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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

– AirFrance/KLM Group’s Transavia to launch Glasgow Paris Orly route next April –

Glasgow Airport welcomes the announcement of a second route to Paris Orly Airport in a week with AirFrance/KLM Group’s low cost airline Transavia.

The low-cost carrier will operate three services per week to Paris Orly Airport from Thursday 14 April.

Operating each Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, the new service will bring an additional capacity of more than 12 000 seats on the route.

Matt Hazelwood, Commercial Director for AGS Airports, which owns Glasgow, said: “Route announcements are this week following the old bus adage. We don’t have any for a while due to the pandemic and now we have a second Orly service in a week.

“The demand for Paris from our passengers has always been high, so we are really pleased to be able to deliver even greater connectivity not only to the French capital as a city destination, but Orly is also ideal for passengers heading for Disneyland Paris.”

Nicolas Hénin, Chief Commercial Officer of Transavia France, said: “We are delighted to open this new route from Glasgow to Paris-Orly. This new service will allow travelers from Scotland to enjoy their vacations in Paris during summer while benefitting from a quality low-cost offer. We look forward to welcoming our Scottish clients who are eager to travel to the French capital.”

The one hour 50-mintune flight will be operated using an Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 189 seats each.

Flight schedule

Paris Orly to Glasgow

Tuesday : 9:55- 10:35
Thursday : 14:10-15h20
Sunday : 16:20-17:00

Glasgow to Paris Orly

Tuesday: 11:20-14:05
Thursday : 16:05-18:50
Sunday :17:45-20:30

To book visit: transavia.com

Glasgow Airport enquiries:

Media enquiries from journalists can be sent via email to AgsMediaCentre@agsairports.co.uk

Please note this email is monitored between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

You can also contact the media team between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and during out-of-office hours by calling 0141 465 1931.

12/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Business, Elderslie, Events, Foxbar, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Photographs, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

An estate from a grander past has the chance to come back to life as Baird Lumsden bring it to market at a very attractive price

There is an otherworldly air to the bosky, half-forgotten Leethland Estate, tucked away like a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Scotland’s largest city, and now being brought to market by Baird Lumsden, the rural property specialists at DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.

Eight and a half rolling acres of mossy and mature trees, studded with brooding ruins and criss-crossed by meandering burns, glassy pools and tinkling waterfalls are being offered, remarkably, for the price of a one-bedroom flat in nearby Glasgow.

The former historic estate is being presented as a residential development and investment opportunity, and while its buildings are now in a state of terminal dilapidation, it is surrounded by open countryside and fringed on two sides by the Patrick Water.

It lies in the heart of the Green Belt at Elderslie, Renfrewshire – birthplace of Scottish warrior William Wallace, and in a county in which house prices have soared as a consequence of the pandemic and Land and Buildings Transaction Tax holidays.

The only remaining structures at Leethland are the remains of a once-grand estate house built in the Thirties which ran to 21 rooms, a ruined lodge house and the remnants of what was once a gardener’s cottage.

Leethland was bought in 1931 by James McMurchy Greenlees, a wealthy coal exporter and his wife Grace McFarlane Darling. Greenlees was related to the J&P Coats dynasty of Paisley. The rambling villa, in an L-shaped plan, was built by architect Harry Cook, of Paisley.

Leethland was previously listed but the listing was removed in 2019 by Historic Scotland. It is not the subject of any biodiversity or landscape designations. It does, however, contain many mature trees, which may limit the scope of development on the site.

Because the site is in the Green Belt, this also limits its development prospects. However, as a previously developed site, it does have potential, and the extent of this can be discussed with Renfrewshire Council, or by contacting Paul Houghton, Director of Planning at DM Hall.

Offers over £175,000 are invited and should be directed to Jennifer Campbell, of Baird Lumsden at DM Hall.

12/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Natalie Don MSP has welcomed a Scottish Government announcement that 2,715 unpaid carers across Renfrewshire will have their Carer’s Allowance Supplement doubled in December.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West hailed the increase of the supplement to £462.80 for unpaid carers, which follows the Carer’s Allowance Supplement (Scotland) Bill passing its third and final stage in the Scottish Parliament today.

The Carer’s Allowance Supplement is paid twice a year to carers who live in Scotland and receive Carer’s Allowance, paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, on specified qualifying dates. The qualifying date for the December 2021 double payment is 11 October 2021.

Natalie Don MSP said: “Unpaid carers across Renfrewshire have experienced an incredibly difficult time during the COVID-19 pandemic and, without their heroic efforts, our services would have been under greater strain.

“I’m pleased to see the SNP Government doubling the Carer’s Allowance Supplement in recognition of the vital contribution that dedicated carers are making in our communities, as they begin to face increased pressures on their incomes due to rising energy and food prices.

“While the out-of-touch UK Tory Government cuts Universal Credit at a time when those on the lowest incomes need it most, the Scottish Government is building a social security system in Scotland based on dignity, fairness and respect.

“The people of Renfrewshire and throughout Scotland must have the choice of a different path in a referendum for recovery to give us the chance to escape the callous decisions made on welfare at Westminster and gain full powers over social security so we can protect those who need supported most.”

To be eligible for Carer’s Allowance and the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, a carer must be providing 35 hours or more of care per week, and earn only up to £128 a week, after deductions, through paid work.

