Mill issue 12 | July/August 2021 by Mill Magazine

012

Culture and lifestyle for Renfrewshire David Sneddon interview Renfrewshire in Pictures A brief history of Johnstone

Please take this magazine away with you

CONTENTS FEATURES 04 WORDS FROM THE EDITOR 06 WHAT’S ON Events for your calendar 07 MORRISONS’ COMMUNITY CHAMPION IN JOHNSTONE An update from Julie Scott 09 WHITE CART COMPANY Celebrating five years of Paisley’s popular gift shop 10 SMISA The latest from St Mirren Park 17 PALS OF THE PRIVIES A spotlight on one of Ferguslie’s most inspiring organisations 22 RENFREWSHIRE IN PICTURES West College Scotland’s students capture Renfrewshire 32 KICKIN’ ON Tackling mental health their way 38 A BRIEF HISTORY OF JOHNSTONE INTERVIEWS 12 DAVID SNEDDON Paisley’s prodigal son speaks 46 THE SOUND OF RENFREWSHIRE Lochwinnoch’s Bensider 66 THE LAST WORD Designer Gillian Kyle LIFESTYLE 18 FASHION 28 BEAUTY 34 INTERIORS 36 PROPERTY 42 LOCAL TRAVEL Curated by Private House Stays CULTURE 48 MUSIC 50 THE BUNGALOW Inside Paisley’s music venue 52 LITERATURE 54 RENFREWSHIRE LEISURE Rikki Payne’s lockdown reflections 56 COSTUMING A TRUE MISMATCH 58 ENTERTAINMENT FOOD & DRINK 60 CAFÉ FAIRFULL It’s all go at this High Street staple 62 DINNER Piccolo Mondo 64 LUNCH The Ladyburn

INTRODUCTION

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

David Sneddon interview Renfrewshire in Pictures A brief history of Johnstone

Please take this magazine away with you

David Sneddon cover photo by Emma Case

millmagazine_

Published by Mill Magazine Ltd. 2014 Mile End Mill, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Paisley, PA1 1JS. Editor: Robert Blair Design & Sales: Paul Dickson Beauty Editor: Susie Cormack Bruce Interiors Editor: Kike Pavlik Men’s Fashion Editor: Josef McFadden Sub Editor: Alistair Forrest Contributors: Karen Bohme, Boston Miles, Keira Brown, Ali Burden-Blake, David Cameron, Emma Case, Johnathan Cranstoun, Alan K. Gray, David Hamilton, Maddie Howard, Oksana Karuniene, Szymon Kubiak, Thomas Love, Scott Mairs, Paulina Markiewicz, John Masson, Lucy McConnell, Megan McGuigan, Gordon McGuire, Rachel McMinn, Colin Orr, Natalia Padlo, Naomi Patterson, Ciro Potenza, James Power, Renfrewshire Foodies, Robert Tabor, Gail Thompson, David Weir

millmagazine

millmagazine.co.uk

Robert Blair

This issue is dedicated to the life and memory of our friend Jamie Shuttleworth. Love from all the team. 4 MILL

Culture and lifestyle for Renfrewshire

ISSUE 012 - JULY/AUGUST 2021

All the best,

012

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

Normally, the arrival of summer would mean that soon enough, suitcases would be cumbersomely yanked down from the loft and long-abandoned swimwear would be eyed with unease. Afterwards, we’d be boarding planes, perusing cocktail menus and savouring the idea of respite from what we’d previously dubbed “everyday life”. This time around, air travel is still largely a pipe dream, while the onset of warmer temperatures is less about downing tools as it is the beginning of a period of immense productivity and regrowth. After months of pacing living rooms and pining for what we once took for granted, hospitality and retail sections are lurching back to life and in what has made for heartening scenes in our towns and villages, their patrons have too. From pubs and punters to cafés and their loyal customers, it’s become apparent that for all that we can be insular beings at times, we need those incidental run-ins with strangers which bring colour to our days and that shared energy you can only find when out and about. Moving as a collective rather than individuals as we spend local and repopulate those tills that had lain dormant, it is in this spirit of common goals and experiences that we return to the world with our latest issue. Across features, interviews, review and more, this issue highlights the full spectrum of what this wonderful place has to offer and while the local residents and homegrown talents that are profiled within may be wildly different in some ways, each one of them, like us, wants to leave Renfrewshire in a better position than they found it. With that, please dig in and we’ll see you out there.

This magazine is kindly sponsored by Correctair Solutions (Scotland) Ltd, correctair.co.uk

To advertise in Mill, please call 0773 998 9969 or email paul�millmagazine.co.uk 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 2021.

in e d hir se w s Ba fre n Re

Card machines that mean business. The new Dojo card machines from Attivo Business Group offer reliable, fast and secure payments, plus we contribute £3,000 to buy out your existing contract.

