Mill issue 3 | January/February 2019

MILL Culture and lifestyle for Paisley and Renfrewshire Pop culture mayhem Adventurous travel Ethical fashion Everything else

003

www.paisley.is � ��

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

14

04 AHOY! A few words from our editor 06 WHAT’S ON Our jam-packed events guide

FEATURES

15 ARTS AND LEISURE The Baker Street project 20 REMODE An eco-friendly upcycling project 22 INCUBE A business incubator for local creatives 38 BRIDGE OF WEIR Explore, engage, enjoy 40 INTERVIEW Leonie Bell, the Paisley Partnership Creative Lead 66 PEOPLE Local artist Caroline Gormley

LIFESTYLE

28 FASHION Prints galore for 2019 34 BEAUTY How to be comfortable in the skin you’re in 42 INTERIORS Get in touch with your dark side 47 PROPERTY A fact vs fiction guide to moving home 48 TRAVEL Book yourself a colourful adventure holiday 62 FOOD & DRINK Lunch at Mad Hatter’s and dinner at Butchers Steak & Grill

28

CULTURE

18 INTERVIEW Singing siblings and cover stars, The Logans 52 INTERVIEW The almighty Bis 54 MUSIC Everything you need to know about the heavy, heavy monster sounds 60 ENTERTAINMENT A round-up of the best new TV shows, films, DVDs and books

42

INTRODUCTION

Ahoy!

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Welcome, friends, to issue number three.

What do we have in store for you this time?

Well, apart from our usual heaving charabanc of (deep breath) beauty, fashion, property, interiors, travel, TV, film, music, books, food and listings goodies, we’ve also found room for features on two exciting and potentially far-reaching cultural projects aimed at benefitting the people of Paisley and Renfrewshire. This may be the coldest, darkest time of the year, but worry not: the future is looking bright.

We’ve also interviewed cult Glasgow indie-pop legends Bis, as well as a new group in town, The Logans from Barrhead, who were kind enough to double-up as our cover stars. Elsewhere, the great BBC DJ Vic Galloway tells us what he’s currently listening to music-wise, while we drop in on a fantastic local community project aimed at reducing textile waste, and a local business hub that supports artists, designers and entrepreneurs.

It is, once again, all happening.

Thanks to everyone who’s praised and supported Mill so far, we really do appreciate your enthusiastic interest. Without you lot we’d, well, we’d not be here at all. And that would never do.

MILL

Published by Mill Magazine Ltd. 115 Abercorn Street Paisley PA3 4AT 003

Culture and lifestyle for Paisley and Renfrewshire Pop culture mayhem Adventurous travel Ethical fashion Everything else

Editor: Paul Whitelaw Photographer: Colin D Fisher Director: Paul Dickson Beauty Editor: Susie Cormack Bruce Travel Editor: David Walsh Interiors Editor: Carine Seitz Sub Editor: Alistair Forrest Contributors: Vic Galloway, Alan K. Gray, Ainslie Henderson

Cover, The Logans, photo © 2018 marco@federal statemedia.com

We want to hear from you, get in touch via email: info�millmagazine.co.uk

Anyway, enough of my yakking. Enjoy!

Paul Whitelaw

magazine_mill

Paul Whitelaw, Editor

You can keep in touch with Paul and the Mill team via social media or email editor@millmagazine.co.uk

magazinemill

magazinemill To advertise in Mill, please call Contact Publicity on 0141 204 2042

millmagazine.co.uk

4 MILL

Produced on environmentally friendly chlorine-free paper derived from sustained forests. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at time of going to press but subject to change.

The content of all advertisements in this publication is the responsibility of the advertiser and is received in good faith. Mill Magazine cannot be held responsible for any erroneous advertising content. The opinions expressed in Mill Magazine are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers who cannot be held responsible for actions taken as a result of the content of this magazine. © Mill Magazine Ltd 2018.

Renfrewshire’s award-winning dentists Now accepting new patients Cosmetic Dentistry • Facial Rejuvenation • Snoring Solutions • Teeth Whitening • Teeth Straightening Invisalign • Pola Whitening • Zoom! • Quick Straight Teeth • Simply Health Plans

Book your first appointment by calling 01505 843105 69 High Street, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AB info@bluewaterdentist.co.uk | www.bluewaterdentist.co.uk

Dentist of the Year

WHAT'S ON

Our guide to some of the big events taking place near you in January and February.

12-30 JAN

THE LEGENDS OF AMERICAN COUNTRY SHOW

All the way from Ireland, Tennessee, this ever-popular tribute to the giants of country music features a sublime vocal quartet backed by a grasskicking band. It’s the next best thing to actually being in the company of Dolly, Merle and Tammy et al. 7.30pm, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock. 7.30pm, Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock, £20.

8 JAN 7.30pm

THOMAS COATS MEMORIAL CHORAL SOCIETY OPEN REHEARSAL

If you’ve ever dreamed of being part of a large choir, then this could be your chance of a lifetime. There’s no need to book an appointment, just trot along and see how it goes.

All are welcome in this tower of song. 7.30pm, Holy Trinity & St Barnabas Episcopal Church, Paisley, free.

15 JAN TO 2 FEB

WAR HORSE

The most successful play in the National Theatre’s history, this award-guzzling production tells a remarkable story of courage, loyalty and friendship against the tumultuous backdrop of the First World War. Via groundbreaking puppetry, you’ll believe that living, breathing horses are galloping across the stage. Times vary, SEC Armadillo, Glasgow, from £14.20.

6 MILL

Photos by Drew Farrell

WHAT’S ON

15-19 JAN

22 JAN TO 6 MAY

DIPPY ON TOUR

The Natural History Museum’s famous diplodocus skeleton is setting up camp in Glasgow, so don’t miss this chance to meet him in all his Jurassic glory.

This magnificent creature isn’t just there to be gawped at, he’ll also encourage families to explore the incredible natural history collections right there on their doorstep.

10am, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, free.

GLASGOW GIRLS

This hit musical drama is based on the inspiring true story of seven feisty Scottish schoolgirls who took a brave stand when their friend and her asylum-seeking family were forcibly removed from their home to be deported. 2.30pm/7.30pm, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, from £13.

22-26 JAN

18 JAN 7pm

ACCORD BURNS SUPPER

Raise a glass to the Ploughman Poet while raising funds for hospice care with this traditional three-course meal. All the usual Rabbie fun – recitations, a toast to the lassies etc. – will be entirely present and correct. The Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club, Renfrew, £35.

ROCK OF AGES

Hair metal lives! Well, it does whenever this smash hit jukebox musical plugs in its axe. Set in Los Angeles in 1987, it’s basically just a post-modern yet entirely affectionate excuse to celebrate the air-punching music of spandex-clad titans such as Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Europe, Journey and Twisted Sister.

Resistance is futile. 2.30pm/7.30pm, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, from £15.

MILL 7

WHAT’S ON

27 JAN 11am

THE CAMPFIRE CLUB: MYTH AND MAGIC

This interactive storytelling experience is aimed at children between the ages of three and five, and encourages them to cultivate their imaginations while developing literacy skills. Parents must book in advance via oaktreearts.co.uk or facebook.com/ oaktreeart. The Little Coffee Company, Paisley, £4.

29 JAN TO 2 FEB

REBUS: LONG SHADOWS

Ian Rankin’s dissolute detective makes his theatrical debut with this highly-anticipated production. Adapted for the stage by Rankin himself and acclaimed dramatist Rona Munro (The James Plays; Doctor Who), it follows Rebus as he comes out of retirement when the daughter of a murder victim appears outside his flat. 2.30pm/7.30pm, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, from £26.90.

Colonel Mustard & The Dijon Five at The Bungalow, photo by Alan K. Gray

31 JAN 2019

THE BUNGALOW REOPENS Following a month of major refurbishment, this popular Paisley music venue springs back into action with a grand reopening weekend. There will be Mad Fer It vibes aplenty when tribute bands The Complete Stone Roses and Definitely Oasis perform on Friday 1st February, followed by Scottish rock ‘n’ pop acolytes The Re-Claimers on Saturday 2nd, who pay tribute to the likes of Deacon Blue, Texas and – quelle surprise – The Proclaimers. Finally, there's an open mic night on Sunday 3rd. Visit facebook.com/thebungalowpaisley for more details. Shuttle Street, Paisley, PA1 1YD.

2 FEB 7pm

© Steven Allan Images

PAISLEY PORTENO MILONGA

8 MILL

It may take two to tango, but it’s always more fun among a likeminded group. You’ll need some prior experience to enjoy partaking in this particular social dance, but the club also provides lessons. Find our more at paisleytango.com. 7pm, Wallneuk North Church, Abercorn Street, Paisley, PA3 4AB, £8.

LIGHTING

FURNITURE

RENFREWSHIRE’S PREMIER HOME FURNISHING STORE

BEDROOMS

Gael Home Interiors is an independent, family-run business for over 40 years. Visit our vast 8,000 sq ft showroom for a large selection of wallpaper, lighting, furniture, beds and accessories to furnish your home.

4-6 Orchard Street, Paisley PA1 1UZ | Tel: 0141 889 7555 Gaelhomeinteriors Gaelhomeinteriors

WALLPAPER

!

G N I Y F RI

T C E L E

An action-packed day out for all the family just minutes from Braehead!

SEARCH ONLINE FOR ‘THE EXPERIENCE, HILLINGTON’

Part of the Kibble Group, www.kibble.org Registered Office: Abercorn House, 79 Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DA The Experience, a division of Kibbleworks, Scottish Charity No. SC035861 - Registered in Scotland No. 269349

10 MILL

WHAT’S ON

5-9 FEB

HAIRSPRAY

It’s time to twist, shimmy and maybe even boogaloo as this hit musical gallops into town. Set in the early ‘60s and based on the cult comedy by John Waters, it’s a feel-good extravaganza boasting big production numbers and even bigger bouffants. 2.30pm/7.30pm, Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock, from £14.

21 FEB 5pm

WEDDING OPEN EVENINGS

Are you about to celebrate The Most Important Day of Your Life™?

Then do yourself a three-tiered favour and head along to this event, where wedding experts will be on hand to assist you with everything from dates, accommodation, tailor-made package options and a menu selection created by award-winning chefs. What’s more, the club’s stunning Salerno and Connemara Suites will be specially arranged for your perfect day.

Find out more at ingliston.com/weddings. Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton.