The person the carer looks after must be in receipt of one or more of the following disability benefits: Personal Independence Payment (daily living component), Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care rate), Attendance Allowance, constant Attendance Allowance (at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit), Constant Attendance Allowance (at the basic full day rate with a War Disablement Pension) or an Armed Forces Independence Payment.

07/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Family fun in October

Don’t miss Wee Spree activities over the October holidays

There’s lots of family fun to be had over the October holidays as The Wee Spree returns to Paisley.

The popular programme takes place from Saturday 9 – Saturday 16 October.

Music is at the heart of the programme with a Family Silent Disco and thrilling dance classes for early years and older age groups.

The Refs will entertain with fun warmups and obstacle courses, while the Comedy Club 4 Kids brings an exciting workshop to get kids learning hilarious jokes before a show for families from top comedians.

See all the great family events and ticket information on The Spree website.

See events

Arkleston pupils win gold award

Arkleston kids are delighted their school has got their second gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School award.

Here’s what some of the pupils had to say.

Zohaib: “I am amazed at how much hard work and time that we put in and we have been recognised for it. I feel proud.”

Olivia: “I was talking to my mum about how I felt. I was writing letters to the council about climate change and now I feel proud of the whole thing.”

Learning about climate change

P6 pupils at St Fillan’s Primary School in Houston have been learning how to monitor the health and biodiversity of local rivers.

On a trip to River Gryffe, the pupils tested the water for salmon and invasive species. The samples they collected will be sent to the Smithsonian Museum in the USA to be analysed ahead of the COP26 climate change conference.

Adam, one of the pupils, said: “I enjoyed seeing all of the different species and I learned it is very important to keep fish safe so they can stay in our rivers for many years to come.”

Free school meal payments

By Friday 8 October, we will make two payments to parents and carers of children and young people attending primary or secondary school who are entitled to a free school meal on the basis of low income.

If you’ve already applied for free school meals, you won’t need to do anything. For pupils in P1 to P4, you will only receive a payment if they are entitled and you have applied.

You can find out more about the payments on our website.

Free school meals

Rising gas and electricity bills

Gas and electricity bills rose at the end of September and it could put you into debt.

If you are struggling to pay for your gas and electricity, help and support is available from us. Email emu@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 07958 011104.

You can also get additional help and support from Home Energy Scotland. Call 0808 808 2282 or search for their website.

Energy advice

COVID-19 vaccines for 12 to 15s

If your child is aged 12 and older, they can get the coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine.

Information on clinic dates, including any drop-in centres, are available on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website.

NHS website

07/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Young people are counting down the days to the start of the school holidays and Street Stuff will be out and about in communities across Renfrewshire.

Multi-sports gaming and much more will be available for those aged 5 to 16 at venues across Renfrewshire throughout the week, with activities split by age groups across the day.

A free, healthy meal will be provided at every session so the young people are fully energised to take part and all are welcome to attend.

Monday 11 October
9:30am – 12:30pm (suitable for 5-8 year olds)
1:30pm – 4:30pm (suitable for 9-16 year olds)
Glencoats Primary School, Paisley
St James’ Primary School, Moorpark

Tuesday 12 October
9:30am – 12:30pm (suitable for 5-8 year olds)
1:30pm – 4:30pm (suitable for 9-16 year olds)
Woodlands Primary School, Linwood
St Paul’s Primary School, Paisley

Wednesday 13 October
9:30am – 12:30pm (suitable for 5-8 year olds)
1:30pm – 4:30pm (suitable for 9-16 year olds)
West Johnstone Shared Campus
Woodlands Primary School, Linwood
Bargarran Primary School, Erskine

Thursday 14 October
9:30am – 12:30pm (suitable for 5-8 year olds)
1:30pm – 4:30pm (suitable for 9-16 year olds)
Bargarran Primary School, Erskine
West Johnstone Shared Campus
St Paul’s Primary School, Paisley

Friday 15 October
9:30am – 12:30pm (suitable for 5-8 year olds)
1:30pm – 4:30pm (suitable for 9-16 year olds)
Glencoats Primary School, Paisley
St James’ Primary School, Moorpark

Consent forms must be completed by all participants and will be available on the first day of arrival or can be filled out online in advance.

The October Week clubs will run alongside Street Stuff’s evening programme which hosts activities six days a week at venues across Renfrewshire.

All participants will need to provide contact details for Test and Protect and follow the current guidelines, including wearing a facemask where applicable between games. Hand sanitizer stations and wipes will be available at all locations.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “We’re committed to providing sport and exercise opportunities for all our young people and our free October Week camps give our young people the chance to have fun with their friends when they’re not in school.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to brush up on your sporting skills and meet new people so come along to Street Stuff and have some fun.”

Street Stuff is a diversionary project run in partnership between Renfrewshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Engage Renfrewshire and St Mirren Football Club.

The programme began in 2009 in Renfrewshire contributing to a reduction in youth disorder and anti-social behaviour by 75 percent over the first five years with a sustained reduction of 65 percent.

Lynsey McLean, General Manager of St Mirren Football Club, said: “We are delighted that the October camps are going to be available to so many local children. It is a great incentive that we are proud to be part of. We hope all the children have the best time and enjoy making memories.”

For more information and to see the October Week programme, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/streetstuff.

06/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

06/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

05/10/2021/by Brian McGuire

Don’t miss Wee Spree activities over the October holidays

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