Paisley Photographs | Paisley Scotland

Government ministers have been urged to step in to save local jobs – before it’s too late.

The call came after UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, could not confirm which aviation companies or how many had made use of special support promised by the Chancellor over two months.

With Glasgow Airport and Rolls-Royce both major employers in Renfrewshire, any loss of jobs at either would have major implications for the local economy.

British Airways have already announced 12,000 proposed job losses, representing over one third of their total staff, with Chief Executive Willie Walsh appearing before the Transport Select Committee last week to face a grilling from MPs.

MP Gavin Newlands, whose Paisley and Renfrewshire North seat includes the airport, and who sits on the Committee, hit out at the UK Government for their lack of action to help employees and employers.

Gavin said:

“Two months ago the Chancellor promised a bespoke support scheme for the aviation sector, and two months later we are still waiting for detail.

“Vague answers about letters received just aren’t good enough – tens if not hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country are on the line and people’s livelihoods are too important to simply make vague promises. We already know BA want to axe 12,000 jobs, including 130 at their Edinburgh base, and there can be no doubt that hundreds of jobs in Renfrewshire are under threat if BA go ahead with their plans.

“Meanwhile road haulage and logistics firms are weeks from bankruptcy, while the coach industry is on its knees – both key sectors for the economic recovery we all need to see happen once the current crisis is over.

“Transport is a fundamental building block of our national and international economy, and the lack of answers or a clear plan from the UK Government is deeply worrying. Leaving our transport future up to Willie Walsh to plan is a recipe for disaster.”

19/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Foxbar, Glenburn, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, Volunteers

Stanley Reservoir Woodlands Get Massive Cleanout

During the lockdown, we have all been accustomed to life being on hold whilst this virus is dealt with. Not for Paul, who has turned into a one-man army and decided that he will proceed with his plans to bring kayaking to the Stanley reservoir and let people get close to Stanely Castle.

Paul and his Kayak

Paul at Stanley Reservoir

Paul has started by clearing the woodlands around the perimeter, lifting literally thousands of empty cans, bags and bags (11 on the day I visited) with the help of locals who used their allocated exercise time to lend a hand. Scottish Water had said they had done a clean a couple of years back but I have seen with my own eyes rubbish that had been lying for years.

Images of what the paths and land looked like before Paul started:

Now I know that Paul isn’t getting an easy time of it from some residents and his plans to put kayaks on the water have not gone down well with some, but they think it’s going to be a permanent watersports place. The reality is, if Paul gets a booking he will bring his car and trailer with kayaks taking four people out with two instructors for safety. He has insurance in place, approval from Scottish Water and the appropriate licenses in place, there really is nothing stopping him just going ahead and doing it right now (apart from lockdown).

However, he wants to make a real difference to the surrounding land and is working tirelessly every day to clear up all the mess, glass, cans you name it, he is going more than the extra mile to ensure the place is clean and safe. I spoke to a couple who actually had come by for the first time and had seen the bluebells, deer and sound of singing birds and serenity. This is what Paul is aiming to enhance, improving the area for those who will appreciate it. If the community comes together, and slowly but surely it’s happening (social distancing and safety first) please help, please visit, speak to Paul.

Images after Paul and volunteers got stuck in to clean up the mess, so many bags it’s hard to count now:

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Now the whole aim is just to take people in a safe manner onto the water and enjoy what we have locally in between two housing schemes. Its a beautiful place and is well used by fishermen, Paul has spoken to loads of them and they are being very supportive and taking their rubbish away with them. It’s refreshing to see such passion and enthusiasm from someone and the rubbish coming out of the woodlands is shocking.

So the facts are simply this:

All paperwork and insurance and safety certificates in place.
The Reservoir can be used under land access code.
Kayaking will be small in numbers and will be properly managed by qualified instructors.
The surrounding areas are being safely tidied up by Paul and other willing volunteers.
No compound or fixed structures will be in place spoiling the landscape
Anything built like seating areas is done by using broken trees, no trees are cut down.
Bird boxes, feeders, wildlife encouragement will be in place hence the cleanup.
Future upkeep of the site is part of the plan.

One of the things that is required at the moment, and again this is not an encouragement to break lockdown rules, but put your exercise hours to good use by going and helping, enter by the Glenburn side (across from Jet Garage) turn left and follow the trail, Paul will be around and will be extremely thankful of your support and help.

16/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot day event will take place this year but not as you know it. For the first time a full programme of online events and activities will take place to celebrate this historical date in the town’s calendar.