The Paisley Community Website

MILL 11

WHAT’S ON

19-23 FEB

MY FAIR LADY

19-23 FEB

MACBETH

Following a sold-out run in London, the National Theatre brings its bold adaptation of The Scottish Play to Glasgow. In this version, Shakespeare’s classic text is placed within the chaotic environs of a post-apocalyptic landscape.

2.30pm/7.30pm, Theatre Royal, Glasgow, from £11.90.

The Paisley Musical and Operatic Society present a spirited production of the much-loved musical, in which – as if you didn’t know – a pompous phonetics professor attempts to transform an uneducated cockney flower girl into an elegant society belle. 2.30pm/7.30pm, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, from £16.90.

WE NEED YOUR EVENTS

25 FEB 7pm

EMAIL INFO@MILLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

STARGAZING EVENING

Keep your feet on the ground and reach for the stars at this cosmic happening, during which local astronomer John Pressly will grant you a panoramic view of the night sky. Don’t fret if the weather is cloudy, as John will provide an indoor lecture and Q&A instead. Book your place via clydemuirshiel.co.uk/events. Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch, from £2.50.

MILL 13

Advertise your business from only ÂŁ225+vat, contact Ross for more details 0141 204 2042

ARTS AND LEISURE

Baker Street Two local visionaries have hatched a tantalising plan for Paisley town centre.

O

lder readers will recall that Paisley was once home to a thriving network of independent cinemas. These days, like so many towns across the UK, it doesn’t have any.

However, that may be about to change. Local businessman Gary Kerr and entrepreneur Andy Campbell are working alongside the council on an ambitious £24.7 million project that will hopefully transform Paisley’s landscape in more ways than one.

They plan to build a state-of-the-art cinema and performing arts theatre complex on a piece of derelict wasteland near the town centre. That’s why, in

2014, they co-founded the Paisley Community Trust, a registered charity focused on the community-driven regeneration of Paisley.

Named after the hit song by the late Paisley native Gerry Rafferty, Baker Street will encompass two theatre spaces, five boutique cinema screens, a performance academy plus restaurant, café and bar facilities.

“We’re looking along the lines of the Grosvenor in Ashton Lane in Glasgow,” explains Kerr. “You can go there and see Mamma Mia! or Bohemian Rhapsody, but you can also see niche art-house films.”

It’s undoubtedly a labour of love for these proud Buddies. “We were

born, bred, raised and educated in Paisley,” says Kerr, “so we wanted to give something back. A town the size of Paisley deserves a cinema.”

“In Paisley you can do one of three things,” says Campbell. “You can stay and moan about things you might not like, you can choose to leave, or you can choose to stay and do something. We’ve chosen to stay. How can we play our part in helping the regeneration of the town?

We remember the days when Paisley had a booming night time economy, but we’ve seen the decline of that in recent years. It’s all about revitalising that.”

The proposed site, which is jointly owned by the council and a

MILL 15

ARTS AND LEISURE

“

private company, is viewed each year by seven million train passengers as they arrive into Paisley. As Campbell admits, it’s not the most inviting introduction.

“That site is really the front shop window to the town, and you’ve got all these passengers thinking, ‘Yeah, maybe Paisley isn’t somewhere I want to be stopping.’ However, once you get beyond that point we’ve got some wonderful heritage buildings. We want to develop something on that site which will encourage people to get off and explore.

It’s about making Paisley a destination rather than a departure point.”

Kerr concurs. “One of the strategies is bringing people back into the town centre,” he says. “There’s also a strategy along the lines of protecting and investing in our heritage assets.

Our research led us to believe that not just Paisley’s population, but Paisley’s

16 MILL

transient population of students, really need something to anchor them in the town centre and get the night-time and leisure economies up and running again.

That’s a massive part of the motivation.

There’s also personal motivation: my son is 18 and he’s never been in a cinema in Paisley town centre. We’ve not had one for about 30 years.”

It’s hardly surprising that a project on this scale has taken so long to get going.

Nevertheless, Kerr and Campbell are hopeful that 2019 will welcome the final green light.

“As business guys we went into this ambitiously with a fast-track approach,” says Kerr, “but we’ve entered into the realms of public and third sector. That means it’s taken a bit longer than we thought, but we understand that. The process now is that we deliver our business case to the council and all the

IT WILL BE A THRIVING ARTS HUB THAT NOT ONLY ENTERTAINS THE MASSES, BUT ALSO CELEBRATES AND SUPPORTS PAISLEY’S CREATIVE COMMUNITY major stakeholders in February 2019, then we move forward from there.”

“We’re very visionary and ambitious,” says Campbell. “Why should we not shoot for the stars for Paisley? However, we’ve been very pragmatic in the steps we’ve taken.”

If it eventually comes to fruition, Baker Street will be a thriving arts hub that not only entertains the masses, but also celebrates and supports Paisley’s creative community.

“Paisley has got phenomenal talent,” Campbell enthuses. “We’ve punched well above our weight over the years.”

Get involved with the project at paisleytrust.org.

for you MAKE SOME TIME

If you suffer from aches, pains, stress, or just want to feel relaxed, speak to our professional therapist, Natalie Wood. She will assess your needs and provide several forms of treatment that include: Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Hot Stones, Natural Lift Facial, Pregnancy Massage, Swedish Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Remedial and Sports Massage.

Quote ‘Mill’ to get £10 off your first treatment Gift vouchers available

Immortalise lyrics from your first dance or ‘your special song’ with a bespoke art print, a perfect valentines or first anniversary gift.

View all the options on our website.

soMEtime SoMEtimeMakeSomeTimeForYou Email: nat_kdy@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07743 186031

Use the code ‘MILL’ to get 10% off your first order.

Follow us on Instagram to see lots more examples: @hollyandtailor

Email: hollyandtailor@me.com www.hollyandtailor.co.uk

INTERVIEW

The Logans Photo Š 2018 marco@federalstatemedia.com

Sisters in harmony, our cover stars are a sparkling new voice on the Scottish music scene.

18 MILL

FEATURES

T

he Logans from Barrhead are a real-life Von Trapp family. Mum, dad and their nine – count ‘em – children all sing and play. Their dog, Frank, has yet to pick up a musical instrument, but it’s only a matter of time.

Two years ago, Honor (25), Tayler (23) and Leona Blue (22) decided to branch out and delve into this business we call show.

They’ve already earned acclaim for their warm, poppy take on Caledonian Americana.

During our chat, they came across as a charmingly close-knit clan with a self-evident love of music.

What was it like growing up in such a large family?

Tayler: Fun. Predominantly good memories.

We’ve always had someone to play with and make music with. That’s probably where our creativity comes from. There’s always someone to beat you up too…

Honor: It’s definitely a creative environment, and we’ve had that freedom. One of my first memories was when our mum got us a second-hand piano one Christmas. We all learned five chords and we all learned a different song. That was the start, and then it passes down.

There are strong traces of country in your sound. Was that a formative influence?

Honor: There were always country influences, but overall we had such a broad scope really.

We have very individual tastes as well.

Tayler: Back in the days of LimeWire we had our first family computer, and I was eleven at the time. You could download all music, so I discovered so much by accident.

Leona Blue: I used to love all the songs our dad played in the car. Eva Cassidy, Frank Sinatra, even Robbie Williams.

Honor: Shania Twain was a huge one for us growing up, we knew every single song.

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Honor: The lessons that we’ve learned. It’s been a tough two years, but releasing our new E.P. is something we’re taking as a fresh start.

We’ve become so much closer as sisters and we’ve learned so much about the industry, and it’s not an easy industry to try and navigate.

“

WE’VE BECOME SO MUCH CLOSER AS SISTERS AND WE’VE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT THE INDUSTRY

Leona Blue: It’s been an eye-opener for us. At the time it might’ve felt like something that was really scary or difficult, but now we’re at the point where we look back and realise that we’ve learned so much that we’d otherwise be blind about if we’d had an easy time.

What can you tell us about your home studio?

Tayler: It’s a makeshift home studio!

Honor: It includes Tayler’s wardrobe as a soundproof vocal booth…

That sounds excellent.

Tayler: Thank you! They’re like, “Excuse me, this isn’t the standard we’re used to, darling.”

Just do it!

Do you write together or individually?

Honor: Both. Sometimes someone will come up with just a hook and we’ll come together and finish it, or someone will write a song and we’ll run it, see if we want to change anything. It just depends, there’s not really a format for us.

Q&A TAYLER FAVOURITE ALBUM Teenage Dream

by Katy Perry FAVOURITE ARTIST Paul Simon

HONOR FAVOURITE ALBUM Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music by Ray Charles FAVOURITE ARTIST Ray Charles

LEONA BLUE FAVOURITE ALBUM Songbird by Eva Cassidy FAVOURITE ARTIST Eva Cassidy

What can you tell us about your new E.P? Leona Blue: Probably it’s the most personal that it’s ever been for us. It contains all of our ideas, we wrote all the songs in a style that we’ve chosen.

Honor: It was recorded with a very creative producer friend of ours in Glasgow. We’re very excited about it.

Tayler: It’s a good mix of rocky country, more singer-songwritery material and a pop influence, so it’s a variety of things that represent us.

You’ve spoken in the past about plans to record in Nashville.

Honor: Originally we were supposed to be going to write in Nashville, but to be honest that isn’t happening now. At some point, of course, we’d love to go, but at the moment we’re trying to work on something authentic before we even think about that. Our sound has changed so much in the last year too.

Keep up to date with all things Logans via facebook.com/thelogansmusic and twitter.com/thelogansmusic.

MILL 19

REMAKE REMODE RE-MODEL ReMode is a community-based project dedicated to extending the life of clothes and reducing textile waste.

20 MILL

FEATURES

D

id you know that the fashion and textiles industry is one of the most environmentally unfriendly industries on the planet? Millions of people discard unwanted clothing on a daily basis, little realising that their waste causes pollution on a devastating scale.

We all have a responsibility to do what we can about this dire situation, hence the existence of ReMode. With a MakeSpace in Lochwinnoch and a shop based at the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley, this admirable project has one simple yet hugely important directive: to turn unworn or unwanted clothing into unique, beautiful and desirable garments, thus increasing its lifespan and reducing its environmental footprint.

ReMode’s industrious workshops teach people skills in making, mending and upcycling. They also host film nights, pop-up events and an annual multi-media fashion show to raise awareness about positive climate action.

“You don’t see many people walking down the street naked, everybody is affected by this,” says Project Creative Director Gillian Steel.