Market-leading security

No long-term commitment

Protect your income with point-topoint encryption – the world’s best payment security.

Switch to us and get a monthly rolling contract. And up to £3,000 towards your current provider’s exit fees.

Next working day transfers

Seven-day tech support

Receive your takings from 10am the next working day – faster than any other provider as standard.

Our technical experts are here to help when you need a hand – seven days a week, 8am to 11pm.

Contact our friendly team to book your Dojo demonstration Call: 0141 286 4090 Email: info@attivobusiness.co.uk www.attivobusiness.co.uk

Attivo

Business Group

WHAT'S ON

All of the essential dates and places for your summer itinerary

LOCAL MARKETS

Photo by David Cameron

SAT 26 JUN 10am

AYRSHIRE FARMERS’ MARKET

Held on the second and last Saturday of each month, the Ayrshire Farmers’ Market will be taking up their usual residency at Paisley’s Cenotaph over the course of the year’s warmer months. This BBC Good Food-endorsed event will ensure that you leave with a full belly and a whole host of treats to take home with you.

26-27 JUN 9am

BARNHILL FARMERS’ MARKET

On the last weekend of each month, Houston Road’s own Barnhill Farm acts as a hub of activity as sellers descend with goods ranging from delicious food to homemade garments and artworks. Free to enter and running from 9am-6pm, it’s an idyllic way to spend a Saturday and/or Sunday morning, afternoon or if you’ve got a whole day on your hands, even both! Also on 24th-25th July and 28th-29th August.

Facebook @cohenartglasgow

SUN 28 JUN 10am

10-11 JUL 11am

ART BY THE BURN

Staged at the local institution that is Houston’s Fox and Hounds, Art By The Burn has been devised as a means for local artisans, crafters and designers to sell their wares in the most personal manner. Championing the uniqueness that comes with handmade, one-of-a-kind items, those looking to book a stall can do so via artonscotland.co.uk. Also on 14th-15th August and 11th-12th September, 11am-4pm. 6 MILL

ERSKINE RIVERSIDE MARKET

After a resoundingly successful first edition in May that saw many vendors sell out of their products by just 1pm, the traders will be returning to the waterfront for another instalment of the Erskine Riverside Market on the last Sunday of every month from 10am until 4pm. Serving as an outlet for everything from wax melts to baked goods, take a trip down and support local ingenuity on a face-to-face level. Also on 25th July and 29th August.

WHAT’S ON

26 JUN TO 15 AUG

Community Champion

FORGING AHEAD

BRICKLIVE’S ANIMAL PARADISE

Structured around 15 hand-built endangered animal statues, Paisley First’s latest trail will allow the whole family to educate themselves on wildlife conservation efforts during a fun-filled day out in the town centre. Free of charge and with the possibility of winning a prize from their draw, expect to see scores of kids and parents scouring the streets for Bengal tigers, macaws and much more.

After a hectic year, Morrisons Johnstone’s Community Champion Julie Scott details the positive headway she’s made in recent months. “Last year, we focused on feeding the nation and leaving no-one behind, which saw the company donate 10 million pounds worth of food to our community champions. For me, this meant working with the Salvation Army and a food bank, alongside door step deliveries to vulnerable people in the community,” Julie disclosed over a cup of tea in the café. “As lockdown eases, this has become a full service with lots of regulars. “This year, we’re all about ‘making good things happen’, whether that’s random acts of kindness like giving customers a bunch of flowers or our ongoing ‘Seeds of Hope’ campaign. This was initiated by the company donating 2.5 million packs of sunflower seeds across all stores. We brought our allocation to the tills for customers to plant for a brighter future and from there, we went to local schools, nurseries and care homes to disperse them. “At this point, we’re moving onto our ‘little libraries’, which will encourage kids and adults to get into reading. “We’ve typically had plenty of support from the company, but the pandemic has really emphasised the need for what we do. I’m always overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, it’s what’s allowed this store to donate over 47,000 meals and raise £11,000 for Poppy Scotland, the second best in the country! We’ve still got big plans for the future.” Keep up with everything Julie and the Johnstone team are up to via the “Morrisons Johnstone - At the Heart of our Community” Facebook group.

SAT 26 JUN 10AM

THE BIG PICNIC

Conceived as a way to “celebrate community spirit in Renfrewshire” EBI Unites have teamed up with a litany of partners such as McGills Buses and Erskine Hospital in order to stage “The Big Picnic”. Intended to bring together the joys of “family, food and fun”, this free event will see families from across the community to safely come together for a great day out after months spent all but locked away.