This year’s online event will take place on Saturday 4 July – the time when the weavers and their families would traditionally always take their holidays.

The move to take the event online for 2020 is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure celebrations can still take place in adherence with social distancing rules and 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.

This year’s event will not only mark this important date in the town’s history but will also celebrate our fantastic key workers.

The day will commence with a mass drum-off on Saturday 4 July where the community will be invited to come together and make noise to mark the start of the day’s celebrations which will include a range of activities from film, dance and music, to spoken word performances by members of the local community and online tutorials and workshops.

Aerial dance theatre company, All or Nothing, will be delivering a dance and music project called Connecting Threads, inspired by the background and history of Sma Shot. The group will be inviting local groups and individuals to get involved by setting creative tasks and asking people to submit videos for inclusion in a short film that will be published online on Sma Shot Day.

Local upcycled fashion innovators ReMode will be showing the public how they can take inspiration from workers of the past, present and future to design and create a costume to wear on the day to get fully immersed in the day’s events. The group will also be encouraging people to get crafty with pattern to create some fantastic displays to decorate their windows.

Local theatre company PACE will also be developing some exciting new work for Sma’ Shot Day as well delivering online drama workshops for young people.

Young people involved with CREATE will be collaborating with local musician Michael Cassidy to produce a piece of music to be included as part of a film showcasing music by young people from Paisley on the day.

In addition Renfrewshire Leisure and The Bungalow are partnering up for the Sma’sh Hits Sma’ Shot Special music event, showcasing a selection of local musicians.

There are still more events and activities taking place on Sma’ Shot Day still to be announced and there will be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in the lead up to the event.

The change to this year’s event does unfortunately mean that the planned Colours of the Cart performance, supported by the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 events fund, managed by EventScotland, is no longer able to take place.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “Sma’ Shot Day is always one of the highlights of the annual events calendar, representing an important part of Paisley’s heritage. It’s excellent that we can still celebrate it this year albeit it in a different way.

“There is always a wonderful family atmosphere at the event and a real sense of community coming together – I’m sure this will continue this year when it has undoubtedly never been more important.

“The online programme will offer great opportunities for everyone to get creative and involved in celebrating this great day in a new way. I for one will be looking forward to logging on and getting involved in the fun.”

For the latest information on this event please visit www.paisley.is.

15/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Nicola Keegan makeup artist

On graduating James Watt college in 2012 Nicola left with an HND in Makeup Artistry. Nicola stormed the industry and landed a coveted management position with renowned brand Smashbox Cosmetics. During which, she added to her makeup artist skill set, learning and growing as a makeup artist.

After a year Nicola embarked on her new team leader position with cult makeup brand Urban Decay. Her career then excelled to the point she became a PRO freelance luxury makeup artist. “Working as manager for Urban Decay and Smashbox Cosmetics really gave me the experience on working with woman of all ages, all skin tones and skin types. Not to mention all the celebrity filled events that I organised and was a part of, it really set me up to be one of the best mobile makeup artists in Scotland”.

After leaving her Debenhams days behind Nicola went on to build a hugely successful freelance career in makeup. She covered all of Scotland and had bookings for makeup lessons, weddings, glam, halloween, prom and red carpet events in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Ayrshire and Perthshire to name a few. She was constantly networking and working with other suppliers and creatives in the industry, building up a fantastic reputation as she went.

Soon Nikmakeupartist was snapped up by a new Ayrshire salon to launch and build the makeup department. During which she learned a tremendous amount about all aspects of the business. Nicola was so over booked she trained up two assistants and after just six months the salon won an acclaimed Scottish Wedding Award for best regional hair and makeup salon.

After which Nicola’s makeup career went to new heights. She was so flattered to make the finals of one of Scotland’s biggest industry events, The Scottish hair and Beauty Awards (SHABA) 2017.

Later that year Nicola’s bridal work was published in a bridal magazine ‘To have and to hold Scotland’. Then in 2018 her work was published in an international premium artbook ‘Stríðsherra Fables’.

As well as being an internationally published, award winning, makeup artist Nicola has contacts in advertising, festivals and corporate events with companys such as Scottish Power and One Call Direct. She is regularly booked for fashion, editoral and avant garde photoshoots and has worked alongside photographers, fashion designers and models from Superior Model Management and Colours Agency.

Nicola is a maestro in the makeup world and is an extremely versatile artist. She finds time to give back and has worked with several charities including Darlinda’s charity for Renal Research, Milldale Day Opportunities (Linwood), YMCA (Renfrew), Carers pamper events (Paisley) and many more.