“More and more people are going to be affected by the overproduction of clothing, so the industry and governments will have to adapt to the situation.

We have to change things.”

Steel points out that, typically, people on lower incomes will be more seriously affected.

“That’s true of climate change in general, so it’s people on lower incomes who we try to target in our local communities, to build more positive attitudes around second-hand clothing.”

So how does it work?

“The shop runs on a token system,” Steel explains, “so the idea is that anybody can join.

When you join you earn tokens, and for every .5 kilogram of clothes you bring in, you earn more tokens that go on your account. Particularly, young people needn’t have money in their pockets; they can get involved in the circular economy system.

We also give people the option of using real money, so in the world of ReMode one token equals one pound.”

ReMode also spreads the word while visiting various primary and secondary schools, and assists with design courses at Cardonald College and the Glasgow School of Art. “We work with students to deliver training packages on sustainable textiles with a view to getting them at a really early stage,” says Steel.

“From the very beginning, these young designers

start to enter the practice of sustainability and resources rather than it being something that older designers have to adapt to.”

After two years of tireless activity, Steel has noticed a positive shift in attitudes within our local communities.

“People are becoming more aware of the dangers of plastics and the impact of the clothing industry on the environment, and that it’s much more serious than they previously understood,” she says. “People have really responded to it, they’re really keen on the idea. It’s been more difficult getting people to actually engage in buying less, but I think that’s beginning to happen now.

People are telling us that they’re buying fewer clothes and they’ve been learning to make and mend more. The reduction part of it was definitely beginning to happen by the end of our first year.”

Despite the gravity of their message, ReMode are determined to make sure that saving the planet is a fun, fulfilling and creative endeavour.

“Clothing isn’t easy come, easy go,” says Steel.

“The callous attitude that we’ve developed towards our resources will really come back and bite us if we don’t start taking action now. However, we’re trying to do that in a non-punitive way; we really want people to enjoy it.”

To illustrate her point, she cites one recent example in particular.

“We had an eleven-year-old girl in our workshop who was bringing these jeans in every week. She was embroidering them and during the week she was wearing them. Every week she added more to them, they became more and more elaborate, and they were just a beautiful piece of artwork in the end.”

Millions of people discard unwanted clothing on a daily basis, little realising that their waste causes pollution on a devastating scale

ReMode is located at 39 High Street, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AB and Elles Building East, Storie Street, Paisley, PA1 2AR. 07340 910 852.

If you would like to get involved, then more details can be found at remodeyouth.org.

MILL 21

THE INCUBE CROWD

InCube is Renfrewshire’s foremost creative business incubator and retail academy.

Over the next few pages, they explain why they’re the one-stop shop for local artists, designers and entrepreneurs.

FlipFlop Design Shop

22 MILL

FEATURES

Designs on Paisley

Several of the latest fashion collections - Etro included – currently feature the iconic Paisley pattern, so no wonder the design world is turning its eyes towards us.

Boasting the second highest percentage of listed buildings in Scotland, and with famous Paisley ‘buddies’ including artist John Byrne and the Queen’s sculptor Alexander Stoddart, it’s a place filled with inspiration and a wealth of design talent.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Paisley was one of the leading towns in Europe for the manufacture of high quality fashion fabrics. Fine silk gauzes and figured muslins were in demand in all the fashion circles of Europe. The textile collection in Paisley Museum holds what is thought to be the largest collection of shawls in the world, together with many pattern and sample books containing a huge variety of original designs.

Today, many local designers who continue the tradition of creating beautiful textiles have been joined by ceramicists, jewellers, milliners, book-binders, furniture-makers and artists – all of whom have a story to tell about combining traditional crafts, local culture, materials and design in a new and contemporary way.

At InCube, we aim to support and nurture such artists. Our business concept is designed to help nascent creative businesses to grow, thrive and locate in Paisley. The business incubator is part of Invest in Renfrewshire, a growth programme supporting the local economy. It will also add impetus to the Paisley regeneration initiative, which celebrates the town’s creative and crafts heritage.

What we do

InCube offers a package of support including business accommodation, masterclasses, workshops, direct consultation, business planning, specialist expertise and access to creative networks. Also operating services from InCube are Business Gateway and Prince's Trust Scotland, making it a vibrant environment for aspiring entrepreneurs in need of start-up advice.

A crucial part of the programme is the dedicated InCube shop at 9B Gilmour Street, which provides a showcase for businesses to sell their products. It’s also a central location for design-savvy shoppers eager to find a range of unique gifts.

Designer Sarah Johnston of FlipFlopDesign.Shop regards the InCube programme as a great opportunity to absorb advice and guidance from specialists.

MILL 23

FEATURES

“It’s perfect for networking and learning business skills alongside other creative, inspirational and like-minded people who have the same goal,” says Sarah. “InCube has helped to push me in the right direction and work on the areas of my business I felt less confident about.”

Former InCube graduates are now reaping the rewards of their hard work. They’re finding commercial success and winning design competitions and scholarships, as well as sponsorship for overseas design events.

One graduate, Laura Provan of Paisley Pins, recently travelled the world running workshops on cruise liners, resulting in a whole new customer base and inspiration for a collection based on her adventures. Laura now has her jewellery stocked in over 40 National Trust shops and has recently opened The Workshop in the Old Fire Station annexe in central Paisley – a great resource and stepping stone for her fellow creatives.

With this wealth of local talent breaking onto the design scene, let’s meet the current group of entrepreneurs.

Roberta Simpson Millinery Specialising in the wedding market as well as headwear for occasions such as the Queen’s Garden Party, Ladies’ Day at the Races and Royal Ascot, Roberta’s designs balance classic elegance with a modern twist. All pieces are made locally, ethically and sustainably and, where possible, materials are sourced from Scotland’s many wonderful textile manufacturers. Some of the pieces are embellished with vintage jewellery hand-picked from Roberta’s extensive collection of treasures.

Roberta believes that ladies’ headwear should look as good as every other part of their outfits. robertasimpsonmillinery.com

Obsidian Ore

Obsidian Ore

24 MILL

Having travelled the globe as an ‘army child’, Geraldine Donnelly has used her experiences to create a range of luxurious fabrics and interior furnishings inspired by diverse architecture, beautiful landscapes, historic buildings and cityscapes. After graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design with an Honours Degree in Textiles and an award from Dyers of Dundee for Best Use of Colour, she exhibited at New Designers in London. Most recently, Geraldine won a prestigious competition to design the prizes for the Scottish Album of the Year Awards. obsidianore.com

To advertise in Mill, please call

Tel: 0141 204 2042

FEATURES

Handmade Moments Lisa is a stitch, textile and paper artist who repurposes vintage buttons and thread inherited from her aunts, her grandmother and upcycled books, to create unique pieces of jewellery. Liberty Fabric and Harris Tweed bought directly from the weaver are made into teddy bears, each with its own individual character. Never to be spotted without a notebook to jot down ideas, Lisa’s creations are a wonderful blend of vintage craft and contemporary design, making them perfect heirloom pieces for the future. handmademoments.co.uk

Soheila Keyani

Abstract painter Soheila Keyani is renowned for the boldness and vitality of her work and for using paint to express complex emotions and ideas. With much of her work in private collections around the world, Soheila’s interests have recently turned to fashion as a means of expressing mood and personality. She’s currently in the process of creating an ethical and sustainable clothing line using her own designs alongside local textile producers and manufacturers. Watch this space. saatchiart.com/soheila

Atelier Eva Art

Having learned to sew at the age of 10 using an old treadle sewing machine, Eva’s passion for fabric led her to set up her own business. Using only top quality cotton and linen, Eva designs limited collections of high quality handmade children’s wear, accessories, nursery decor and gifts - all beautifully bright and fabulously funky. Each collection is made up of no more than 12 to 15 garments from each fabric print, making each piece very special. Personalised baby blankets are made to order using applique, quilting and patchwork techniques, and can be embroidered to create a unique gift or heirloom piece. atelierevaart.com

26 MILL

InCube is located at 27 High Street, Paisley and 9B Gilmour Street, Paisley. 0300 300 1180 and 0141 618 6040. For further information on the programme and how to apply, visit incube.ren.

FEATURES

PRINTS

The easy way to add prints to your everyday style.

CHARMING 28 MILL

FASHION

GO BOLD

Loving bold prints? Just go for it and wear your patterns with pride!

A fierce leopard print coat (faux fur, of course) is a glamorous partner to laidback jeans and trainers, or try a colourful Fair Isle knit for a style statement that will keep you cosy.

He wears: Fair Isle jumper £18, cable knit scarf £10, all Tu at Sainbury’s She wears: Leopard coat £35, earrings £5, jeans £14, sweater £12.50, trainers £10, all George at ASDA

MILL 29

FASHION

ON A ROLL

Love retro style but aren’t sure how to get the look? Pairing your prints with a chunky roll neck knit is a great way to create a relaxed vintage vibe. Try a tonal look, taking shades from your print and wearing them top to toe. Or why not go for a heavyweight jumper to give a patterned jacket a laidback ‘70s feel?

He wears: Jacket £45, roll neck cable knit jumper £18, all Matalan She wears: Roll neck jumper £35, blazer £65, velvet jeans £39, boots £45, all Miss Selfridge

30 MILL

TONE IT DOWN

Whether it's solid windowpane checks or animal prints galore, if you’re feeling nervous about rocking a bold print, pare it down with a classic coat in a neutral shade of black or navy. That will allow your print to shine but still keep your look timeless.

He wears: Coat £110, shirt £32, all Burton She wears: Coat £90, shirt dress £50, boots £45, all Oasis

MILL 31

FASHION

CHECKING IN

A classic check is a simple way to add prints to your wardrobe, and it’s the perfect print to wear at weekends. Try a checked shirt thrown over a cosy jumper for a relaxed look, or make a pair of printed trousers feel weekend-ready by teaming them with a trench, trainers and a snuggly knit.

He wears: Shirt £45, jumper £35, jeans £39.50, all Marks & Spencer She wears: Trench £99, jumper £29.50, trousers £35, bag £79, trainers £49.50, all Marks & Spencer

32 MILL

HUGO BOSS ABSORBA EMILE ET ROSE COCO LEVI'S TUTTO PICCOLO PATACHOU MAYORAL SARAH LOUISE SATILA HATS MITCH & SON TIMBERLAND DKNY KENZO

Hugo Boss boys range up to age 16

Follow us

Continental Children’s Wear for babies, boys and girls Serving Renfrewshire since 2004 56B Causeyside St, Paisley PA1 1YW, Tel: 0141 561 0293

Between the Lines These Egyptian inspired looks from the Chanel catwalks may raise a few eyebrows around the Piazza, but they’re an indicator that eyeliner will come firmly into focus in 2019. To make the look more wearable, try a slightly thicker extended cat’s eye flick in classic black, or go for navy or dark green to really up the ante.

