of premises in each area gaining access to the latest ultrafast, ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband.

More than 250,000 households and businesses in the Glasgow City Region are included – an investment of over £100m in the area – with 31 areas to benefit; while Openreach plans to expand its ultrafast network in cities like Edinburgh and Aberdeen and start work in Culloden, Inverness.

Work will take place between now and 2026, and more details of the full list of locations and timescales are published on Openreach’s website. A full list of the locations is below.

The news comes after a similar announcement last month, when 300,000 premises – in 160 mainly rural and harder to serve areas across Scotland – were also included in the build plan.

Both announcements build on Openreach’s existing work across Scotland, where more than 400,000 homes and businesses can already order ultrafast, ultra-reliable full fibre broadband.

Following a competitive tender process, a number of partners – including Morrison Telecom Services (MTS), Kier and KN Circet – were chosen by Openreach to support the Scottish upgrades and will play a crucial role in building the new network to thousands of premises in these locations.

Robert Thorburn, strategic infrastructure director for Openreach Scotland, said: “Nobody in Scotland is building full fibre faster, further or better than Openreach. We’re reaching more communities than ever and our team of highly-skilled engineers, alongside our build partners, are working hard to deliver some of the fastest and most reliable broadband available anywhere in the world.

“Just last month we announced 160 rural and hard to reach locations across Scotland were to benefit, so it’s great that we’re able to reveal another huge broadband boost with these additional urban locations. Our investment and commitment to Scotland – whether it’s urban or rural – will help to underpin economic recovery, stability and a stronger, more equal society.”

Barry McNicholas, group managing director of Kier Utilities, said: “The need for reliable and fast broadband speeds has never been greater and we are proud to be working with Openreach to support their ambitious plans of bringing full fibre broadband to homes and businesses across the UK.

“We look forward to building new digital infrastructure in places like Dunfermline, where we will be working with our local teams and supply chain partners to carry out these works.”

Pat Carolan, managing director of Morrison Telecom Services, added: “The last eighteen months have highlighted the importance of keeping people connected and we recognise that we have a pivotal role to play in helping Openreach to deliver full fibre broadband to Scotland. We look forward to supporting Openreach’s commitment to delivering ultrafast connectivity to homes and businesses in the local community and the many employment, social, economic and environmental benefits that this will bring. Our role is to ensure that the new network is built efficiently, safely and without any compromise on quality.”

The company’s updated build plan follows an extended investment commitment by its parent, BT Group – which means Openreach will now build Full Fibre technology to a total of 25 million UK premises, including more than six million in the hardest-to-serve parts of the UK by the end of 2026. The latest details and timescales will be available online as the build planning progresses.

Recent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) highlighted the clear economic benefits of connecting everyone in Scotland to full fibre. It estimated this would create a £2 billion boost to the economy by enabling thousands to join the workforce and increase hours.

Openreach employs 3,200 people in Scotland, with another 700+ employed by its build partners.

This short video explains what Full Fibre technology is and you can find out more about our Fibre First programme, latest availability and local plans here. Across the UK, the company has made Full Fibre available to more than five million homes and business so far.

24/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

A FILM about the legendary Paisley punk scene is being premiered on Renfrewshire Leisure’s online TV channel.

The late 1970s and early 80s saw an explosion of the punk culture and music scene in the town after Glasgow banned punk bands from playing in the city.

This meant some of the best-known punk bands in the country along with emerging groups from the Paisley area played regular gigs at both The Bungalow Bar and the Silver Thread Hotel.

Now this amazing period when punk exploded on to the psyche of young people has been captured on film by Paisley’s Brick Lane Media.

The documentary film – Paisley Punks: The Story of the Paisley Punk Scene Late 1970s to Early 1980s – was made with the support of Renfrewshire Leisure and Creative Scotland.

It will be first seen on the Ren TV Channel at 7pm, on Friday, June 25 and then at latest incarnation of The Bungalow Bar, now in Shuttle Street, Paisley, which will also be screening the movie.

Punk began in London 45 years ago and quickly caught the imagination of youth looking for an outlet to protest against the Establishment and Paisley became the centre of punk culture in Scotland.

For the first time a documentary film charts this phenomenon and interviews many of the people involved in the punk scene in the town during this period.

Alan McEwan of Brick Lane Media says “This story is an amazing part of Paisley’s music heritage and has led, in many ways, to the vibrant music scene we see in the town today.

“Many well-known artists such as The Fall, Q Tips and Altered Images played in Paisley.”

“With the ban on punk gigs by Glasgow City Council, big name artists struggled to find suitable venues to play.

“However, only 11 miles down the road, Scotland’s largest town offered an alternative in venues such as The Bungalow and the Silver Thread Hotel.

“Paisley soon became the centre of the universe for punk in Scotland.

“The punk movement put Paisley on the touring map for some of the biggest names in the music industry and it also provided opportunities for grassroots acts to support these bands and learn their trade.”

Janis Marshall Reilly, Renfrewshire Leisure’s Performance Programmer said: “Paisley played a crucial role in the development of punk music and culture in Scotland.

“It was a revolutionary time in the music industry and arguably in society and like many times before in its history, the town showed its radical side.

“The Paisley Punks film is a fantastic insight into an important part of the town’s social history and well worth viewing.”

From the Bungalow Bar

A film about the legendary Paisley punk scene is being premiered on Renfrewshire Leisures online TV channel. Or if you are in the venue we will broadcast the film live this Friday eve! It will be first seen on the Ren TV Channel at 7pm, on Friday, June 25 Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com to watch the film on the Ren TV online channel or watch it on the big screens at the latest incarnation of The Bungalow Bar, now in Shuttle Street, Paisley. CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH https://youtu.be/8dag_2PcZX0

Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com to watch the film on the Ren TV online channel.

23/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

Corendon Airlines to launch services to Antalya and Dalaman, Turkey, from Glasgow for Summer 2022

Commencing April 2022 long-established Corendon Airlines will make its debut in Scotland at Glasgow Airport.

On offer will be direct routes to two of Turkey’s most popular holiday hotspots – Antalya and Dalaman.

Antalya will be served twice weekly from Glasgow on Mondays and Fridays
Dalaman will also operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays

The new services will be operated by Corendon’s fleet of modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Matt Hazelwood, Group Commercial Director for AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer additional capacity to one of our most popular destinations at the same time as welcoming a new airline partner to Glasgow Airport.

“The new flights to Antalya offer more choice to reach resorts such as Alanya, Side or Belek, while Dalaman opens up renowned resorts such as Marmaris or the picture postcard resort of Oludeniz.”

The addition of the Corendon Airlines Antalya and Dalaman flights is a welcome boost for Scottish travellers looking to plan ahead for their 2022 escape. This new agreement will provide close to 50,000 seats between Scotland and Turkey for 2022.

Mine Aslan, Commercial Director at Corendon Airlines, said: “We are very excited to expand our flight network with new routes. We have continued to see demand increasing to Antalya and Dalaman from the UK despite the current challenges faced by our industry.

“There are many British customers who own properties in Turkey and are looking to stay longer than a typical seven or 14-night holiday. Our new schedule will now cater for this increasing demand.

“In Summer 2022, we will start our Glasgow operations offering approximately 50,000 seats to Antalya and Dalaman. Our aim in this market is to meet the increased demand for Turkey destinations in the forthcoming seasons as well as to expand to other Mediterranean destinations on the Corendon network.”

Tickets are available to book now at corendonairlines.com or via local travel agents.

22/06/2021/by Brian McGuire

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