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Top names in the arts to perform at Paisley’s first Weave festival

Renowned names in Scotland’s literary scene get ready to make an appearance at Paisley’s first Weave festival this weekend.

PAISLEY, UK. 02/07/2016
The Sma’ Shot Parade on Sma’ Shot Day in Paisley 2016.
COPYRIGHT © STUART WALLACE 2016
visit my website: www.stuartwallacepictures.com

Award-winning novelist, playwright and performer Alan Bissett and author and journalist Kirstin Innes will showcase their work at the three day arts festival which is set to take over Paisley town centre from Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July.

PAISLEY, UK. 02/07/2016
The Sma’ Shot Parade on Sma’ Shot Day in Paisley 2016.
COPYRIGHT © STUART WALLACE 2016
visit my website: www.stuartwallacepictures.com

This marks the first time the Weave festival has taken place in the town serving as a wraparound cultural programme to Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations – one of the world’s oldest workers festivals.

PAISLEY, UK. 02/07/2016
Burning of the Cork on Sma’ Shot Day in Paisley.
COPYRIGHT © STUART WALLACE 2016
visit my website: www.stuartwallacepictures.com

Kirsty and Alan will be unveiling two new poems at the Sma’ Shot Poetry Slam taking place at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday from 7pm – 10pm.

Weave is inspired by the town’s globally-significant heritage of weaving and radical politics and is taking place as part of the push towards Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. The weekend festival is also a signature event in Scotland’s 2017 Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology celebrations.

The event will reconnect the town’s weaving heritage and global connections via a programme boasting almost 40 shows across six venues and four outdoor live zones in Paisley’s historic town centre.

In addition to Kirsty Innes and Alan Bissett’s poetry showcase other programme highlights include:

– Yorkston/Thorne/Khan, the Scottish/English/Indian ensemble, touring their new album Neuk Wight Dehli All-Stars;

– the premiere of Iranian textile artist Paria Goodarzi’s new show Mass Movement, influenced by her personal journey as a refugee rebuilding her life in Scotland;

– an outdoor family ceilidh, mass drum-off, and four live music stages, hosted by DJ Gary Spence and by Celtic Music radio and local promoters LNP, located at Abbey Close, Gilmour Street, Paisley Arts Centre and Brown’s Lane;

– a poetry slam, storytelling sessions, and a series of talks, tours, workshops and demonstrations from local artists and designers, including traditional Paisley shawl weaving;

– PaisleyMake Makers’ Market at Paisley Abbey will showcase a variety of exceptional and innovative Scottish designers and makers featuring everything from clothing and jewellery to interior design;

– Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAs) in collaboration with L’n’P Promotions and Sma’ Shot Weave Festival are hosting an evening of live music featuring; Rachel Sermanni (full band), The Great Albatross and Mark McGowan.

The weekend will also include all the traditional Sma’ Shot Day elements on the Saturday, including a parade through the town led by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank along with a diverse range of community groups and artists, historic re-enactments by local youth theatre group PACE, and a pyrotechnic Burning of the Cork show on Bridge Street opposite the Paisley Abbey.

Alan Bissett, said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Weave Festival. As a fairly recent inhabitant of Renfrewshire, I’ve become fascinated by the history of Paisley and the surrounding area, which has found its way into the new poem I’ve written for the festival about the legacy of the textiles industry.

“Paisley is clearly a place bursting with creative voices – some found on the page, some found holding court on bar-stools – and I’ve tried to tap into that. The Slam Poetry night is going to be exciting too, as the energy of the town takes its place as part of Scotland’s vibrant spoken word scene. Gonnay be a cracker.”

Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron said: “Sma’ Shot is always a unique day, attracting visitors and showing off the town as a fantastic venue, with events taking place in our streets, parks and heritage buildings but with the introduction of Weave the cultural offering will be even more ambitious and bigger than ever before.

“Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 is all about creating showcases for our brilliant local talent and presenting that alongside the best artists from Scotland, the UK and around the world. In particular, it’s great to have artists like Kirsty Innes and Alan Bissett involved for the first time who call Renfrewshire home but enjoy recognition nationally and further afield.”