ARTSPACE37

For those who’ve had no cause to pop into the Piazza in recent weeks, you may have missed the opening of artspace37. Billed as the town’s newest contemporary art gallery, the venue is set to play host to installations, exhibitions and even a whole array of artist workshops from esteemed talent throughout June and beyond. Visit Facebook @artspace37 for the details. JUN TO OCT

MILL 7

A local Gin: woven for you

The perfect end to a busy day; the ideal way to unwind at the weekend; a drink to savour with your closest Buddies! OR

THE PIAZZA SHOPPING CENTRE

IGINAL

ITED

EDIT

Buy online: buddiesgin.co.uk

Buddies Gin HPV JulAug21.indd 1

07/06/2021 21:18

FEATURES

A SHARED PASSION

After five years as a family business, White Cart Company’s Kieran Bisland reflects on half a decade of highs, lows and faithfully serving their community.

Photos by Alan K. Gray, akgphotos.com

hen you love something, you’ll try your utmost to make it work. And for the Bisland Family, owners of Paisley’s White Cart Company, they’ve spent the last five years turning their bespoke gift shop into a fixture of the town. After pivoting to an online model in the midst of the pandemic, the return of normality has provided an opportunity to celebrate this milestone. “Initially, it was my mum and dad who decided to give it a go,” Joe and Trisha’s son, Kieran, informed us. “My mum was coming out of teaching and always harboured this dream of having a gift shop, so they just took the leap. Around the same time, I’d moved back to Paisley. I initially went in as a Christmas temp and now I've worked with

them ever since. We started off as just a little shop on Glasgow Road, before briefly heading to St Mirren Brae. Now, we’re over the moon with our High Street location, right down to that retro facade outside.” “It’s certainly interesting working with your parents at times,” Kieran laughed, “but it’s definitely made us closer. It’s nice to spend more time with them. Plus, we all just want to offer the best service that we possibly can.” When reflecting on the growth of the business, Kieran believes that it’s made possible by their rapport with local artisans, something which he feels is symbolic of where the town is headed in terms of its commerce. “The shop itself has gone from strength to strength and it’s been so nice to provide an outlet for so many

talented local people, particularly artists and crafters. We’ve been taken aback by the amount of people wanting to get involved. We used to have to look for stock but now, artists come to us and it’s great to be trusted as a platform. My parents have always been very patriotically Paisley, so it’s a perfect situation for them. We always want it to be quirky and independent, a true reflection of the people of Paisley,” Kieran beamed. “Nowadays, it feels like the town is going in an independently driven direction and the more shops like us that open up, the better.” White Cart Company, 30B High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BZ, 0141 889 9920, whitecartcompany.co.uk MILL 9

FEATURES

AT THE HEART OF THE TOWN Soon, Paisley’s football club – St Mirren FC – will be owned by its supporters. As the campaign continues, SMISA’s Colin Orr elaborates on how…

t Mirren FC has sat at the heart of life in Renfrewshire for almost 150 years, fostering an allegiance passed down through generations. And soon, the power to safeguard the club’s legacy will pass into the hands of those who care most – its fans. This summer will see the St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) buy the majority shareholding in the club from current chairman Gordon Scott. In doing so, St Mirren will join a new contingent of Scottish clubs proudly owned by their supporters. Supporter ownership brings many benefits, particularly as football clubs are precious parts of the communities they serve, harbouring an almost unparalleled ability to bring people together. Case in point, who can forget the scenes of widespread joy across the 10 MILL

town from both ardent fans and casual supporters when the club has won a trophy? And while there is plenty going on to put Paisley on the international map, few things are as intermingled with its identity as our football club. Too many other clubs have fallen into the hands of unscrupulous owners driven by profit, ego or both. But soon, SMISA’s members will be able to stop that ever happening to St Mirren. SMISA has been in existence since 2002 and the Buy the Buds campaign has been five years in the making, with more than 1,000 members making monthly payments since 2016, resulting in its stake in the club rising to 51%. What’s more, we’ve done that through a unique partnership with another centuryold Paisley institution – leading children’s charity and social enterprise Kibble. As of last year, Kibble owns a stake in the club and offers professional expertise to help St Mirren’s off-field operations, while creating job and training opportunities for the young

“SAINTS FANS WILL HAVE MORE CHANCES THAN EVER TO HELP INFLUENCE THE CLUB’S DIRECTION WHILE INVESTING IN ITS LONG-TERM FUTURE”

people in their care. And to help mark the countdown towards fan ownership, the club recently agreed to rename their home The SMISA Stadium until the summer. Of course, fan ownership doesn’t mean the fans will pick the team or make the transfers – the club will still be run by its appointed management and board. However, Saints fans will have more chances than ever to help influence the club’s direction while investing in its long-term future. The more members SMISA has, the more we can do for the club and community. So, we’d love to have you. Visit smisa.net to find out more.