We recommend Chanel Stylo Yeaux Waterproof Eyeliner, £22.

HOT HEADED It’s not only your skin that central heating can dry out; your hair can become a little parched too, leaving it dry and with obvious split ends. If you’re a 25+ gal (that’s temperature talk, not age), you’ll love L'Oréal Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Mask (£5.99), which self-heats (seriously) meaning it conditions deeper. Brilliant for a winter’s night pamper session.

BEAUTY

Susie Cormack Bruce presents some top cosmetic tips for the New Year.

NAIL IT Wanting to win the Most Wanted manicure stakes this year?

Come closer and we’ll give you the heads-up on the colours the best-dressed hands will be wearing. Glossy nails will return with a vengeance, with navy the major talon colour of choice, closely followed by pale-to-mid grey and ice cool white.

But should they feel a bit too out of your comfort zone, red still has a place. However, make sure it’s a bright poppy shade to stay on the right side of the nail police.

Smith & Cult’s Kundalini Hustle, £18, is finger slicking good.

34 MILL

FRESH START If there’s one New Year Resolution you really should keep, it’s to take your make-up off before you hit the pillow.

A double cleanse is the gold standard in skincare, but keep a bottle of micellar water and some cotton pads by your bed (we like Simple’s Micellar Water, £2.39) as the alternative isn’t just stained pillows but potentially faster-ageing skin. Not removing make-up prevents your skin from breathing, which means it struggles to renew itself. Early wrinkles or a quick cleanse? The decision is yours.

SCOTLAND SMELLS The start of the year is a funny time for fragrance – the deep spicy scents that were great for Christmas parties seem too heavy, and pretty florals just feel too spring. That’s why we we’re excited to discover Albaura from Scotland’s first fragrance house, Kingdom Scotland. The top notes of Iced Botanicals (think really posh gin) warm up over time to reveal a base of Atlas Cedar, Rock Moss and Ambergris, making this a definite ‘What’s that you’re wearing?’ find.

Starts at £95 for 50ml EDP.

With its award winning and innovative formulas, Fake Bake is the global leader in self-tanning, giving you the ultimate tan from a bottle. With a tan to suit every skin type, skin tone and lifestyle, Fake Bake are truly the experts in creating that perfect tan. Fake Bake have teamed up with Mill Magazine to bring you an exclusive offer of 30% off ALL retail products, using the code MILL30 at the checkout.

Visit www.fakebake.co.uk to browse the full range and grab your exclusive discount today!

Discount code: MILL30 promotion ends 30/09/18

BEAUTY

Hay Beautiful…

Think you have to go high-end to keep your vegan principles when it comes to prettying up? Think again, as the mass market has woken up to the fact that veganism is not a fad and is now offering some brilliant budget-priced vegan ranges.

Here are three of our bunny-friendly faves.

E.L.F. You’ve probably spotted E.L.F. in larger Boots stores, but did you know the entire range is vegan?

Now you do so don’t be shy in loading up your basket with these super affordable products save in the knowledge that nothing but nothing in this range is animal-derived. Impressive stuff from a company offering so many products at under a fiver.

B. Beauty Exclusively at Superdrug, this brand offers surprisingly sophisticated skincare at affordable prices and entirely vegan. The range is broken into different age-based ‘phases’ but we say go with your skin concerns rather than the candles on your cake.

The glow booster, £9.99, can be used solo or mixed with your own moisturiser.

Drugstore beauty at its kindest.

EcoTools A poor tradesman always blames his tools so if you’re claiming that dodgy blending is down to poor quality but cruelty-free brushes, quit with the excuses as EcoTools offer quality beauty brushes made from sustainable materials such as bamboo. They also use soft synthetic bristles as an alternative to the animal-derived bristles.

This Start the Day Beautifully set is a steal at under £10.

BEAUTY

expert Bekka Costello is the owner and semi-permanent make-up artist at Elixir Lounge. PhiBrows qualified in micro-blading, she offers a natural look and shape to brows, complementing your face shape.

What’s the best thing about working in the industry?

The wide variety of people you meet from different places.

By far the best thing about my job, though, is when people come back for a top-up on their brows and tell me how much their confidence has increased since having them done.

What’s your favourite cosmetics brand? I believe it’s important not to stick to a specific brand. I am, however, loving the fab new Chanel 3D-printed mascara.

What beauty trends are you enjoying right now? I’m really loving these slightly more cosmetic facials, Dermaplaning in particular. It’s actually my favourite treatment that we offer in the salon, as it’s so simple yet so effective. It involves using a surgical scalpel – don’t worry, no pain is involved and it’s not at all as scary as it sounds! - that removes all the dead skin cells and peach fuzz from your face, leaving your skin super smooth and glowing. I’ve found that my own skin has never been so clear since I started having it done.

What should people look for when getting their eyebrows done? The key word is ‘natural’. Natural can’t go out of fashion, but trends can. Next is the arch, which opens the eyes and can give a more youthful appearance. Do your research, look at lots of pictures and find an artist whose style suits you. When you find work by someone where you can say there isn’t a picture you don’t like, then they’re the one for you.

What’s your top tip for achieving a professional look at home? Less is more. Don’t use a pencil to fill in the brows.

Instead, sharpen a pencil into a flat shape and use it to lightly draw hair strokes through the brow. Alternatively, use a fine angled brow brush and powder. Use the brush to line the brow along the bottom to create definition, then continue to brush through, leaving the front until last so that it’s softer.

Elixir Lounge is located at Upper Floor, 12 New Street, Paisley, PA1 1XY. 0141 889 8623. elixir-lounge.co.uk

MILL 37

Bridge of Weir There is so much to enjoy in this picturesque part of Renfrewshire, as Craig Gillespie finds out.

GET ACTIVE An idyllic village set in the Renfrewshire countryside, Bridge of Weir was once served by a railway line which is now a trafficfree cycle route. It’s accessible from Paisley and runs through the heart of the village.

If you want to save your energy for activities in the area, Bridge of Weir is well served by buses. There are also plenty of places to park and local walks to enjoy. Highlights include a two mile route through Pow Burn gorge, a trip along the banks of the River Gryffe and a visit to Quarrier's Village.

38 MILL

The Coach House

If fishing is your thing, Bridge of Weir Angling Club is steeped in history. The River Gryffe is known for its salmon, trout and grayling.

Golfers are spoiled for choice with two courses on the edge of the village, namely the Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club and Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. Both are fun and challenging to play, and a test for golfers of all abilities. From the higher moorland part of the courses there are magnificent views of the Renfrewshire countryside and even further to Ben Lomond and the Campsie Fells. A warm welcome is extended to visitors at both clubs.

EAT OUT Whatever activity you choose you’ll no doubt work up an appetite, and there’s no shortage of choice within the village.

The newest and arguably hottest spot is The Coach House. It’s a

FEATURES

Lochnagar Café

Bernies Café Deli

Ice Mania

Amaretto Italian Kitchen & Bar

stylish bar and restaurant open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a laidback feel with dishes that are simple but big on flavour.

Amaretto Italian Kitchen & Bar has been around for over 10 years and prides itself on delivering authentic Italian food and wine in a warm and contemporary atmosphere. They also host regular events including popular wine-tasting evenings.

Bernie’s Café Deli is a relaxed and friendly place and a favourite stop for cyclists to refuel. There’s also the Lochnagar Café which has a large selection of home baking and a kids' play area. If you venture a little further to Quarrier's Village, the Three Sisters Bake is unmissable for cake and coffee or a delicious lunch.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, try Ice Mania, Bridge of Weir's sit-in dessert parlour. They have a huge selection of shakes, cakes, ice cream, waffles and crêpes on the menu and a friendly staff who won't judge you for having two puddings.

The Lions Paw

SHOP (if you’ve not dropped) If the weather is putting you off from adventuring too much, there are some delightful shops to explore. The Lions Paw is a treasure trove of exclusive gifts for every occasion, and Gibb Stuart is a stalwart of the local community, providing dependable and friendly service for over 20 years.

Anything - and we do mean anything – you might need for your home or garden can be found here.

DID YOU KNOW? Bridge of Weir Leather Company manufactures leather for the automotive industry, with clients including Aston Martin. They were also namedropped in an episode in the American TV cop drama Blue Bloods starring Tom Selleck.

Find out more at renfrewshire.gov.uk/paisleyis.

MILL 39

INTERVIEW

Leonie Bell

A senior Scottish Government figure is spearheading plans to transform Paisley’s future. She tells us more in this exclusive interview.

Y

ou can’t keep a good town down.

When Paisley lost its bid for UK City of Culture 2021, the story was far from over. On the contrary, it marked the beginning of a cultural rejuvenation project that’s still gathering momentum.

In autumn of last year, Leonie Bell, the Scottish Government’s Head of Culture Strategy and Cultural Engagement, joined Renfrewshire Council in the newly created post of Paisley Partnership Creative Lead. In a nutshell, that means she’s in charge of far-reaching plans to harness Paisley’s creativity to make a positive impact on education, health, poverty and business.

So what does the future hold? “I think it’s looking bright,” says Bell. “What Paisley did through the City of Culture bid process is build on its historic and heritage strengths. Paisley’s got a fierce sense of its own identity, it’s got this amazing past, but I think it’s had a period of falling into the shadows. That’s not where it deserves to be.”

It’s time to put Paisley on the map, so to speak?

“I think one of the quotes that struck me from the bid was communities and residents saying ‘We now believe that our time is now’. And I think Paisley’s time still is now. It’s now about how we transform and reimagine that past into the future, so that Paisley becomes a town full of neighbourhoods and communities with a vibrant town centre at its heart.”

Bell brings a wealth of experience and a heaving contact book to her new role. Prior to working for the Scottish Government, she led the Scottish cultural programme for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which paved the way for its Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games equivalent. She’s also been employed as programme director at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s centre for design and architecture, and as Director of Arts and Engagement at funding body Creative Scotland. That’s quite a C.V.