Annique Armstrong, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, listed buildings to our myths, stories and legends, the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is celebrating Scotland’s people, distinct culture and traditions, and historic landscapes.”

“The historic environment forges connections between people and the places where they live and visit, and I’m sure Weave’s exciting programme of activity will bring Paisley’s historic past to life in the context of a modern, collaborative and vibrant Scotland.”

Sma’ Shot Day marks the victory of Paisley’s weavers in an industrial dispute over payment for the Sma’ (small) Shot thread, which was unseen but held the famous Paisley-patterned cashmere shawls together.

For more information on the event or for the full listings please visit: www.paisley2021.co.uk/weave-and-sma-shot-day/.

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Update on Renfrewshire multi-storey housing

renfrewshire council logo .JPG

Renfrewshire Council has conducted comprehensive inspections of its 14 high rise housing blocks following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London.

renfrewshire council logo .JPG

Working closely with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, all steps are being undertaken to ensure the on-going safety of residents.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “Since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London, we have been carrying out inspections of all 14 Renfrewshire Council-owned high rise housing blocks. I can confirm that all blocks in Renfrewshire comply with Scottish Building standards and fire safety requirements.

“No cladding on any of our high rise blocks is made of the same material used on Grenfell Tower. Nine blocks have been re-clad in the last five years and the materials used are designed to inhibit the spread of fire.

“Checks of the building warrant records of the five remaining blocks at George Court, Gleniffer Court, Maxwellton Court, Nethercraigs Court and Provost Close, show that these blocks also comply with Scottish Building standards and have robust fire safety measures in place.

“From tomorrow (Thursday 29 June), specialist contractors are carrying out additional on-site surveys, removing cladding panels to test these against our records. We are writing to residents today to inform them of these surveys and residents will also receive letters with the outcome of these surveys as soon as they are available.

“All of our high rise housing blocks have a range of fire safety measures in place including dry risers and fire hydrants, smoke vents fitted in stairwells and all individual flats are fitted with a smoke detector and one-hour fire retardant doors.

“These measures are serviced and tested regularly. Our housing concierge and caretakers conduct daily checks in each of the blocks and quarterly fire safety inspections are carried out by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are currently planning drop-in fire safety events to take place in partnership with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service. Residents will receive letters with more details about these in due course and I would urge residents to attend and also to raise any concerns with their concierge, caretaker or the Council’s housing team.

“Once the London fire investigation is completed, we will work closely with the Fire Service on any further action that is required.”

If any resident has any further concerns, please contact the Housing team on 0300 300 0222 and press option 1.

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Gavin Newlands MP raises Chivas dispute in Parliament

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has called on Chivas bosses to get back round the table with the Renfrewshire workforce and agree a deal which recognises the contribution that the workers have made to Chivas Brothers.

During questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about the industrial action which has been called at Paisley and Dumbarton, Mr Newlands asked the UK Government to join him in calling for a positive resolution to be reached.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“Chivas Brothers deciding to close their operations in Paisley was a blow to the local workforce and the Renfrewshire economy.

“It’s been a frustrating period for the workers and this ongoing dispute has only added to the stress of the workers. As such, it’s vital that a positive resolution is reached as soon as possible.

“In a letter to me responding to questions I had raised, the company admitted that they only planned to incorporate 80% of an additional payment into workforce salaries that they had previously committed to incorporating in full. The Renfrewshire workforce has been critical to the success of Chivas over the years and the company has a duty to get back round the table with the workers to find a deal which satisfies all parties and which recognises the commitment and hard work of the Renfrewshire workforce.”

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WCS Paisley Campus Computing Lecturer announced finalist for 2017 BAFTA YGD Mentor Award

David Renton, Curriculum Quality Leader in Computing at our Paisley Campus, is one of only five finalists for the 2017 BAFTA Young Game Designers (YGD) Mentor Award.

David’s nomination was supported by his colleagues who highlighted his outstanding contribution in engaging young people in Games Development. They said:

“David is always looking for ways to make sure his students have as many opportunities as possible. Most recently he has been working with students to encourage them to run coding clubs in local schools to teach the children how to make games.”