Summer is Brewing As they continue to evolve both their space and menu, Brew’s Johnathan Cranstoun gives us the lowdown on the new developments at County Square’s coffee lounge.

PAISLEY’S NEWEST BISTRO WELCOMES YOU

t’s an exciting time here at Brew Coffee Lounge – I’m sure many of you will have noticed the scaffolding outside the store. Our landlord, in partnership with the council, is in the process of refurbishing the full building to bring it back to its original quality and restore its historic features. Fear not though, as we are still going to remain open throughout the duration of the construction. Rather than winding down, we have been working hard during lockdown and have recently launched our new menu. Overseen by the team at Aitken Design, it’s full of new vegan and gluten free options for all of our customers to try. If you’ve passed by, you may also have noticed our outdoor space in County Square! Now capable of serving you inside our store and outside, we look forward to welcoming you all no matter what the weather may hold. Recently, we have teamed up with two amazing new bakers bringing you some of the most amazing and delicious cakes around. Courtesy of renowned Glasgow-based baker Plant Blonde, we’re serving you the best vegan empire biscuits we have ever tasted while Millennial Menu Bakes specialise in taking some of your favourite flavours and creating some unique cakes! If you are looking to book a table, then please get in touch by giving the store a call on 0141 163 1435 or visit our website at brewpaisley.co.uk.

Come and enjoy fresh pizzas, burgers, wraps and loads more dishes in our stylish new bistro in the East End of Paisley.

ladyburnpaisley 1 Ladyburn Street, Paisley PA1 1PH

MILL 11 The Ladyburn HPV JulAug21.indd 1

07/06/2021 21:24

FEATURES

David

Sneddon Photos by Emma Case, emmacase.com

18 years into his career, Mill caught up with David to discuss his songwriting endeavours, working with mega-stars and his ‘no pressure’ return to the realm of artistry.

12 MILL

INTERVIEW

ver the course of a whirlwind six months, David Sneddon arguably became Renfrewshire’s most famous export next to the Paisley pattern itself. A fixture on TV screens as the winner of the inaugural season of Fame Academy, the then 23-year-old parlayed his newfound fame into a number one single and gold-certified album in 2003. Then, as though it were some collective hallucination, he vanished from public view. Yet rather than abandoning his dreams, the talented young man opted to segue from performing to a behind-the-scenes role as a songwriter to both established stars and aspiring prospects. Harbouring a portfolio that includes James Bay, The Courteeners, Sam Smith, Lana Del Rey, Newton Faulkner and many more, it’s endearing that when reminded of this roster of world-renowned collaborators, David still seemed genuinely shocked. But no matter the artist, he insists that the process is unchanged. “Just talking and getting stories out of people is about 50% of the job,” he relayed. “Whether it’s a 17-18 year old or some mega-star that’s been doing it for years, you write a better song if you know someone. It’s been ten years getting to where I am now, but it feels like it gets bigger all the time. Recently, I’ve been working with Gabrielle Aplin and I’ve got some stuff coming with Rag & Bone Man so it’s such a nice collection of really talented people and I’ve somehow navigated it (laughs). My mates back home always say ‘you don’t have a real job’, but it can be really hard.” On the subject of his native land, David admits that although he’s resided in London out of professional necessity, his heart is “very much still in Paisley.” “I suppose I always knew that I might need to leave, as I’d been living in Glasgow before coming down to London. Even then, I never thought it’d be a permanent move. I’ve been down here since 2003 and I still always find myself saying ‘I’m going back home’ when I visit. For the first five years, I found London really hard and considered coming back, particularly when all my pals started having families and moving to Kilbarchan, Bridge of Weir and all those places. As it turned out, the more I wanted to go home, the more the