40 MILL

It’s hardly surprising that she’s of the firm belief that culture is fundamental to the growth and wellbeing of every community.

“It’s so hard to imagine Paisley without culture,” she says, “it’s such a cultural town, it always has been and I think it’s always going to be. Our job is to make the most of that for the benefit of everybody. Culture and creativity make us understand who we really are and our place in the world. They help us understand difficult times, bring us together and let us celebrate the great things about being human and living in communities. Paisley’s got a sense of physical place that’s just so incredible, every day my spirits are lifted by the quality of its public realm.

We want to build on that and make it relevant for the 21st century.”

The Paisley Partnership was formed with a view to building on the City of Culture bid, the failure of which was just a temporary setback as far as Bell is concerned. “I think it was a defining experience for the town,” she says.

“People put their heart and soul into the bid, but the fact that Paisley was shortlisted and that the bid galvanised so much interest and energy is something to be proud of. People around the UK and the world are now looking to Paisley and what Paisley is doing, and I think we’ve got an opportunity for Paisley to be a leader in the field of cultural regeneration.”

So, it’s very much a case of onwards and upwards. “We can still deliver on Paisley’s 2021 ambitions,” Bell enthuses. “There’s a lot of investment going on without the bid and that’s what we’re focused on now. The bid created a focus that everybody gathered around, we need to keep that momentum going and keep sharing our vision for Paisley and wider Renfrewshire.

The journey is still continuing and we want everyone to be a part of it.”

To find out more about these ongoing plans, visit paisley2021.co.uk.

MILL 41

PERFECTION COMES AS STANDARD WITH EVERY KN KITCHEN

Call 0141 473 1800 to arrange your FREE no obligation survey Visit our new showroom and let us design your brand new kitchen. Our experts will guide you through our range of finishes and materials, allowing you to create the perfect space.

We can also re-face your existing units to give your current kitchen a new lease of life.

What our customers say...

Kenny is one of the most talented and patient joiners I’ve encountered. Also, to say he is a perfectionist is an understatement!”

Maria Brown, Facebook Can’t thank Kenny enough for our amazing brand new kitchen! Extremely professional and quality service! The before and after could be two different houses... would highly recommend to anyone!”

Teagan Delaney, Facebook

13 Greenhill Road, Paisley PA3 1RN 0141 473 1800 KNKitchensscotland

THE DARK SIDE Our minister of interiors Carine Seitz suggests some stylish modern moods for your kitchen.

Nest

W

hether you’re planning on investing in a new kitchen, or just like to keep an eye on the world of interiors, you can’t fail to have noticed the current trend for dark colours. This move towards embracing deep shades of navy blue, charcoal grey and black as a stylish kitchen colour palette has certainly been influenced by the Scandinavian aesthetic, but using darker tones is a sophisticated style favoured by designers the world over.

The kitchen is a room where people tend to favour neutrals – after all, it’s an expensive investment buying a kitchen, so keeping it neutral means it’s more likely to stand the test of time. Whereas this has traditionally meant lighter shades like white, magnolia (shudder) and cream, we’re now looking at the other end of the spectrum for moodier palettes that give a much more dramatic look.

It’s no coincidence that items we traditionally think of as ‘white goods’ – appliances like washing machines and fridges – are now increasingly available in black and darker shades of grey.

If you want to embrace the look but don’t want to cross over to the dark side entirely, consider two-tone cabinets.

Mixing wood cabinet doors with black is a really contemporary look that can break you in gently. In fact, working wood into the theme is a great tip. It softens the look and keeps it modern and cool, whether the overall style is sleek or more rustic. Why not try some wooden seating and accessories like bowls and chopping boards on display?

Other natural textiles in soft and natural shades are key to avoiding unintentionally ‘80s-style monochrome territory.

Exposed brick, raw ceramic and white crockery all work together with dark tones to achieve a cool, contemporary feel, and touches of luxe metals like gold, brass or copper can lend an expensive-looking air.

If your budget doesn’t stretch as far as replacing units or doors, consider painting them. Home improvement stores now have a brilliant range of durable, wipe-clean dark paint colours. You can also paint walls a dark hue to complement existing light-coloured cabinets. Tiles, backsplashes and hardware are other places to start. Black taps look super sleek and modern, and a brass tap against a black backsplash is gorgeous.

MILL 43

INTERIORS

Pendant, £230, Nest

get the

look

Embrace monochrome neutrals mixed with natural materials for a stylish and contemporary look.

Nest

Copper pan set, £175, Argos

Set of 4 glasses, £36, Amara

All The Lights Off matt emulsion, £34.99, Dowsing & Reynolds

Cafetiere, £19, Marks & Spencer

Dining chair, £164, Cuckooland

Salad servers, £37, Amara

Marble bowl, £9, Amara Bread bin, £129, Amara

Cabinet, £895, Cuckooland

44 MILL

Black furniture another cupboard paint, £12.95, Wilko

Dust pan and brush, £59, Nest

Attention, Mill mates!

This magazine thrives on the ideas, suggestions and advertising support of people exactly like you.

So don’t be shy, mortified or petrified, feel free to get in touch. Your story is an article or ad just waiting to be splashed across these pages.

We welcome one and all.

EMAIL INFO@MILLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

magazine_mill

magazinemill

magazinemill

millmagazine.co.uk MILL 45

THE ESTATE AGENCY SERVICE YOU DESERVE FROM PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST

With over 30 years industry experience, Caledonia Property have helped thousands of homeowners buy, sell, let and rent property. By taking the

BUY

very best of our traditional estate agency services and expertise, we are now

SELL

able to offer a range of transparent and affordable online and classic estate

LET

agency marketing options. So, please contact Caledonia Property today on 0141 648 0888 today to start your next home move.

RENT

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? CALL FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION VALUATION

25-29 Causeyside Street Paisley, PA1 1UL 0141 648 0888 caledoniabureau.co.uk.

PROPERTY

MARKET WATCH

SELLING UP

How long will it take to sell your property in Renfrewshire? That depends on the price band, number of bedrooms and your property type.

Selling times in Renfrewshire by price band

39 DAYS

55 DAYS under £100,000

54 DAYS

47 DAYS

53 DAYS

83 DAYS

£100,000 to £200,000 to £300,000 to £400,000 to £500,000 to £200,000 £300,000 £400,000 £500,000 £1,000,000

Selling times in Renfrewshire by number of bedrooms

Considering a move in 2019? To help you separate fact from fiction, Ainslie Henderson from Caledonia Bureau is here to put some estate agency myths to rest.

Just starting out? Contact a letting agent for expert advice on purchasing the right buy-to-let property. Use their knowledge on areas and typical rental monthly incomes. Appointing a letting agent will ensure your investment is in safe hands and up to legal compliance standards. Research your choices before handing over one of your biggest assets. Make sure your investment is inspected regularly. Once every 12 weeks should be enough to make sure the property remains in order.

This will stop unwanted problems from escalating and help you to avoid costly redecorations. Have a rent guarantee policy. Tenants may find themselves in financial difficulty due to a variety of situations.

With rent guarantee you’ll have peace of mind. Most reputable letting agents will offer this safeguard.

Self-managing? Bear in mind that any deposit taken must be legally held by one of the accredited organisations in Scotland. Both landlord and tenant will receive the holding details, but neither will be given access until both parties confirm they are happy for it to be released.

81 DAYS

49 DAYS

38 DAYS

47 DAYS

103 DAYS

1 bedroom

2 bedrooms

3 bedrooms

4 bedrooms

5 bedrooms

Selling times in Renfrewshire by property type

62 DAYS

38 DAYS

31 DAYS

57 DAYS

Flat

Terraced

Semi-detached

Detached

Source: home.co.uk. Figures based on 991 properties sold in Renfrewshire in the last 90 days, correct as of 13 December 2018.

Split the risk? Some people find it wise to have at least two properties, with one covering the costs of both should a property lie empty until a new tenant is found.

The Renfrewshire rental market remains busy throughout the year with constant stimuli from seasonal workers from a variety of professions including Glasgow International Airport, Royal Alexandra Hospital, new housing developments, the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Paisley’s own University of the West of Scotland. Paisley offers great quality homes with a huge cost differential to the Glasgow rental market. With the M8 motorway network bringing people into the area, the Renfrewshire rental market will continue to flourish.

Contact Ainslie at Caledonia Bureau Estate & Letting Agents, 25-29 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UL, 0141 648 0888, caledoniabureau.co.uk.

MILL 47

48 MILL

TRAVEL

Adventure Time

Barrhead Travel, one of Britain’s largest travel agencies, reveal why more and more people are swapping buckets and spades for sunrises at the Taj Mahal.

A

Florence

new breed of travellers is driving a shift away from traditional package holidays to personalised adventures they can share in real time on social media.

Many holidaymakers are swapping sun, sea and sangria for something a little more varied and exotic, such as cruising along Route 66, taking a bullet train journey across Japan and tasting wine in Chianti.

This growth in touring and adventure holidays is being fuelled by millennials and solo travellers looking for active and authentic getaways. Barrhead Travel have reported a 20 percent year on year rise in escorted tour bookings, prompting them to launch their first branded touring brochure.

Rather than soak up the sun in onesize-fits-all resorts, these travellers want to connect with the people, culture and history of the countries they visit.

What was once niche is becoming mainstream and accessible, with 27 percent planning to visit a destination they have never been to before.

Jacqueline Dobson, Managing Director of Barrhead Travel, says, “Launching our first own-branded touring brochure is a milestone for us as we continue to grow our adventure and touring clientele. Growth in this sector is down to several specific customer profiles, one being millennials who value experiences in alternative destinations made possible and affordable from touring and adventure holidays, and

another being the rise in solo travellers.

While there are still many single travellers looking to share experiences with likeminded companions, there has also been a rise in individuals leaving a partner or friends at home to find their own sense of adventure in a group tour.”

Travel association ABTA say the surge in solos is down to new technology.

As well as people wanting some ‘me time’, the increasingly widespread availability of Wi-Fi and the use of smartphones and travel apps makes navigating the world alone less daunting.

Their Travel Trends 2018 report states: “People are now able to keep in touch with friends and family back at home, sharing holiday experiences ‘live’ via social media.”

As the movement towards unique local experiences builds momentum, Barrhead Travel has witnessed a shift in tour operator offerings.