“By working with David he has inspired me to push myself at work and outside of work by also working with the students and the clubs and encouraging me with my own clubs that I run as well as my game jams which he has been speaking at”.

David is delighted by his nomination and, most important, by the results of his efforts as he’s seeing every year more local young people getting into Games Development, a field he’s passionate about.

“I am thrilled to be nominated for a BAFTA as Young Game Designer Mentor of the year. I started teaching games development at what was Reid Kerr College in 2006 to 12 students and we now have over 160 students doing games development at different levels in the Paisley Campus of West College Scotland. The College and I have done a lot of work in the past 7 years to engage with schoolchildren in Renfrewshire in both Primaries and Secondary schools to encourage them to consider Games Development as a career path to follow. I am now seeing schoolchildren who visited the college when they were only 10 years old, to playtest my students’ games, applying to our full time courses. This nomination is recognition of all that hard work”.

David will be attending the prestigious BAFTA YGD Awards Ceremony which will take place on Saturday 8 July at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London.

We hope David will be announced winner of the prestigious award that would come as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional work. Bill Gallacher, Head of Sector, Business & Technologies, says:

“It is no surprise to me or his colleagues that David has been nominated for a BAFTA.  Everyone at West College Scotland is delighted David has been recognised in this way.  He has been an inspirational lecturer to the hundreds of students who have been taught by him over the years.  David has that special talent that can make difficult concepts understandable to us mere mortals!”

“He is always focused on using the latest ‘next big thing’ in computing and how he can use and adapt it to improve his own teaching and his students’ knowledge and understanding.  He is a nice guy and a special talent”.

Angela Pignatelli, Assistant Principal – Creative Industries & Essential Skills, concurs:

“We are immensely proud to hear of David’s nomination for an internationally recognised BAFTA award. He has dedicated himself to learning and teaching, excelled in the field of digital technologies and remains a source of inspiration for his students and colleagues alike. We have our fingers crossed for his success on the night and wish him all the very best to continue flying the flag for West College Scotland“.

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SAY Award 2017 Commission Buddie Designer

Paisley will welcome the biggest names in Scottish music this week who will take home a piece of the town’s famous pattern created by a local designer.

Lisa Crockard with the SAY Award and some items from her collection

The Scottish Album of the Year Award will take place on Wednesday 28 June at Paisley Town Hall where the winning artist will receive a £20,000 cash prize provided by Creative Scotland. The event is taking place in the town in support of Paisley’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2021.

Each of the ten shortlisted acts, which include big names like Mogwai, Sacred Paws, Honeyblood and Ela Orleans, will be presented with a distinctive 3D printed creation designed by Lisa Crockard as part of the SAY Design Commission.

Lisa, a textiles graduate of Glasgow School of Art took a detour on the path to her design career, having worked as a menswear fashion buyer in London for big names like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols for more than 16 years. Lisa decided it was time for a change and moved back home to Paisley to pursue her real passion – jewellery design.

“I really enjoyed my job in London but it was something I kind of fell into – I always thought I’d go back to design at some point. When I came home I enrolled in a jewellery design course at the City of Glasgow College which I completed last year,” she said.

“I was really interested in the idea of using modern technology like 3D printing to create bespoke designs and I use it in a lot of my work.”

Lisa has been working with Renfrewshire Council’s InCube business incubator scheme which provides funding and support to creative businesses. Her jewellery designs are currently on sale at the InCube shop in Gilmour Street, Paisley.

Lisa continued: “The support I’ve had from InCube has been fantastic. It’s given me access to business experts which has been invaluable as well as providing office space and advice. It’s also a great place to network with similar businesses. I really don’t think I’d be as far along with setting up my business without the help I’ve had from InCube.”

Lisa was selected for the SAY commission after entering a competition by the organisers of the SAY Award, Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA).

She said: “When I made the decision to enter I really didn’t think I’d win because there were so many great ideas. I really love live music so I’m really excited that my design was chosen as a commission by SAY.

“The design brief was to create something that connects Scottish music, art and design and captures the spirit of the SAY Award. I decided to design a 3D printed award for the 10 shortlisted acts with a reason to celebrate Scottish music etched on each Paisley pattern motif.  Also, as the awards are being held in Paisley I was keen to highlight the town’s cultural heritage using modern technologies.”