Nicola has been featured in several tabloids including, Paisley Daily Express, Weekend Evening Times (Glasgow), Greenock Telegraph, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.

With all this invaluable experience we are proud to present a celebrity style service to your desired location. Where every need is catered for. We have a team of assistants and hair and beauty experts on hand to indulge your every need. Eight years of makeup experience is used to conceptualise bespoke makeup designs for our clients. Offering clients help with styling, hair, makeup and skincare we certainly offer the full package. Our customer’s always leave feeling pampered and looking wonderfully stunning. Drop us a message to start your opulent experience today.

At the moment the best way to get in touch is to call 07470 470070

14/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

THERE has been a huge increase in people borrowing books, magazines and audio books from Renfrewshire’s Digital Library.

Paisley Central Library

Since lockdown began there has been an 81 per cent increase in people going online to borrow from the service, a 74 per cent jump in e-book and e-audiobook issues and a 58 per cent increase in reservations compared to the same period last year.

Author Margaret Atwood’s the Testaments: the Handmaid’s Tale Series, Book 2 is the most popular digital title being borrowed with a tale of the tough-guy American loner Jack Reacher in Lee Child’s Blue Moon the next most popular.

Renfrewshire Leisure’s chairperson, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “Our libraries may have had to be closed, but we are always open for business online. We’ve a fantastic variety of e-books, audio titles and popular magazines available for library members to read when they borrow from our digital library.

“You could say we’re the library that never shuts, which is handy during the current lockdown, as more and more people are spending time reading while they stay at home.”

Anyone can join Renfrewshire Libraries at www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk to get access to the digital books, audio books and magazines.

Here’s the league tables of the most popular digital titles borrowed during lockdown –

Adult e-books – 5 most popular titles

Title	Author / Creator
The Testaments: The Handmaid’s Tale Series, Book 2	Atwood, Margaret
Blue Moon: Jack Reacher Series, Book 24	Child, Lee
Buried: DC Jack Warr Series, Book 1	La Plante, Lynda
The Foundling	Halls, Stacey
The Warning	Patterson, James

Adult e-audiobooks – 5 most popular titles

Title	Author / Creator
The Family Upstairs	Jewell, Lisa
The Mystery of Mercy Close	Keyes, Marian
Cleaning the Gold	Slaughter, Karin
Too Good to Be True	Cleeves, Ann
44 Scotland Street	McCall-Smith, Alexander

Junior e-books – 5 most popular titles

Title	Author / Creator
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks	Dorling Kindersley
What Monster?: Tom Gates Series, Book 15	Pichon, Liz
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories	Palacio, R J
The Day I Started a Mega Robot Invasion: The Day Series	McLaughlin, Tom
The Meltdown: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series, Book 13	Kinney, Jeff

Junior e-audiobooks – 5 most popular titles

Title	Author / Creator
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball (Book 14)	Kinney, Jeff
Meg and Mog Audio Collection	Nicoll, Helen
The Racehorse Who Learned to Dance	Balding, Clare
The Bone Garden	Kassner, Heather
How to Read a Book	Alexander, Kwame

Young adult e-books – 5 most popular titles

Title	Author / Creator
Bog Child	Dowd, Siobhan
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas	Boyne, John
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: Vintage Children’s Classics	Haddon, Mark
Nightshade: Alex Rider Series, Book 12	Horowitz, Anthony
One of Us Is Next	McManus, Karen

Young adult e-audiobooks – 5 most popular titles

Title	Creator
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane: The Underland Chronicles, Book 2	Collins, Suzanne
The Secret Commonwealth: Book of Dust Series, Book 2	Pullman, Philip
Tilly and the Lost Fairytales: Pages & Co. Series, Book 2	James, Anna
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Series, Book 1	Han, Jenny
American Royals	McGee, Katharine

E-magazines – 5 most popular titles

Title
HELLO! magazine
Radio Times
Woman & Home
BBC Good Food Magazine
New Scientist International Edition

09/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire Council has today announced that all large-scale Council-run events will be cancelled until the end of October in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision means that the following events will no longer take place: Renfrew Gala Day; Barshaw Gala Day; Johnstone Fire Engine Rally; Renfrewshire Doors Open Days; The Spree festival; and Paisley Halloween Festival.

Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations will be marked this year – but in a different way. A programme of online events will take place on Saturday 4 July to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers, as well as the invaluable contribution of today’s key workers across Renfrewshire.