work started to come in. I think it’s still on the cards eventually,” he beamed. As touched upon earlier, David’s initial notoriety came from the often maligned world of the primetime talent show. But where many alumni have failed to outrun the hulking shadow of these televised goliaths, David’s instinctual knack for songwriting allowed him to seize the narrative of his own career. “I think I was 23 when I did that show and I’d tried a lot of stuff by that point. I’d been in bands and dabbled with all these other ideas of ‘what am I going to do with my life?’ I think I was lucky that a couple of times, I just sat down and played the piano,” David recalled. “When I won the show, the label was very much like ‘we’re making you a popstar, you look and sound like one.’ Then about six months in when I was like ‘I hate this and I don’t want to do it’, my publisher said ‘well, have you thought about writing for other people?’ Obviously, there’d been a big mythology about how I’d written [David’s number one single] Stop Living The Lie at 16 while skiving in the Bridge Café near Gleniffer High School. “So, I think the fact that I was the only person from one of those shows to write their own winner’s song allowed me to slowly transition into songwriting. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of people wouldn’t take me seriously and thought ‘you’re just that wee guy off the telly’ (laughs). It took me a while and it was a real slog, but I stuck at it and I think that helped me to build credibility.” As David alluded to, his transformation from Fame Academy winner to pedigreed songwriter didn’t happen overnight. Hellbent on succeeding at any cost and with his intangible flair for melody in tow, the Paisley-born artist kept “chipping away at it” for six arduous years. But suddenly, finding himself in the orbit of two culture-altering artists helped tip the scales in his favour and set a new course for critical acclaim. “There wasn’t one particular song, but people’s perception began to shift. [English synth-pop duo] Hurts were really cool and were all over the BBC. At the same time, you had Lana [Del Rey] kicking off. It’s funny, publications like NME that would’ve thought Fame Academy was the

David Sneddon’s GREATEST HITS Although you're likely familiar with his 2003 number one single Stop Living The Lie, David's songwriting prowess has been pivotal in crafting iconic songs while staying out of the limelight. Lana Del Rey National Anthem Lewis Capaldi Lost On You Hurts Illuminated Newton Faulkner Pick Up Your Broken Heart Courteeners Modern Love Mika All She Wants

MILL 13

INTERVIEW

“IF FOR SOME BIZARRE REASON THAT PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR A 42 YEAR OLD SINGING ABOUT HIS KIDS OR IF IT LED TO LIVE SHOWS, I’LL GO WITH IT”

f *****g antichrist spotted my name on these records and were like ‘wait, is that the same guy?’ So, suddenly, my management was bombarded with interview requests (laughs). I can specifically remember thinking, ‘well, there’s the change’. The year after Lana released [debut album] Born To Die, I was at T in the Park with my mates and the crowd went mental when she burst into National Anthem. I was standing there thinking ‘well, this is pretty cool’, I wrote that!” Eager to accredit much of his success to a case of right place, right time, David went on to discuss how he serendipitously found himself in the orbit of a budding songwriter from Bathgate. “I sat and had a pint with Lewis [Capaldi] and talked football before I’d even heard him sing,” he revealed. “I just liked him instantly, so I said ‘let’s go write something and see.’ That day, we ended up writing Something Borrowed and as he got on the mic, I remember being like ‘Jesus Christ’. Sometimes you get the feeling that you’re witnessing something special and that was one of those. “It’s always fun working with fellow Scots,” Sneddon continued, citing Edinburgh’s Callum Beattie as another homegrown up-and-comer to watch. “You find yourself bonding, there’s no getting away from it.” Freed from the unwavering glare of the spotlight, David’s career has gone from strength to strength and now, 18 years after his debut, he’s planning to release a sophomore album. Except this time, it not only came about organically, but he’s strictly doing things on his terms. “I know this sounds weird, but I haven’t written a song for myself for 13 or 14 14 MILL

years. Then, when my wee boy arrived in 2016, I was sitting at the piano working on something for Mika and this song about the night he was born, five weeks premature, came out. I started writing it very quickly and it was all autobiographical, so I realised ‘I cannae give this to Mika’ (laughs). So, I played it to my wife and then my manager who said ‘it’s brilliant, but what are you going to do with it?’ Even at this point, I genuinely hadn't thought ‘I’m going to record it.’ It was like a switch and over the space of the next five days, I wrote all these deeply personal songs. “This isn’t the David Sneddon comeback,” he comically asserted. “I just want to make a record, no pressure. If I released it and my mum and dad plus a few of my mates listened to it, then I’d be quite happy (laughs). If for some bizarre reason people want to hear a 42-year-old singing about his kids or if it led to live shows, I’ll go with it (laughs).” Keep up with David Sneddon via Instagram @davidsneddonmusic.

E V I L C I S MU ! K C A IS B FEATURES

d relaxe ! r u o for net nown on the pla k l l e ,w aff venue eam of st c i s u t al m est ethic e friendli d n a nd th dent epen ttitudes a d n i coys st De isley’s id back a y Bea a b P s y t o a l ...a s ie B ribute here, Beast uthmartin Machine t r p e s b o o o Oct The S gainst The atm 16th A tober

