Paisley Visitor Attractions Archives

THE Braehead shopping mall is backing an appeal for donations of Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children and teenagers.

A giant collecting box has been installed at the central atrium in the lower mall for donations of unwrapped gifts to be dropped off.

All gifts will then be passed on to the Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank appeal and volunteers there will distribute the presents to children and teenagers up to the age of 18.

This is the third year the shopping centre has supported the appeal, which was started by Renfrew mum, Lauren Roy-Sutherland.

Last year, the Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank provided 1500 gifts to young people, but this year Lauren reckons the referrals they will get from various charities, social workers, community groups and the local Food Bank could reach as high as 4000.

Lauren said: “We are finding more families than ever before need a donation from us this year.

”Covid has definitely taken a toll on family finances with redundancies that are taking place and although people are still in work, they are being furloughed and receiving 80 per cent of their wages.

“But as always, people have been very generous with their donations and we’d like to thank Braehead for her support in allowing us to have a collection box in the mall.”

Braehead’s community development manager, Lydia Brown said: “With all that has been going on this year it’s more important than ever to make sure children and young people can celebrate and enjoy Christmas.

“Our visitors to Braehead have always been extremely generous when it comes to donating gifts for young people of all ages and I’m sure it will be the same again this year.

“And we’d like to thank them for everything they have donated in the past and what will be donated this year.”

13/11/2020/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, Paisley Fireworks/Christmas Lights, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

Enjoy some festive cheer with Paisley’s Christmas Buddie Bear Hunt!

In-Paisley-Town-Centre-Paisley-First-Social-Media-1920x1080px-Christmas-Buddy-Bear-Hunt-04-11-2020-2

Christmas might be a little different this year but there’s still plenty of festive cheer in Paisley town centre with the Christmas Buddie Bear Hunt!

Paisley First has joined forces with Renfrewshire Council this Christmas to pay tribute to the heroes of 2020, every Buddie Bear has been dedicated to a key worker.

Just follow the trail around town and name all the key workers for your chance to be entered into our Christmas Prize Draw!

This COVID-19 friendly Christmas Trail will be running in the town centre from Saturday 14th November until 3rd January 2021 – just pick up a leaflet from the Paisley First leaflet racks inside the Piazza Shopping Centre or the Paisley Centre.

Or if you prefer, you can download a copy of the leaflet from the Paisley First website at www.paisleyfirst.com

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone and while things may be a little different, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a free festive trail in Paisley town centre offering fun for all the family.

“Our key workers have done so much for us this year, so this is our way of recognising them and all their efforts to keep us safe.”

Colette added: “All the bears will be on display inside business windows so it’s the perfect activity to help the kids have some fun and some fresh air while you get your Christmas shopping sorted.”

“Our local businesses need your support more than ever and who knows, maybe you will be one of our Golden Ticket winners with £250 of town centre vouchers up for grabs for 14 lucky winners!”

Councillor Iain Nicolson, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “It is important that we all continue to support our local businesses and shop local wherever we can in the lead up to the festive season.

“This festive trail is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer in the local community, while also celebrating our amazing key workers who are doing a fantastic job to support everyone in Renfrewshire during this unprecedented time.”

More details on all Paisley First projects and events can be found at www.paisleyfirst.com or follow Paisley First on social media @paisleyfirst

13/11/2020/by Brian McGuire

We are still working through this difficult time.

All of our technicians are:

– Self isolating if showing any symptoms

– Ensuring social distancing is maintained

– Keeping vans and workshops well ventilated

– Ensuring face-coverings are worn

– Washing and sanitising their hands regularly

– Sanitising equipment between jobs

– Sanitising all touch points on leaving the property

11/11/2020/by Brian McGuire

Plans to open up Paisley town centre car parks for free throughout December are set to be considered by councillors next week.

As part of a drive to support local businesses and encourage people to Spend Local during the festive period, all council-owned car parks in the town centre would be free to park in from 1 December to 3 January.

With the current Coronavirus pandemic causing reduced visitor footfall, Renfrewshire Council is proposing the festive initiative to encourage residents to visit their local town centre and support local businesses.