“They are also responding by offering superior levels of comfort,” says Jacqueline Dobson, “more inclusions in the price, greater access to more remote locations and higher flexibility within the tour. Our team has the ability to customise the experience further, such as turning a stopover into an additional city break, adding extra nights in preferred locations and providing added dimensions to the trip. These additions include motor homes and excursions.”

Barrhead Travel’s touring brochure will be racked across their network of 74 stores throughout the UK.

MILL 49

TRAVEL

BARRHEAD TRAVEL’S

TOP FIVE ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS India

11 days exploring the Golden Triangle. A jungle safari looking for Bengal tigers, a sunrise visit t the Taj Mahal (pictured above), a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi and a tour of the stunning pink city of Jaipur. Flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Heathrow from £1,497pp.

USA

Get your kicks driving along historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles, stopping over at St Louis, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas before arrive in La La Land. Yes, every destination appears in a song title! Flying from Edinburgh in May 2019, 15 nights from £1,797pp.

Japan

13 days travelling the Golden Route by bullet train taking in the contrasting sights of the world’s largest city, Tokyo, the stunning scenery of Lake Ashi and the evocative peace and memorial park of Hiroshima. January 2019 to June 2020, flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Heathrow from £1,997pp.

50 MILL

Venice

Italy

Nine nights discovering the real Rome, Florence and Venice.

Free skip-the-queue tour of the Vatican, free wine tasting in Chianti and free 48-hour hop-on-hop-off canal cruise in Venice.

Flying from Edinburgh in March for £797pp.

China

Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing, explore the Great Wall, experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors and spend time with lovable Giant Pandas. March to November 2019, eight nights from £1,990pp.

More details can be found at barrheadtravel.co.uk.

VENTURE TO VENICE Flying twice a week with

BIS 52 MILL

IS IT

AMANDA AND STEVEN FROM CULT INDIE-POP LEGENDS BIS TELL US ABOUT THEIR NEW ALBUM AND THE SECRET OF THEIR SUCCESS.

MUSIC

W

hen Bis formed in Glasgow in 1994, two of them were still at school.

A couple of years later they appeared on Top of the Pops and signed with the Beastie Boys’ Grand Royal label. 25 years on, they’re still here and still vital: a DIY pop force to be reckoned with.

Despite being influenced by the likes of Devo, the B-52’s and the Riot Grrrl movement, Amanda Mackinnon and brothers Steven and John Clark – aka Manda Rin, Sci-Fi Steven and John Disco – sound like no one but themselves.

Their latest album, Slight Disconnects, is a typically zest-fuelled explosion of hooky, Day-Glo punk pop. Age shall not wither them. “We’ve been doing this for more than half our lives,” says Amanda. “I can’t imagine life without the band, it’s been such a big part of it.”

Have you learned any major life lessons from being in a band for so long?

Amanda: There’s so much that I’m proud of.

We’ve made good decisions – and some naïve or hasty ones – but things just moved so fast for us. When we started I was 16, John was 15 and Steven was 17, we still lived with our parents.

Then we were going around the world, getting in the charts, it was so much to take in. When we think of what we’ve gone through and managed to achieve during that time, it’s crazy.

Steven: We always believed so much in what we were doing, despite sensible opposition. We never toed the line, we didn’t do what people told us.

We probably should’ve listened to one or two folk, but we did it all the way we wanted to do it. Even though we’ve released a body of work that’s quite confusing, it was all our decision.

Amanda: We could’ve signed to a major label and become really big, but maybe that would’ve been a stupid decision? Maybe we wouldn’t be this still talked about band making music now.

Who knows?

Do you have any plans for your 25th anniversary this year?

Steven: I’d like to think that we’ll be celebrating a modicum of success and credibility with our new material. Also, in February we’re playing three nights in a row in three of our favourite small venues – the Old Hairdressers, the Glad Café and the Hug and Pint - rather than one big launch gig, and we’re tying it in with First Bus doing some kind of complimentary First Bis travel tickets.

“WE PROBABLY SHOULD’VE LISTENED TO ONE OR TWO FOLK, BUT WE DID IT ALL THE WAY WE WANTED TO DO IT”

What can you tell us about Slight Disconnects?

Steven: We’ve gone back to the roots of what made us excited about making music.

We recorded it very quickly, we didn’t overthink it: let’s just do what we’re good at, let’s not be scared of pop hooks. During our heyday people couldn’t deny our catchiness, but people who didn’t like us would describe the catchiness as irritation. That’s probably fair enough, but we went through a period of trying not to be a pop band and that was cutting off our nose to spite our face, really.

What’s it like juggling Bis business with real life?

Amanda: It’s quite hard. I also run my own business from home and I’ve got two kids, so my life is actually mental. If someone witnessed my normal day I think they’d be quite blown away by it! But I’m quite proud of myself that I’ve managed to do this.

Steven: We’ve managed to have normal lives since being in the band. It’s a strange one, we didn’t spend a long time being on the dole or getting grants or whatever. A lot of our contemporaries, the Franz Ferdinand guys or whoever, they scrambled about with bar jobs and being in various bands before finally hitting something that worked. We had this thing that worked immediately.

As sage veterans of the pop scene, do you have any advice for young bands starting out?

Steven: Don’t do it? Nah. My advice would be: never compromise, not even in the face of comfort and wealth!

Bis release Slight Disconnects on the Last Night From Glasgow label in February. Find out more at bisnation.com and lastnightfromglasgow.com.

MILL 53

MUSIC

A guide to some of the best gigs taking place near you in January and February.

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

THE 1975 Currently one of the world’s biggest alt-pop bands, these bright young Brits harness, rather beautifully at times, the bittersweet pop aesthetic of ‘80s John Hughes films with a contemporary (albeit retro-influenced) synthwave sheen. They’re also startlingly prolific. Their third album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, was released in November 2018. Their fourth, Notes on a Conditional Form, is due in May of this year.

SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 12 January

THE STREETS When Mike Skinner dissolved The Streets in 2011, that seemed to be that. However, six years later he made a low-key return with a handful of tracks. He’s been quiet since then, but it looks like he’s ready to raise his head above the parapets again. Whether this ‘comeback’ will restore him to the commercial heights of his early ‘00s heyday remains to be seen, but one gets the impression that he doesn’t want that anyway. 02 Academy, Glasgow, 21 January

54 MILL

A red-hot white soul singer in the young Stevie Winwood and Joe Cocker vein, Rateliff is also an incorrigible showman. The rousing music he cooks up with his band harks back to the sweaty, supple sounds of ‘60s soul, but thankfully they never come across as overly respectful crate-diggers. These guys pack a sock-it-to-me punch. Barrowland, Glasgow, 19 January

J MASCIS Often regarded as the most slothful man in rock, J Mascis has actually weathered a long and productive career. With Dinosaur Jr. in the early ‘90s, he became one of the architects of grunge. His raw yet melodic Neil Young-influenced playing style made guitar solos cool again. He’s rightly regarded as one of the greatest axe-twiddlers of his generation. Since then he’s played with and produced several artists, while releasing three solo albums. This acoustic performance should be a must-see showcase for his estimable talents.

Saint Luke’s, Glasgow, 25 January

MUSIC

COMING

UP

Zoe Tait, alias The Ladybugg, is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Johnstone.

When did you start writing and performing your own music? Since I was about seven I’ve always sang and danced, but I basically started writing when I picked up the guitar in 2016.

We have to ask: why the Ladybugg? It was actually my mum’s idea, because I’m influenced by Jake Bugg.

Every time when I used to play gigs I’d get nervous, so my mum would always say, “Don’t worry, Zoe, you’ve got this, you’re the Ladybugg.” The name just stuck.

You recently performed at the Kelvingrove Bandstand in Glasgow. How was that? It was amazing, an absolute dream, because a few months before I saw Jake Bugg play on that stage. That was a moment where everything felt like it was going right, like I was living the dream. I was nervous at the beginning, but once I was in the zone and playing the songs it was an incredible feeling.

What are your plans for early 2019? In May I’ll be supporting James Grant from Love and Money at East Kilbride Village Theatre, then in July I’ll be going on tour to Germany with Katee Kross & the Amberjax.

That’ll be quite daunting for my mum, she’s a big worrier, but I’ll be fine.

So this will be your job once you leave school?

This is my dream, my passion. It’s what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I hope I get to do that.

Keep up to date with Zoe via facebook.com/ zoetaittheladybugg.

WITHERED HAND Dan Willson, alias Withered Hand, is an unassumingly gifted Scottish singer-songwriter with two acclaimed albums under his belt. Introspective and idiosyncratic, his beautifully fragile, cliché-free songs are wracked with anguish and woozy romanticism. He doesn’t get out and about much, so don’t miss this opportunity to catch him in all his ragged, intimate glory. Part of Celtic Connections.

The Hug and Pint, Glasgow, 25 January.

MASSIVE ATTACK Released in 1998, Mezzanine

by Massive Attack was one of the most influential albums of its era. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall are performing this classic live in its entirety. If you’re in need of a gloomy dose of pre-millennial trip-hop nostalgia, then this is the gig for you. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 28 January

THE RESIDENTS These enigmatic eccentrics have been ploughing their own furrow for 45 years, but in all that time they’ve never played Glasgow.

Until now. Not a conventional rock band by any stretch of the imagination, they’re an experimental multimedia performance art collective who hide themselves behind bizarre masks. No one actually knows their real names or what they look like, which is a remarkable feat in itself. Oran Mor, Glasgow, 5 February

MILL 55

MUSIC

From When I Wake the Want Is by Kathryn Joseph

FOR THE RECORD

P ho

to

by

Ja

n

BBC DJ Vic Galloway tells us what he’s currently grooving to.

This is out on Mogwai’s Rock Action label. She’s a woman in her forties who’s a mother, and when she released her first album, which went on to win the Scottish Album of the Year Award, she probably didn’t bank on having any kind of career as a musician. The album, which was basically a straight piano/ voice album, really connected with people. This album is a natural step on, it’s full of the same kind of Philip Glass meets Radiohead melodic piano flourishes. She sings in this kind of witchy, almost fairy tale-like way, but it doesn’t sound affected, it’s very intimate and personal. The tunes are really strong and the production takes steps beyond the first album, so it’s not just piano and voice. You’ll like it if you’re a fan of any kind of artistic exploration by a singer-songwriter, something that doesn’t adhere to clichés. It’s an extraordinary album.