All Council-run events after October will continue to be reviewed in line with national guidance from the Scottish Government and public health advice, with a further decision on the staging of Paisley Fireworks Spectacular and the Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew Christmas lights switch-on events expected by June 30.

The Council announced in March that its spring/summer events programme, including the Paisley Food and Drink Festival and the British Pipe Band Championships in Paisley, had been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We are hugely disappointed to have to announce this news today but, given the ongoing public health and government advice, it’s the safe and prudent action to take.

“Since we announced the cancellation of our spring/summer programme, festivals and events in the UK and further afield scheduled up until October have continued to be cancelled. The current advice on mass gatherings and events is expected to be in place for some months to come, along with significant physical distancing restrictions.

“Our events programme is regarded among the highlights in Renfrewshire’s annual calendar – and we’re rightly proud of the economic and social impact it brings for our communities. As with many of our Council services, and sectors of our local economy, we want to be in a position to restart and support recovery as soon as possible – but only when the public health advice recommends it is safe to do so.

“Despite the cancellation of our large-scale events until the end of October, we will still celebrate Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day – but in a different way. The online programme of events will allow us to honour the historic victory of local weavers and thank the key workers in Renfrewshire today, who are doing a fantastic job on the frontline to support us all during this unprecedented time.”

Renfrewshire Council is continuing to plan its major events programme in Renfrewshire for next year, whilst monitoring the latest government and public health advice.

The Council advises everyone to continue to follow the national guidance on coronavirus set out by the Scottish Government and to consult www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus for up to date medical advice.

For the latest local updates, visit our ‘Information, help and guidance on Coronavirus’ webpage here: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

07/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Two young aviation fans got the chance to chat and put their questions to one of Glasgow Airport’s top bosses via video link.

Ross McMillan, 10, and his brother Ryan, seven, are huge fans of the airport and regularly post pictures of their love of planes on the airport’s social media channels.

The Paisley brothers shared a picture of them surrounded by 134 model aircraft, which caught the attention of the airport’s general manager of operations, Ronald Leitch.

Langcraigs Primary School pupils Ross and Ryan were invited to join in a video call with Ronald to talk about their passion for planes and to ask some questions, including what he liked and disliked about working at Glasgow Airport.

Ronald also promised to take Ross, Ryan and their parents on a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the airport as soon as things return to normal.

The boys’ mum Caroline said: “Ross and Ryan where absolutely thrilled to take part in the chat and were so excited when the airport team got in touch.

“They love everything about aviation and airports as you’ll have seen from the number of model aircraft they have, so it was really good of Ronald to take the time to catch up with them, especially during the lockdown. It really made their day.

“They are also really looking forward to getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport once things get back to normal.”

Ronald said: “I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Ross and Ryan during the lockdown and I’m hugely impressed with their collection of model aircraft – it puts my own to shame.

“They know their aircraft and are very knowledgeable about the airport, which is really heartening. I’m pretty sure that we’ll see them working in the industry in some form in the future and I look forward to welcoming them in for a special VIP tour.”

04/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Hundreds of litres of free hand sanitiser have been delivered to Glasgow care homes thanks to Scotch whisky producers, Chivas Brothers.

The Coronavirus pandemic has prompted the Dumbarton distiller to produce supplies of hand sanitiser for charities and frontline health and social care staff.

In just one week, the company has distributed more than 7,500 litres of hand sanitiser to 166 organisations in Glasgow, Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Supplies are being manufactured at the firm’s parent company, Pernod Ricard’s gin distillery in England before being packaged and distributed by staff at the Chivas Brothers site at Kilmalid, Dumbarton.

Contact-free deliveries were made to Glasgow Health & Social Care Partnership for use in its care homes across the city.

Liam Donegan, Manufacturing Director at Chivas Brothers, said: “It has never been more import to come together as a community, especially to help the most vulnerable and at risk amongst us. I’m proud to see our teams working so hard to package and distribute essential hand sanitiser to those who need it most. We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure we can keep providing for our communities during this difficult time.”

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow’s Convener for Health and Social Care, thanked the company for its support.

She said: “It’s great to see businesses like Chivas Brothers rallying round frontline social care staff who are working hard to protect people in care homes and in the community who are most at risk of this appalling virus. Their donation is very much appreciated – not only because it will help tackle the virus and safeguard staff and care home residents – but also because the gesture is recognition of the tremendous work being done by our dedicated teams.”