If the plans are approved, parking would be free in all Paisley off-street council car parks although charges would still apply in on-street spaces.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “At this time, we want to do all we can to support local businesses in Renfrewshire as we recognise the impact that the Coronavirus pandemic has had on them.

“We’re working hard to support them to access the funding provided by the Scottish and UK Government, as well as creating the £1.3million Renfrewshire Coronavirus Business Support Fund which was developed following detailed discussion with 500 local businesses and provides a package of interest free loans and grants for businesses affected by the pandemic.

“Therefore, by providing free parking in Paisley town centre as part of our Covid-19 response, we would hope to encourage people to shop in the town centre and recognise the value of local products, people and produce at this most difficult of times.”

The offer of free parking would build on the current parking pilot running in Paisley town centre which sees people given their first three hours of parking free at six of the town centre’s car parks, and this pilot was recently extended for six months at the Leadership Board in September.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “Our businesses need all the support possible during these difficult times and this proposal would give people further opportunity to visit Paisley town centre and spend locally during the festive period.

“The pandemic has made it hard for businesses as they’ve had reduced income and footfall for a sustained period of time so this proposal aims to make it as easy as possible for local people to visit the town centre and give those businesses the much needed support they require.

“Please continue to follow the restrictions in place to avoid any further measures required for Renfrewshire and ensure that retail businesses can remain open in advance of and over the festive period.”

The proposal will be considered by the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board on Wednesday 4 November 2020.

29/10/2020/by Danielle McGuire

Glasgow Airport was today (Wednesday 28 October) named Airport of the Year at the
Scottish Transport Awards for the second year in a row.

The airport was shortlisted for the award alongside Aberdeen International, also part of AGS
Airports Ltd group, and Inverness.
The Scottish Transport Awards looked a little different in 2020. Instead of being announced
in the company of 450+ industry professionals to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow in
June, as originally planned, the award winners were announced in a video that was played
during the virtual Scottish Transport Awards Summit.
Mark Johnston, chief operating officer of AGS Airports Ltd, which owns Aberdeen, Glasgow
and Southampton Airports, said: “We are extremely proud to win this award and thrilled to do
so for the second year in a row. It couldn’t come at a better time given the challenges
Glasgow Airport and the wider industry is currently facing.
“Thousands of people from dozens of companies work hard each day across our campus to
ensure Glasgow Airport continues to deliver its unique brand of customer service for our
passengers.
“Like the rest of the country, we’re operating in very difficult circumstances, however, I’m
immensely proud of the fact we’ve remained open and operational throughout this pandemic
to continue to deliver vital air services for our customers. Being named Scottish Airport of the
Year is a welcome boost.”
The Scottish Transport Awards looked a little different in 2020. Instead of being announced
in the company of 450+ industry professionals to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow in
June, as originally planned, the award winners were announced in a video that was played
during the virtual Scottish Transport Awards Summit.
The Scottish Transport Awards Summit took place on today as an all-day virtual conference
with over 200 delegates registered.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, gave the
keynote speech and said: “It was a pleasure to deliver the keynote address at this year's rather
unique Scottish Transport Awards Summit.

“Given the challenges 2020 has brought it was very important to recognise the incredible efforts
and achievements of the transport sector. The leadership and dedication shown in responding to
the Covid-19 pandemic – keeping our key workers and the nation moving safely, is undoubtedly
worthy of thanks and appreciation.
“Regardless of whether you won an award or not, you have all been successful and I am grateful
to all of our unsung heroes for keeping Scotland moving safely during these challenging times.”

28/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

BRITAIN’S Got Talent singing star Edward Reid might have found himself a new theme song with Climb Every Mountain – because yesterday he was at intu Braehead doing just that!

Edward joined shopping centre staff in a sponsored stair-climbing challenge to raise vital funds for leading mental health charity SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) as they took part in their own version of SAMH’s Virtual Stomp.

The team at intu Braehead took part in their self-organised fundraising challenge on the eve of World Mental Health Day (Saturday, October 10) and the staff raised more than £200 for the charity by climbing 16,380 stairs.