Robert Kilpatrick, Projects and Operations Manager Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), said: “We received a number of applications for the SAY Design Commission, and were completely blown away by Lisa’s work, the bespoke award truly encompasses the spirit and characteristics of the town, in which we are so thankful to be supported by.”

The SAY Award is produced by the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), in partnership with Renfrewshire Council, Paisley for UK City of Culture 2021, Creative Scotland, Black Bottle, TicketWeb and PPL. The most prestigious music prize in Scotland, the winner receives £20,000, equal in prize terms to the Mercury Music Prize. Previous SAY Award winners include Anna Meredith (2016), Kathryn Joseph (2015), Young Fathers (2014), RM Hubbert (2013) and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat (2012). Visit www.sayaward.com for more info.

You can also view more of Lisa Crockard’s work by visiting www.lisacrockard.com.

The production costs for making the awards were supported by Incube. The business incubator is currently inviting applications for their next programme to find out more visit:  https://incube.ren/.

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HEY VILLAINS! FANCY 15% OFF?

Without Villains…..There Are No Heroes!!!

The title of this locally owned shop is catchy and there is certainly a true hero behind the scenes, as you now get 15% off everything in the online shop.  So for that birthday present that’s certainly different or for a present for that certain person that has everything you can never be a villain by purchasing from this online exclusive shop.

The discount code is VILLAINS – which can be used at the checkout for 15% OFF – Delivery is free.

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Family fun day at Barshaw goes down a storm

Barshaw Park was full to the brim on Saturday as thousands turned out to enjoy the annual Gala Day- which survived the anticipated windy weather.

One of the local community’s favourite events, there was something to keep adults and children alike entertained all afternoon as a range of stalls and activities were put on.

Kids were able to try their hand a kite-making at one of a number of workshops, which also included hula-hooping and a special preview Sma’ Shot Day workshop- where children can design and make a prop that they can bring along to be a part of the Sma’ Shot parade.

Photographs by Yvonne Goldie for www.paisley.org.uk

Combined with balloon modellers, magic shows, inflatables and face painting, there was no shortage of activities to keep them busy.

A live stage hosted by Erskine Music and Media entertained the crowds as they showcased the magnificent local music and dance groups Renfrewshire has to offer- including the captivating Rock Us Community Choir.

There was also the opportunity for locals to sign up for one of the many community groups Renfrewshire has to offer as well as charities fundraising towards their cause.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The annual Gala Day is a firm favourite in Paisley and it’s always fantastic to see thousands of the local community having such a great time.

“The Gala Day is just one of a number of exciting events taking place across Renfrewshire this summer and I hope to see everyone out enjoying what we have to offer.”

Upcoming events in Renfrewshire include the annual Sma’ Shot Day- which this year is part of the Weave Festival- as well as the Paisley Pipe Band Championships.

For more information on what’s going on visitwww.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events, www.Paisley2021.co.uk/events or contactevents@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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Work is completed at Lady Lane Mural

Local artist Kevin Cantwell has completed the next mural in the Paisley First Walls Series at Lady Lane.

Pictured left to right – Paisley 2021 Bid Director Jean Cameron, Sharon Breen of Co-op Funeralcare, Paisley First BID Manager Andrew Mitchell, David Eagle of Co-op Funeralcare, Paisley First Chairman Ian Henderson and artist Kevin Cantwell

This stunning work incorporates a tree with roots, the Paisley pattern and butterflies – all signifying birth and roots and re-birth, as well as a small marker to the slug in the bottle.

David Eagle, Regional Operations Manager for Co-op Funeralcare who own the wall which now proudly displays the mural, said: “We were delighted when our funeral home was identified as the next location for a mural and it’s been great to be involved with such an inspiring community project.”

‘’Community is at the heart of Co-op and we’re always happy to support such incredible local talent. The mural truly represents the roots of Paisley and we hope the residents are as delighted with it as we are.’’

Paisley First Chairman, Ian Henderson, said: “Kevin is a well-known artist in Paisley whose commissions are always popular thanks to the level of detail in his work and the same rings true at Lady Lane, it really is beautiful.”