Photo

n K. G by Ala

s ge Oc hat honic 22nd ctober Ra t Funk ake T ereop f O t a S d D orld T r Instinct se by r e r 3 h s W e 2 T b e m o o h o le Kil le t Hou Oct ute t ikini Bott 29th ctober Ru e Killers by Crowded s trib d honic and The B ic - Primal O h n P T h a t e r h 0 e n M 3 E gstee donia vemb e mus July T ipe R Sprin th No ember St 24th gust Skale 0s feat liv Men Who e 5 c u 9 u he ov s Br eam 8th A gust Club d Travis T ck in time ars 6th N curring Dr otleg Bos u a M n e Bo R r e l e h 21st A Loaded a 80s step b piders on b T tiona vem rkpie m b yS Sensa ow th No ember Po Muse e h Screa ugust Clu 2 wie b 1 h S o T r B id A arte and Mac Nov 27th ugust Dav e h & C ribute 13th ovember he Sellout s Cas s T A T N r h e t b 28th ugust Hor e Fabulou o Fighters nities 9 ests 1 a ovem ience A o nd Gu Th 0th N vey Exper Gilmour a uests 29th ptember he Fooz F and The V 2 T e ar ck s JJ sG 4th S ptember ombat Ro sis Alex H ovember g Kurt plu Strangler a t C Se in N u K h O t r n 369 7 e 10th ptember efinitely O irty Harry rd e 2 aight cemb a e D uence rs D rd De ember Str Reclaime onia, Seq 11th S ptember londie by nd Rudebe ses 3 e B o a led ec he 17th S ptember speranza te Stone R 4th D cember T e Exit, Ska E e Se le ir F D r h e t 18th eptember he Comp 1 b 1 s T S ecem ce euvre 24th eptember n by Flash 17th D unnurt Mano s Experien 40 B D U M e S c d e O h S n u m r a a d e Q d e n o 25t b r c A a c e m a Dis erien ctob arty Bryan Dece 1st O tober Are arley Exp 18th ecember gmanay P c M o D O e H h d d r T r r 2n be 23 ctobe ecem Mods 7th O in Ten 31st D f the o h e c n r by On tober Ma tuff Gibso c Scott ds 8th O tober Mo edy with s c ll m 9th O ctober Co C Hells Be D O 10th ctober AC O 15th

THE

ray

Buy tickets from

BUNGALOW

15 Shuttle Street, Paisley PA1 1YD 0141 889 9976 | www.bungalowpaisley.co.uk MILL 15

The Paisley Community Website

FEATURES

DEEP ROOTED

After transforming a long neglected landmark into a hub of activity for all ages, Pals of the Privies are determined to plough ahead.

Photos by David Cameron

ometimes, one simple ambition can grow arms and legs. And in the case of Ferguslie’s Pals Of The Privies, their endeavours might have started with restoring Glencoats Parks, but they’ve come to represent something far greater. From devising a memorial garden and woodland areas all tended to by a fleet of enthusiastic volunteers to curating an events calendar that’s been tailored to the requests of locals, this organisation encapsulates what it means to be selflessly in service to your community. “It was Winter 2017 and this path couldn’t be seen for leaves and mush. A few people would come up and say, I don’t walk through there

Pals of the Privies with Sharon Dennison from Morrisons Anchor Mill

because it’s scary,” Dana Donnelly remarked. “We loved the park, so we started asking why. The biggest thing was the overhang of the trees. After that was cleared, people began to see the place’s potential and then came the fairy garden. Then, the boys were saying ‘what about us?’ So, we made the superhero trail (laughs). It’s been completely community led. “There’d be things on in Paisley like the Halloween Festival and you’d see kids from around here and think ‘why aren’t you there?’” Karen Campbell detailed. “But even though they’re free to attend, the financial aspect stopped them from going. The light up sticks, the hot dogs, there’s a cost for everything. So, we started fundraising for a fun-day. Everything was paid for and no child missed out. Now, Halloween is our biggest thing, people come from all over! We do a lot over Christmas and this year, we delivered 150 breakfast packs to 150 houses, but our greatest hit was definitely our foam party. To this day, the weans are still asking for another one!” Set to begin phase two that’ll incorporate swings, exercise

equipment and a climbing frame into the park, Pals of the Privies have accomplished all this without being monetarily led. For them, their focus resides in continuing their beautification of the area and entertaining the locals. “Everything we do goes back into it, so simple things really help us a lot. We find that if people want to gift stuff, that’s always better. Right now, a container for a ride-on mower and a generator for our events are the biggest things we’re after. Our aim was to restore the park, keep it tidy and put in a playpark. Now we’ve accomplished that, our approach will never change.” Keep up with POTP’s inspiring work on Facebook @GlencoatsPark MILL 17

ECOMODE

Sustainable-fashion blogger, Rachel McMinn, selects nine wardrobe essentials for women that don’t cost the earth.

NU-IN BODY SUIT

Made from 100% recycled materials, this bodysuit will bring a lot of versatility to your spring looks. The gorgeous neutral tone pairs well with a range of colours and will look great with everything from jeans to skirts. £37, nu-in.com.