The shopping centre is also running a series of short videos of Edward giving mental health and well-being advice and tips on their social media channels in the run-up to World Mental Health Day and will continue to do so throughout the rest of the month.

Edward said: “There definitely ain’t no mountain high enough for the big-hearted folks at intu Braehead.

“They put in a fantastic effort to climb all these steps and raise money for a very worthy cause.

And he quipped: “By the time I got to the top of the flight of steps for the umpteenth time, I thought I was on the stairway to heaven!”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “It’s important everyone looks after their mental health in the same way we look after our physical health.

“SAMH do a fantastic job in supporting people with mental health problems and raising awareness across Scotland. Our team wanted to do everything we could to help support the charity with their fundraising and raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.”

Harriet Key, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser said “We’re living in difficult times so it’s never been more important to support Scotland’s mental health. These funds will help SAMH raise awareness, promote good mental health and support those who need it most.”

SAMH has put together a dedicated coronavirus mental health information hub for anyone looking for help or support during the pandemic, which can be found on its website – https://www.samh.org.uk/.

09/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, economy, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, Paisley First, Paisley Shopping, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

Grab yourself a £5 deal in Paisley town centre with FiverFest!

Save money and grab yourself a bargain in Paisley town centre with great £5 offers from our local businesses as part of October FiverFest!

Paisley is joining with hundreds of High Streets across the UK, and thousands of independent businesses, to put on special £5 offers across two weeks in October, as part of the Totally Locally FiverFest Fortnight!

Paisley has a great mix of retail shops, food and drink venues, and health, hair and beauty salons.

Around 65p from every pound spent locally, stays local – so by picking up that coffee, going for lunch or buying that gift, you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, said: “Local businesses need your support more than ever this year, our independent shops and businesses are what helps to make Paisley town centre special.

“We appreciate it when our community support us, so these offers are to say thank you for that support, and to show just what great value our local businesses are.

“Spending just £5 a week in Paisley town centre can make a big difference to our local businesses and helps keep our town centre alive!”

So, come and show your local High Street some love and take advantage of our great FiverFest offers!

October FiverFest runs from Saturday 10th – Saturday 24th October 2020.

Pick up a FiverFest leaflet from the Paisley First leaflet racks in the Paisley Centre or the Piazza Shopping Centre or see the full deals online at www.paisleyfirst.com – keep checking as new deals are being added every day!

Love Local, Love Paisley!

More details on all Paisley First projects and events can be found at www.paisleyfirst.com or follow Paisley First on social media @paisleyfirst

09/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

THINGS have gone mall spooky for Halloween at the intu Braehead shopping centre.

Thanks to some amazing hi-tech wizardry, shoppers can get astonishing photos of themselves standing next to a ghoulish ghost, scary skeleton and even a vampire surrounded by bats.

The shopping centre is launching its free augmented reality Halloween experience app on Friday, October 9.

All shoppers need to do for some Halloween fun is to download the intu Braehead app for their phone or tablet, scan special markers on the floor throughout the centre and the spooky figures appear as if by magic on their screens.

Then they can take photos of friends and family standing next to the virtual Halloween figures.”

The Halloween images that appear with supernatural sorcery include a trap door with spiders, a skeleton, witch, ghost, vampire surrounded by bats and a cauldron.

The trigger markers can even be downloaded from the intu Braehead website, printed out and then used at home to make the figures appear when using the app, which will be active until November 4.

David Lyon, intu Braehead’s marketing manager said: “Talk about spooky! How weird is it going to be when you can get your photo taken beside a ghost, skeleton, witch or vampire and his bat friends in the middle of a shopping centre?

“Halloween is the traditional time of year when everyone has a bit of fun with spooky goings-on, but we’re bringing it right into the 21^st century with some amazing augmented reality technology.

“It’ll be great fun for all the family and something they’ll be talking about for a long time.”

Go to www.intu.co.uk/braehead for more details, to download the app and the trigger marker graphics.

07/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire experienced a Spotless September as hundreds of volunteers joined the Team Up to Clean Up campaign once again, with the aim of making their community a little brighter.

