From Kashmir to Renfrewshire

Dress and Textiles History Scholar Lucy McConnell transports us back to the heyday of textile production in Renfrewshire at the time of the Paisley shawl. Recognised for its level of production and the quality of industrial output, Renfrewshire was a major manufacturer of textiles across numerous decades. As woven textile production spread throughout the... Read More

Glasvegas

We spoke to Glasvegas’ James Allan on his return to Renfrewshire ahead of their gig at The Spree in 2019.  Last year, you embarked on a mammoth tour that commemorated ten years of your seminal debut. Now that you’ve been rehearsing rarities such as ‘Whitey‘, can The Spree expect a career-spanning set? The truth... Read More

From Ballrooms to Broomlands Street: The Journey of Dancedreams Theatre School

On the precipice of opening the doors to their new studio, we spoke to Bonnie, Sharon and Ashleigh Barr about the history of their prestigious academy.  Some people crumble in the face of mounting pressure. Others, such as the familial unit at the core of Dancedreams Theatre School, take even the most cumbersome hurdle... Read More

Karine Polwart

Fresh from turning in an acclaimed album of reimagined Scottish pop songs, Karine Polwart discussed what to expect from her upcoming trip to Paisley. Was the Scottish Songbook a brainchild you’d had for a while? “The catalyst came from last year at the Rip It Up! exhibition in Edinburgh. I was dead surprised to... Read More

Lost Map: Johnny Lynch

One of Scotland’s most forward-thinking imprints, we spoke to Lost Map’s Johnny Lynch, aka Pictish Trail, about returning to The Spree alongside his labelmates. How would you define the philosophy behind Lost Map? It’s more of a compulsion. I’m a big music fan, and there’s no greater thrill than championing what you love, made... Read More

Hair Expert: James Martin

The owner of James Martin Hairdressing in Paisley was voted Scotland’s best hair extentionist of 2018. Follow his expert guide to tonsorial perfection. How did you start?  I left school at 15 with few qualifications and was told by my peers I wouldn’t amount to much. Since then I have never stopped training and... Read More

Uncovering Lost Renfrewshire

Go deeper underground in the company of urban historian Stephen Clancy, as he takes us on a fascinating journey through time.  The hidden gems of Renfrewshire’s past are mostly hidden beneath our feet, never to be seen again. However, in some cases such as Paisley Abbey’s magnificent Medieval Drain, currently under excavation once again,... Read More

Aquarius Crystals & Gifts – not your average shopping destination

Hurry down to Aquarius Crystals & Gifts, Renfrewshire’s leading purveyor of crystals and semi-precious stones. “My family were very spiritual,” reveals Robert Watson, proprietor of Aquarius Crystals & Gifts in Paisley. “My aunt was a seer and she was well-known for having second sight. A lot of that relates to what the business is... Read More

Interview: Scott Reid

Best known for playing Methadone Mick in Still Game, the Paisley-based actor opens up about the highs and lows of working within an unpredictable industry. Scott Reid has St Mirren to thank for his career. A keen footballer, he had a trial for the team as a teenager. As he recalls, “They said to... Read More

¡Me gusta mucho las tapas!

Tapas is all the rage at Taste Buds in Paisley, as local artist and writer Rebecca Johnstone finds out. As most people know, ‘tapas’ is the name given to multiple bar-side light-bites that come hot or cold, originating in Spain. Loaded with flavour and freshly prepared, these tasty snacks are designed to quell hunger... Read More