WOLF AND GYPSY NECKLACE

This dainty necklace fits seamlessly into any look. Made from recycled metals this gorgeous piece is also available in silver. The sizing makes this gorgeous on its own but also ideal for layering. £35, wolfandgypsy.com.

IMMACULATE VEGAN MULES

It’s time to say goodbye boots and hello mules! This stunning nude shade will go with any colour and the style is timeless. Completely vegan and made with a mix of recycled materials. £160, immaculatevegan.com.

LA BANTE HANDBAG

A handbag is the perfect addition to any outfit and this gorgeous cross body bag has been completely handwoven using biodegradable vegan leather. Not only is this a staple for your wardrobe but for every purchase made, La Bante will plant 19 trees. £119.99, labante.co.uk. 18 MILL

FASHION

NU-IN JEANS Flares are all the rage for 2021 and this light blue is the ideal shade for spring. Vegan approved and made with recycled cotton, these jeans can become a go-to for all sorts of occasions. £62, nu-in.com.

VEJA TRAINERS

Made from organic materials, these high-top trainers are so on trend for 2021. The white and nude will pair amazingly with any outfit. Keeping you stylish and comfy this summer. £85, veja-store.com.

9 7

SEA PIG EARRINGS

Beautiful bespoke earrings made from sea glass found on the beach. Upcycled jewellery is an excellent new dimension to add to a collection and these earrings come in a range of colours but the white is a must have. £21, seapig-anglesey.com.

JW PEI BAG

Bags are a great way to incorporate colour into your outfit. This stunning sage green is gorgeous for spring, pairing so well with neutrals. Made from vegan leather and recycled plastic. £39, jwpei.com.

ARKET DRESS

Crochet is one of the biggest trends this year, making this an ideal dress for your summer repertoire. The stunning neutral tone means it’s easy to match with any colour. £79, arket.com.

For more ideas on sustainable living, follow Rachel on Instagram - rachonfashion. MILL 19

FASHION

STYLE

Whether you’ve got a summer staycation planned or you’re jetting off to warmer climates, Josef McFadden keeps you cool with these summer outfits.

Shirt, £29.99, TK Maxx

Organic t-shirt, £19.95, White Stuff

Torque Voyager watch, £145, Dalvey of Scotland

Striped sweater, £49, Crew Clothing

Shorts. £25, M&S Julien MacDonald shorts, £35, Freemans

H a t, £

25,

Trainers, £39, Office

Loafers, £105, Dune

OUTFIT ONE

This summer, the nautical theme is one of the most interesting micro trends that keeps reappearing. The versatility of this trend means you can style it up for a smart polished look or keep it casual. Think fresh summer colours, particularly those teamed with stripes, in light fabrics that can be worn with softly tailored pieces such as shorts and lightweight blazers. Blue and white are nautical staples and pair well with a variety of neutrals. 20 MILL

OUTFIT TWO

For those who enjoy a more relaxed approach to summer wear but still aim to be on trend, you can never go wrong with a statement shirt. Whether they be vintage or from the high street, you can pair these pattern heavy items up with plain, well fitting shorts that will compliment the design. You can wear statement shirts alone or with a plain white t-shirt underneath for a classic style.

So sun ready Free second pair from our sunglasses range with 2 for 1 from £69.

Includes single-vision lenses to same prescription.

Book an eye test at specsavers.co.uk Paisley 5 Moss Street Tel 0141 848 9192 Cannot be used with any other offers. Both pairs include standard 1.5 single-vision lenses. Varifocal/bifocal: pay for lenses in first pair only. Excludes SuperDigital, SuperDrive Varifocals, SuperReaders 1-2-3 occupational lenses and safety eyewear. Additional charge – Extra Options.

Renfrewshire in pictures Tasked with capturing the beauty and splendour of our local community, West College Scotland's photography students are ready to take you on a scenic tour of the area. 22 MILL

Robert Tabor, India of Inchinnan

FEATURES

Boston Miles, Renfrewshire House, Paisley

Victoria Mitchell, Lochwinnoch Pier

Karen Bohme, Mile End Mill, Paisley

MILL 23

Ali Burden-Blake, Morar Crescent Bishopton

Paulina Markiewicz, GlobeBingo, Johnstone

Oksana Karuniene, Paisley Town Hall

24 MILL

FEATURES

Megan McGuigan, Barshaw Park, Paisley

Maddie Howard, Paisley Abbey

Scott Mairs, Linwood Szymon Kubiak, Oakshaw, Paisley

MILL 25

FEATURES

Ciro Potenza, Renfrew Ferry

Natalia Padlo, Paisley Town Hall

John Masson, India of Inchinnan

26 MILL

SPONSORED FEATURE

A STAYCATION

DESTINATION

WIth holidaying at home set to take centrestage this summer, Ingliston Country Club & Hotel are ready to beckon you to the lap of luxury.