The now annual Spotless September event saw 1,233 bags of litter removed from the local environment as 225 litter picks were undertaken by dedicated volunteers and community groups – equating to more than seven litter picks every day throughout the month of September.

Volunteers took to the streets in almost every community in Renfrewshire, including Erskine, Renfrew, Paisley, Johnstone, Bishopton, Houston, Bridge of Weir Foxbar, Elderslie, Inchinnan, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch – and some even took to the water to clean the River Cart in Paisley.

Erskine volunteer Stephen Hughes said: “I really just wish people would stop dropping litter and take more pride in where they live, especially our school children.

“I would rather be doing something else with my time, but I really do value living in a clean and attractive neighbourhood and helping clean up keeps me busy and active.

“The Team Up to Clean Up Facebook community is also a pleasure to be part of, it’s great to see so many people making a difference.”

Working with the community, Renfrewshire Council provided volunteers with litter pickers, bibs, bags and any other safety equipment they required, and volunteers were provided with health and safety advice for carrying out litter picks, including group sizes and physical distancing.

The council’s StreetScene team took away the collected rubbish too and this took place alongside the council’s increased litter picking, gully clearing and road sweeping which forms a key part of the Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “What a month it has been and another fantastic Spotless September.

“While the current situation meant we couldn’t hold any large-scale events, it’s been heartening to see the desire of our Team Up to Clean community to continue making a difference.

“Hundreds of volunteers have headed out on their own or in small groups to clear hundreds of bags of litter from our communities and each with the same goal of making Renfrewshire a better place to live, work and visit.

“We’re working hard to change the mindset of those who think it’s acceptable to litter so please let’s keep working together to make Renfrewshire litter-free.”

The award-winning Team Up to Clean Up campaign has grown substantially since it was launched in 2017 and now boasts more than 1,500 members in its online Facebook community group.

The campaign brings the council and community together to help tackle littering, dog fouling and a range of other environmental issues and the joint approach continues to thrive in Renfrewshire.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

05/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley History, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Town Hall, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

Bid to capture Paisley Town Hall memories for future generations

PEOPLE are being given the chance to record their memories of Paisley Town Hall in a unique book that will be read by future generations.

Artist and filmmaker Kevin Cameron has been commissioned by Renfrewshire Leisure to create a book as part of a time capsule about the Town Hall.

Kevin has created a Facebook page and is urging people to post their memories of Paisley Town Hall that will be used as one of the chapters in the time capsule’s book.

The Paisley Town Hall Time Capsule is being created as part of the work to preserve the much-loved building’s place at the heart of the town by transforming the facilities on offer inside the Victorian landmark.

The time capsule will be placed under the floor of the North Minor Hall, within Paisley Town Hall.

Kevin explains: “I’d love to hear anyone who has a special memory of the Town Hall, whether it involved a dance, or concert held there, a first date, wedding, formal dinner, graduation or a special event.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Renfrewshire to become part of history and to share their memories with future generations and tell what the Town Hall means to them.”

Kevin, who is being supported in the project by Renfrewshire Leisure’s film producer, Richard Weeks, added: “The Town Hall is steeped in history and the popular culture of Paisley and Renfrewshire.

“Music star, Paolo Nutini was discovered by his first manager when he gave an impromptu performance on the Town Hall stage while hundreds of teenagers were waiting for Fame Academy TV show winner, David Sneddon to appear. It would be great to hear from people who were in the audience that day.

“And thousands of football fans turned up at the Town Hall to see the victorious St Mirren team arrived there on an open-topped bus when they won the Scottish Cup in 1987. I’m sure that memory remains with everyone who was there that day.”

Go to www.facebook.com/PTHTimeCapsule/ to post your memories of Paisley Town Hall and your story could end up being read by someone in the future.

The refurbishment of the Town Hall is one of the key projects within Renfrewshire Council’s £100 million investment in venues and infrastructure, as part of a wider plan to use the town’s unique heritage and cultural assets to transform its future.

That includes the transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class visitor attraction showcasing the town’s internationally-significant collections and story, and a new Learning and Cultural Hub bringing library services to a formerly-vacant unit at the heart of Paisley High Street.

05/10/2020/by Brian McGuire

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