29/04/2020/by Brian McGuire

A NEW online TV channel has been launched to help keep everyone fit, healthy and entertained during the coronavirus lockdown.

Ren TV is the brainchild of the team at Renfrewshire Leisure who are broadcasting a series of programmes on their website.

The TV channel was launched on Saturday, April 25 with four bands performing an online gig after a live music festival had to be cancelled.

The Sma’sh Hits all-day festival was due to take place at Paisley Arts Centre that day and four bands – The Vegan Leather, Drift, V.C.O and The Gateway Clash –each recorded a set on video that was broadcast.

Programmes featuring health and fitness, dance and football skills sessions are being shown along with a film about Renfrew Juniors reaching the Scottish Junior Cup Final in 1962.

A wide variety of TV programmes from Renfrewshire Leisure’s Sports Services and Leisure teams, will be broadcast and there will also be more music events, short films, book readings and Bookbug sessions from Cultural Services featured on Ren TV.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “People may not be able to come to our leisure centres and venues for events and classes, so we’re bringing as much of what they would enjoy to our customers in their own homes.

“We’ve already had some fantastic heath and fitness sessions broadcast online from our Sports Services team and although we had to cancel the Sma’sh Hits festival we’re still able to showcase some of our talented local musicians online.”

Councillor Hughes added: “We are trying to be as innovative as possible so people won’t miss out on the services we provide. Having our own TV channel makes it easier for people to find what they are looking for with all the different videos in one place.”

People can go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/rentv to see Ren TV.

Lvtflooring.co

28/04/2020/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson has issued a heartfelt thanks to all Renfrewshire residents for helping to support the continuing waste collection service and the local environment.

Despite operating with a reduced workforce, the Council continues to provide the normal waste and recycling collection service – collecting 141,000 bins a week.

That includes brown bin collections for garden and food waste, the blue recycling bin for paper and card and the green bin for plastic, cans and glass.

In line with the national guidance to stay at home and help to save lives, our Household Waste and Recycling Centres remain closed and residents are asked to store bulkier items and any excess waste safely.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “I would like to thank the waste collection teams for their incredible commitment and hard work at this really difficult time and I know from the kind messages we’ve received that our residents recognise and appreciate their efforts too.

“We understand people may have more waste than normal and unfortunately we cannot open recycling centres as it’s vital we follow the national public health guidance asking residents to stay home and save lives.

“Thanks to all our residents for their patience and understanding as our teams continue to work through these challenging times.

“Please do your bit wherever possible to assist us by recycling correctly, and you can increase the amount you can get in your bin by flattening cardboard for the blue bin and squashing any plastic bottles, milk cartons or cans going into the green bin.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a plea to residents to store refuse safely, their website highlighting simple measures to protect residents from the risk of fire at this time.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, added: We know it’s the time of spring cleaning, but we’d ask people to avoid activity that results in generating additional waste at this time.

“With your help we can keep Renfrewshire clean and safe for everyone. Use our usual collection service and store any additional items safely away from any heat sources, ideally in a safe locked location or if outdoors, keep it away from your property.

“In line with advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, please do not get rid of garden or other waste by burning bonfires. We want everyone to be able to enjoy their garden during periods of nicer weather and the smoke can pose a risk to people’s health, particularly the vulnerable and those with respiratory problems.

“We haven’t seen an increase in fly tipping and our CCTV patrols continue to visit hot spots and take enforcement action. It is not only illegal; it’s damaging to the local environment and any incidents should be reported by calling 0300 300 0300 or online using our website. Please remember that if you hire a contractor to take away waste, you must ensure they are SEPA registered and ask where they will dispose of it.”

Staff from the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure service are currently deployed in a range of roles to support the ongoing effort to support Renfrewshire residents during the Coronavirus outbreak. This includes teams delivering more than 37,000 meals to residents during lockdown, packing bags and managing the request hotline.

Councillor McEwan added: “I’m so proud of the many teams deployed in different roles to ensure support reaches those most in need at this tough time.

“We are following the national guidelines and staff are only deployed to deliver essential frontline services, which means a number of day-to-day environment and infrastructure services such as road resurfacing have been suspended, but we will still respond to essential emergency repairs.

“Renfrewshire residents have been brilliant in following the vital public health guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. I’d urge everyone to keep up the good work and continue to exercise in open spaces close to home. Visit the council website for all the latest information and top tips to help maintain your health and wellbeing.”

All the latest information, help and advice on Coronavirus is published on the Council website: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

24/04/2020/by Brian McGuire

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