“We were delighted to be able to bring a mural to Lady Lane, it’s really important that the benefit of these murals is spread throughout the whole town centre.”

Artist Kevin Cantwell said: “It’s been fantastic to see the murals appear, they really do add to the vibrancy of the town.”

“It’s always great to see art bringing happiness to people and making them smile.”

The Paisley First Walls Series is part-funded with a grant through Renfrewshire’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.

Jean Cameron, Project Director of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021, said: “We are delighted to be working with Paisley First to create these stunning murals through the Culture, Heritage and Events Fund.”

“One of the key aims of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021 is to showcase the creative talent within the town and highlight Paisley’s unique story to residents and visitors alike. The latest mural at Lady Lane by popular local artist Kevin Cantwell does just that.”

“The existing murals in the town are fantastic examples of how culture can brighten up our everyday surroundings and I believe this new artwork will help encourage people to explore the amazing sights around Paisley.”

This is the fourth mural in the Paisley First Walls Series with the town’s Johnston Street, Storie Street and Lawn Street already boasting artworks which are attracting visitors to the town.

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Paolo Nutini backs home-town culture bid with exclusive one-off Paisley Abbey show

Paisley’s Paolo Nutini has announced an exclusive one-off homecoming charity show in the stunning surroundings of Paisley Abbey to back the town’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid.

The show – on Friday 20 October – tops the bill for Paisley’s annual Spree festival and is taking place in support of a number of local good causes.

Paolo and his band will deliver an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to be in the town’s 850-year-old Abbey to see it.

Only a limited number of gold-dust tickets will be available to the public for the 550-capacity venue.

Fans will be able to register via thespree.co.uk from Friday for a chance to get the option to purchase a pair.

100 tickets will be made available to Renfrewshire community groups.

All ticket monies will go directly to five local charities selected by Paolo himself – The Love Street Singers, Mirren Park School, The Kibble Band, the Sunshine Recovery Cafe and some of the town’s Syrian refugee children.

Paolo said: “I’ve always wanted to play in the Abbey since I was a wee boy. I’m proud to be a part of The Spree … I’m proud to be from Paisley … love is music and music is home. Big love people.”

Paisley is bidding to be UK City of Culture 2021 as part of wider plans to transform the town’s future using its unique cultural and heritage story.

Bids were submitted to the UK Government in April and a decision on the shortlist for the next stage is due over the summer. The winner will be announced at the end of the year.

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “Paolo’s support has been absolutely instrumental to Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 bid and we are utterly thrilled he is playing this gig – it will be spectacular and we cannot wait.

“It is wonderful to see him helping us realise the bid’s aim to open up the benefits of culture to everybody in the town by supporting local charities and communities who face real barriers to accessing world-class cultural experiences.”

The Spree is Paisley’s flagship annual arts festival and takes place over ten days in October, with Paisley Abbey also hosting a one-off – and now sold-out – collaboration between Frightened Rabbit and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The full bill is available at thespree.co.uk

Tickets for Paolo’s show are £30 each and restricted to two per person. Ticket sales will be via an online ballot utilising Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan System. The ballot opens at 9am on Friday 30 June and runs until Thursday 6 July.

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Mackay welcomes £2.85m funding for cancer services

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay has welcomed the announcement of £2.85 million of funding to help improve cancer services. 

The investment announced today by Health Secretary Shona Robison will be directed to health boards to reduce waiting times, and particularly to speed up access to diagnostic tests. Discussions are currently being held with the boards to determine the most effective way to spend the money. 

The number of people being diagnosed with cancer has increased in recent years, mainly due to the ageing population. Better treatment has also meant more people are cured than ever before, and more are living longer with the disease. 

The work will complement the Scottish Government’s £100 million cancer strategy, which aims to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the next ten years. 

Mr Mackay said: 

“Greater awareness to cancer has led to more people coming forward to get their symptoms checked. This means more demand on services, and that’s a challenge the Government are ready to meet. 

“This investment will support health boards to reduce waiting times, and ensure that people get a vital early diagnosis so that treatment, if required, can start as soon as possible.”

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