Diverse Part 2 by Joseph Malik He’s been making soul music for the best part of 30 years, but he’s been out of the spotlight for a while. This album is absolutely astonishing, it’s soul, blues, gospel with elements of hip hop and jazz. It’s got a classic ‘70s soul feel, bringing to mind artists such as Curtis Mayfield and Al Green.

He’s fought some demons in his personal life, so there’s an overarching sense of trauma. It’s not just for show, it’s not someone grandstanding with an acrobatic voice, it’s a pained individual singing from the heart.

3 Chevrons by Beak People’s entry point into Beak is probably the fact that it’s an offshoot group from Geoff Barrow from Portishead. It’s very influenced by ‘70s German kosmische music, it has all the hallmarks of Can, Neu! and Faust. It’s experimental but also enjoys that motorik rhythmic side: the drums stay solid while the guitars, bass and analogue synths doodle around on top. The melodies and song construction are really interesting. It’s an album I keep returning to, I get something new from it each time.

Listen to Vic on BBC Radio Scotland every Monday at 9pm and every Wednesday at 11pm. His comprehensive book, Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop, is available now. bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074hgc

56 MILL

ni

ca

Ho

ney

FREE 5 DAY GYM PASS

Try the award-winning Origins Fitness for yourself, free for five days. Pick up your pass from our gym and workout the same day.

Voted Renfrewshire’s Favourite Business two years running and Glasgow’s Best Gym

22 Earl Haig Road, Hillington Park, Glasgow G52 4JU Tel: 0141 891 5995 | Email: info@originsfitness.co.uk www.originsfitness.co.uk MILL 57

0141 237 8120 58 MILL

www.paisleyfirst.com

Like us on Facebook - paisley first

Follow us on Twitter - @PaisleyFirst

MUSIC

THE LEMON TWIGS We here at Mill are of the firm belief that there just aren’t enough Broadway-rock concept albums about monkeys assimilating into human society, so no wonder we’re fans of this eccentric sibling duo from Long Island, New York. Their latest magnum opus, Go to School, is a delightfully crazed, ambitious rock folly. If you’re fond of crayoncoloured oddballs such as the Flaming Lips, then you’ll probably dig this lot. Saint Luke’s Glasgow, 22 February

OZZY OSBOURNE Having called time on Black Sabbath in 2017, the Blizzard of Oz recently announced that this will be his final solo global tour. Now 70, he’s been hammering at the coalface of rock for over 50 years, so he deserves to put his feet up. It’s sure to sell out – Judas Priest are playing support - so bite the head off your tickets as soon as you can. Not literally, of course, they’ll be useless otherwise. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 7 February

Photo by Danny Clinch

CHVRCHES

STEELY DAN Walter Becker sadly passed away in 2017, so these days the Dan consist of surviving original member Donald Fagen and his slick band of jazz-rock musos. Becker will be missed, but you can’t go wrong with a body of work that includes some of the most sophisticated and idiosyncratic pop in the entire post-war canon. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 20 February

Straight outta Glasgow, this likeable synthpop trio balance typically Caledonian melancholy with sparkling melodies. No wonder they’ve proved so successful. Singer Lauren Mayberry has one of those great, affecting pop voices: sad and vulnerable, soulful and strong. Like so many great synthpop bands, they’re an electronic renaissance with a beating human heart. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 16 February

FATBOY SLIM During his chart-conquering ‘90s heyday, DJ Norman Cook was instrumental in defining the big beat sound. For groovers of a certain age, ubiquitous party smashes such as The Rockafeller Skank, Praise You, Right Here, Right Now and his remix of Cornershop’s Brimful of Asha are a nostalgic time capsule: the soundtrack of their youth.

They’ll be out in force at this arena show, which is bound to be a shameless crowd-pleaser. SSE Hydro, Glasgow, 27 February

MILL 59

ENTERTAINMENT

Our editor Paul Whitelaw is your guide to the best new television, film, DVD and book releases.

TELEVISION LINE OF DUTY

©BBC

Following on from the runaway success of The Bodyguard, writer Jed Mercurio returns to our screens with his other smash hit thriller. Details, as always, are tightly under wraps – Line of Duty revels in shocking twists and surprises – but what we do know about series 5 is that the great Stephen Graham (This Is England) joins the regular cast. He plays Balaclava Man, the mysterious assassin who taunted police anti-corruption unit AC-12 in series 4. Only one more thing is guaranteed: you’ll be helplessly hooked all over again. BBC One, January/February

Julia Roberts makes her TV starring debut in this disconcertingly mesmerising psychological thriller. She plays a former caseworker at a special support facility aimed at helping soldiers transition into civilian life. Or is it? When the Department of Defence approaches her to ask why she left the facility with no official explanation, disturbing secrets gradually emerge. It’s an addictive mystery steeped in queasy atmosphere, carefully escalating tension and dark, subtle humour. Amazon Prime, available now

60 MILL

Written and directed by Joe Cornish (Attack the Block) this family-friendly fantasy adventure follows an unhappy young boy (Louis Ashbourne Serkis, son of Andy) whose fortunes improve considerably when he discovers King Arthur’s legendary sword Excalibur. With assistance from Merlin (Patrick Stewart), he forms a new round table in preparation for a world-threatening battle. Could this be the start of a wizard new British fantasy franchise? Possibly. Either way, we’re particularly excited about the cameo from Cornish’s erstwhile comedy chum, Adam Buxton. 20th Century Fox, released 15 February

©20th Century Fox

TELEVISION HOMECOMING

©Amazon Prime

FILM THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING

ENTERTAINMENT

FILM ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL

BOOKS ARCHIE BLUE SKY

©20th Century Fox

By Diarmid MacArthur, £9.99, available now from Amazon and Kindle.

Cyberpunk action a-go-go is promised by this potential blockbuster, which is based on a successful series of Manga comics. It’s co-produced and written by James Cameron (Avatar; Titanic; Aliens) and directed by Robert Rodriguez (El Mariachi; Sin City): a heavyweight combo. Actors such as Christoph Waltz and Jennifer Connelly will attempt to make their voices heard amid an explosive tumult of special effects and epic IMAX awe. 20th Century Fox, released February

DVD THREADS One of the most harrowing dramas ever broadcast on British television, this notorious cult masterpiece from 1984 examines, in unflinching detail, the long-term effects of a nuclear attack on Britain.

Available on remastered Blu-ray for the first time, its power arises from the juxtaposition of placing such devastating horror within the context of a social-realist kitchen sink setting. It feels terrifyingly real. Not for the faint-hearted, obviously, but its timeless message – there is no such thing as a winnable nuclear war – has never been more effectively stated. The DVD package includes several informative extra features. Simply Media TV, available now

61-year-old Diarmid MacArthur runs his own business, Look Opticians, in Erskine. He’s also the prolific author of a series of science-fiction novels with a Renfrewshire detective at their centre. Here’s his inside story.

I

’ve had two attempts at a book in the past, one when I was at school and one in the early days of computers, when I didn’t back it up and lost everything. English was my best subject at school, and I’ve always been a great communicator in terms of letter writing and poetry.

As for where the idea for this series came from, I came up with this mythical figure, the Keeper of Souls, who lives in a very remote area where people are troubled or want to end it for whatever reason.

This character gets them to tell him why they want to depart the planet. I had this idea for years while thinking, ‘Where could I set it?’ I then thought of setting it somewhere off Earth, as I don’t have to research, justify or prove it, I just write it. How about I then incorporate that with a detective story? So I came up with the first story and incorporated the Keeper of Souls in the second story.

DI Archie Blue lives just outside Lochwinnoch.

I deliberately set it where I know, because that’s so much easier to write. I’ve read a lot of science-fiction, I’m a great fan of Star Wars, Star Trek and so on, but I’ve made it deliberately not like that. It’s very lowkey. There are no big, aggressive, jaggy spaceships.

I’ve tried to normalise it, and people who don’t like science-fiction seem to quite like that because they can accept it.

The second Archie Blue novel, The Keeper of Souls, is also available now from Amazon and Kindle.

MILL 61

LUNCH AT MAD HATTER’S Paul Whitelaw samples the delights on offer at a Paisley wonderland.

W

hen writing about a coffee house called Mad Hatter’s, it would be poor form to avoid stating the obvious: entering its premises is like stepping through the looking glass. So there you go, that’s that out of the way.

It’s true, however, that this friendly family-run establishment is a pleasingly quirky proposition. Cutely decorated with illustrations from various notable adaptations of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, it’s a charming place for – you guessed it – a tea party. Needless to say, it’s also a child-friendly environment.

The glass-fronted counter is festooned with colourful cakes of all shapes and sizes (prices range from £1.50 upwards).

If you fancy a sugar rush, this is definitely the grotto for you.

Drinks-wise, they also offer a wide array of teas, speciality coffees, smoothies and ice-cold cans of pop. The most expensive beverage will cost you no more than £3.95.

62 MILL

When yours truly and t’other Paul (see overleaf ) popped in for lunch, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. After perusing the menu, I opted for a pot of Scottish Brew and, from the vegetarian and vegan section, the Not So Meaty Fajita Sizzler (£5.95). Liberally adorned with jalapeno peppers, this delicious – and generous - confection lived up to its name. Unsurprisingly, it had to be washed down with some sparkling water.

Paul, meanwhile, dove into the popular Mac ‘N’ Cheese section, from which he chose the Mac with Pulled Beef (£6.50).

This is served with warm, homemade garlic bread and a side salad. Paul was so impressed with his fresh, creamy lunch, he went back the next day and ordered it again.

The magnificent Mad Hatter’s menu also offers a bumper selection of fresh, affordable sandwiches, wraps, Paninis, bagels, salads and gluten-free pancakes. Many of these items are suitable for vegetarians; there really is something for everyone.

One more Carroll-inspired reference to finish up with?

Oh, alright then: don’t be late for a very important date with this delightful café.

Mad Hatter’s can be found at 39 Gauze Street, Paisley, PA1 1EX. 0141 889 4433. facebook.com/madhattersscotland.

Photo by Alan K. Gray

FOOD & DRINK

FIND YOUR NEW FAVOURITE TASTE

ONE COVE ROAD

FENWICK 47

Baker Street Food & Drink Incubator

Ladyburn Business Centre

Kelburn Business Park

THREE SISTERS BAKE

The Long Room at Custom House

Scarlow House Business Centre

FOOD & DRINK

DINNER AT BUTCHERS STEAK AND GRILL

W

hen I told Paul, our vegetarian editor, that I wanted to review the Butchers Steak & Grill, he understandably chose to sit this one out.

Instead, I decided to take my stepson Andy, 17, a steak aficionado and champion eater. Hearing I was taking Andy out for dinner, my seven-year-old son Evan insisted he joined us, which meant we could try the kids’ menu too.

Widely recognised as one of the best on the west coast of Scotland, Elderslie Butchers has won many awards for quality, service and creativity, including the 2018 Diamond Award for their burgers. The prized meat is shipped in from a few doors along and served in their award-winning restaurant.

The restaurant is modern with vintage touches. Our warm booth had plenty of space. A glass-fronted walk-in fridge resembling a butcher’s trophy cabinet displays various cuts of meat. The sirloin, ribeye and T-bone steaks are dry-aged inhouse for a minimum of 45 days and served on the bone.

Evan went for the 5oz rump steak and chips on the kids’ menu; great value with two courses for £6.95 and three courses for £8.95. Andy loves his steaks, he cooks them to perfection

64 MILL

at home and lets us try a wee bit. He picked the 12oz ribeye (£23.95) which was served with chunky triple-cooked chips, onion rings, roast vine tomatoes and a flat cap mushroom.

The look on Andy’s face as he took the first bite said it all - pure food heaven. I find it hard to resist a burger, so I chose the Butchers beef burger (£10.95) and added cheese and bacon.

Without doubt one of the finest burgers I’ve tasted.

Naturally, we then had to look at the dessert menu.

Evan picked the ice cream sundae from the kids’ menu and polished it off with a bit of my help. Andy went for the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream (£5.95) and claimed it was the best sweet he’d ever had. I chose the seasonal (pear and apple) crumble with vanilla ice cream (£5.95) which was delicious.

The food at Butchers is of the finest quality, the ambience is perfect and the staff make you feel at home. Every dish we picked was excellent value. Lad’s night was a roaring success.

Butchers Steak & Grill, 133 Main Road, Elderslie, PA5 9ES, 01505 336 710, butcherssteakandgrill.co.uk

Photo by Alan K. Gray

Sumptuous meats aplenty are available at an award-winning Elderslie restaurant.

Paul Dickson and some very special guests sampled its wares for your delectation.

Where to pick up your copy of Mill If you are a business that would like to distribute Mill, please contact paul@millmagazine.co.uk PAISLEY Abbey Mill Business Centre 12 Seedhill Road, PA1 1JS Black & Lizars 6 New Street, PA1 1XY Blend Coffee Lounge 25b Causeyside Street, PA1 1UL Brick Lane Studios Forrester House, Weir St, PA3 4DW Bull Inn 7 New Street, PA1 1XU Cafe Lusso 4 School Wynd, PA1 2DB Cardosi Espresso Bar 65 High Street, PA1 2AS Courtyard by Marriott Marchburn Drive, Glasgow Airport Business Park, PA3 2SJ Claire Reid Hairdressing 7 Mill Street, PA1 1LY DP Group Mirren Court, 119 Renfrew Road, PA3 4EA Elixir Lounge, Upper Floor 12 New Street, PA1 1XY Ethos Hair & Beauty Unit 2 Brown’s Lane, PA1 2JH Eve Spa 11 Christie Street, PA1 1NB Fullerton Chiropractic 7 Neilston Road, PA2 6LL Gael Interiors 4 Orchard St, PA1 1UZ Graphic Hair Design 67 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PD Grumpy Monkey 22 Moss Street, PA1 1BA Houston Kiltmakers 67 High Street, PA1 2AY Iain Stewart Hairdressing 97 Causeyside Street, PA1 1TU Iconic Fitness 10-12 Lawn Street, PA1 1HA Incube Shop 9b Gilmour Street, PA1 1DG Incube 27 High Street, PA1 2AF Incognito 63 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YT Ivad Gifts 95 Causeyside Street, PA1 1TU, 29 Gauze Street, PA1 1ES Jam Jar 16 Shuttle St, PA1 1YD James Martin Hairdressing 74 Causeyside St, PA1 1YP John McKay Jewellers 53 Moss Street, PA1 1DR Kenneth Edwards 45 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YN Lagoon Leisure Centre 11 Christie Street, PA1 1NB Lixie Boutique 14 New Street, PA1 1XY Mad Hatter’s 39 Gauze Street, PA1 1EZ Milton Watermill Hotel Bladda Lane, PA1 1SR My Hair Guru 48 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW

Paisley Physiotherapy 13 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AG Patrick & Son 52-54 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YH Rainbow Turtle 7 Gauze Street, PA1 1EP Rowantree Café 165 Glasgow Road, PA1 3LF Shoe 52 5 Mill Street, PA1 1LY Soho Salon 35 High Street, PA1 2AF, 20 Moss Street, PA1 1BL Ta Ta Bella’s Tea Room 63 High Street, PA1 2AS The Gatehouse Coffee Roasters Benn Avenue, PA1 1JS The Lane 7 Shuttle St, PA1 1YD The Little Coffee Company 28 Causeyside Street, PA1 1UN White Cart Company 75 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PE, 30B High Street, PA1 2BZ Woodlands Coffee House 44 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW Zambretto 42 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AP BISHOPTON Angelini’s Pizzeria & Cafe 76 Greenock Rd, PA7 5JB Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Old Greenock Rd, PA7 5PA May’s Coffee Shop 19 Greenock Road, PA7 5JW BRIDGE OF WEIR Harrods Dry Cleaners 8 Castle Terrace, PA11 3EF Laura’s Nail & Beauty Lounge 37 Main St, PA11 3NR The Lion’s Paw 1 Morrison Place, PA11 3NU Tulip Hair Design Unit 10, 23 Livery Walk, PA11 3NN ELDERSLIE Butchers Steak & Grill 133 Main Road, PA5 9ES Elderslie Coffee Shop 11 Stoddard Square, PA5 9AS Hairpod 16A Canal Street, PA5 9AU Romauld SA 29 Stoddard Square, PA5 9AS ERSKINE Erskine Community Sports Centre Kilpatrick Dr, PA8 7AF Look Opticians Bridgewater Place, PA8 7AA HILLINGTON Ducati Glasgow 6 Mossland Drive, Hillington Park, G52 4FA Origin Fitness 22 Earl Haig Rd, Hillington Park, G52 4JU

The Experience Montrose Avenue, Hillington Park, G52 4JR HOUSTON The Paper Shop North St, PA6 7HF HOWWOOD The Boarding House Main Street, PA9 1BQ INCHINNAN The Farm at No.12 12 Brownsfield Holding, Barnsford Road, PA4 9LZ JOHNSTONE Hairpod 62A High St, PA5 8SJ Johnstone Community Sports Hub Beith Rd, PA5 0JA No. 8 66 High St, PA5 8SG Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen 5 Houstoun Square, PA5 8DT Quality Cards & Gifts 2 Houstoun Square, PA5 8DT KILMACOLM

Cairn Drumpellier Place, 1 Lochwinnoch Rd, PA13 4HE Wild Rose Ardgowan Place, PA13 4AA LINWOOD ON-X Linwood Brediland Rd, PA3 3RA The Salon 15 Napier Street, PA3 3AJ Tweedie Hall and Library 15 Bridge Street, PA3 3DB LOCHWINNOCH Bluewater Dentist 69 High Street, PA12 4AB Cucina Minucci 2 High St, PA12 4DA Now & Then 8 Church Street, PA12 4AD RSPB Largs Rd, PA12 4JF QUARRIER'S VILLAGE The Sourcery Faith Avenue, PA11 3TF Three Sisters Bake Faith Avenue, PA11 3TF

RENFREW Renfrew Leisure Centre Paisley Rd, PA4 8JL Quality Cards & Gifts 17 Canal St, PA4 8QE CK Hair 44 Canal St, PA4 8QD The Hair Boutique 28 High St, PA4 8QP Judy McFaite Hairdressing 29 Dunlop Street, PA4 8PG

MILL 65

LAST WORD

PEOPLE

Artist Caroline Gormley is the co-owner of Made in Paisley, a recently launched art gallery, community workshop and studio in the heart of the town centre.

“

What’s the thinking behind Made in Paisley?

We want to make art accessible to local people, not just professional artists. We sell vouchers for all our classes, and although we welcome professional artists, we also welcome beginners, everyone.

Children included? Absolutely. We started off doing children’s classes at the weekend, and now that’s grown to four. We’ve got a big waiting list for those classes. The kids love it, they actually had their first exhibition in December, which Mhairi Black opened.

You run it alongside fellow artist Alexander Guy. How did you meet? I met Alexander in 2012. He ran a charity in Glasgow along similar lines to this, and he taught me how to paint. We found that we both had the same idea of what a space like this should involve. I’m from Paisley, but I had to leave to gain these skills, so it made sense to bring it back into Paisley and give people this opportunity.

What do they gain from participating in your workshops? They find their place in amongst like-minded people. You get people who haven’t painted since school and people who just want to brush up on their techniques. We’re very fortunate in that Alexander is an international artist.

They’re getting a wealth of experience and talent, just by walking into a shop on the High Street.

Tell us about your involvement with the Paisley First Wall Project. For the mural on Storie Street, they put a call out for artists.

Myself and Alexander put in a proposal of a sketch of a wee girl, and that was chosen. We took

66 MILL

Caroline with Alexander Guy

CAROLINE SAYS...

FAVOURITE PART OF PAISLEY Dykebar green belt BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE Ta Ta Bella's BEST PLACE FOR DINNER Pendulum FAVOURITE ARTIST Alexander Guy (no he didn’t pay me a fiver to say that, it’s actually true), alexanderguy.co.uk THE SHOP YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND ME IN UP HUB on Well Street

it further into a competition for local children to pose in the same pose as the original sketch.

They picked a wee girl called Eva Rose, whose image is now on that wall. That’ll give her a story to tell her family, and that’s important when it comes to public art. It’s got to engage the community, so why not actually have an image of someone who stays in Paisley on the wall?

She was delighted.

What’s your ultimate goal? The 2021 bid has made people more aware of Paisley’s cultural heritage and how it’s going to be in future. It’s going to be a town built on creativity. It’ll never be what it was, so you just need to change it. We can do that by inspiring and motivating people to be creative, to do something that maybe they’d only ever thought of in the past. Alexander and I want to work with other organisations next year to take Made in Paisley forward into being a part of something else, something bigger.

Made in Paisley can be found at 69 High Street, Paisley, PA1 2AY. 07793 057151. facebook.com/ madeinpaisley.