re you looking for a change of scenery? Somewhere you can relax, unwind and enjoy freshly made, Scottish and Italian cuisine from an award-winning restaurant? Maybe a family reunion is on the cards and your visitors are looking for a place to stay? Whatever the case, Ingliston Country Club & Hotel is the place to escape to on your Scottish retreat. Often referred to as the Jewel in Renfrewshire's crown, Ingliston Country Club & Hotel is nestled within rolling hills of beautiful countryside, complete with breathtaking vistas of the River Clyde and beyond Old Kilpatrick. With a range of luxury, dog-friendly self-catering lodges that are decked out with hot tubs and saunas, you can tailor your break to your specifications and use Ingliston as a base to explore the area, populating your itinerary with the help of our expert team. If the effortless comfort of a hotel is what’s in order, then one of our twin/double classic, de-luxe or superior bedrooms could offer the solace you seek. The hotel's west terrace boasts a private area where you can relax in a hot tub or sauna and enjoy a drink while watching the sun go down from your very own vantage point.

Ingliston is a family-run, fully inclusive business. With our emphasis on catering to all ages in mind, our on-site play park and The Rose Garden (where we serve afternoon tea) offer a perfect area to spend time together and when weather permits, food is served from “On the Hoof ”, a cabin situated within the gardens that replicates the feel and flavours of a family picnic. Palomino's on-site restaurant is at the heart of Ingliston, with a friendly and dedicated team who’ll be on hand to provide the best food and service you could wish for. Famous for homemade burgers, secret family recipe lasagne, mouthwatering pastas, steaks, fish and salads while offering a full complement of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, guests are completely spoiled for choice. And that’s even before we tempt you with a freshly made cake from our well-stocked patisserie. Whatever shape your trip to Ingliston takes, you can rest assured that a warm welcome awaits!

SPECIAL OFFER

To thank both returning and new patrons. We’re offering 25% off on accommodation for those staying for three nights or more. To book or get additional details, visit ingliston.com or call us direct on 01505 854333. MILL 27

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Pretty Clever Zara’s much anticipated

make-up collection is here and it’s looking good. Running the spectrum from beige to bold, the cruelty-free collection has inclusivity at its core and comes in super chic black and white packaging which doesn’t just look good, but is doing good. Billed as entirely refillable, this encourages customers to reuse, rather than simply repurchase and bin the old packaging. Available online and in store now.

BRONZE MEDAL

Don’t tell anyone, but Primark’s Bronze Whip is an absolute ringer for a certain cult cream bronzer from a big name beauty house. The only difference is the Primark version costs £4 and the other £43. Naturally, I know which one I’ll be buying.

BEAUTY

Susie Cormack Bruce is back with her regularly scheduled round-up of new cosmetic essentials.

THE WATER’S LOVELY

Holidays are still on the mibbes aye, mibbes naw list for now but thankfully, you can still capture that heady smell of balmy nights and exotic climes in a perfume bottle. Rituals’ Océan Infini evokes the scents of Bali with oceanic notes that warm to a white musk. Prices start at £14.50 at rituals.com.

DID YOU KNOW…

that Next has one of the biggest online beauty offerings with over 200 beauty products, as well as recently adding both MAC and Clarins to their online inventory? They also produce great value Beauty Boxes which change monthly. This Spring Fling Beauty Box costs £20 but you get a massive £70 worth of products. Visit next.co.uk for more detail. 28 MILL

MOO TO YOU

Looking for a vegan hair care that offers a little bit of luxury? Check out Moo & Yoo, a Scottish brand that’s harnessing the benefits of marula oil to create sustainable hair (and body) products that are kind to the environment, salon/spa quality and smell absolutely delicious. Find the full range atmooandyoo.com

For more from our resident beauty expert, visit sincerelyyourssusie.com

WE HAVE THE SPACE TO KEEP YOU SAFE

#wehavethespacetokeepyousafe

!SALON W O G N C A LL T H E

NCEBOOK OR I T I U E C R AGRAM, FA

RE US ON INST

AG M E SS

Book your free consultation on 0141 887 9559 136 Neilston Road, Paisley PA2 6QH

HEALTH & BEAUTY

BEAUTY

expert

Born of a mixture of necessity and ingenuity, Laura’s Pamper Van is waiting to welcome you aboard. How did you start? Having closed my salon in Bridge of Weir after eight years of trading due to the unsustainability that the pandemic brought on, I needed to reinvent my career within the beauty industry. After a few cream soda daiquiris on a sunny Sunday afternoon, the idea of Laura’s Pamper Van was born. Now, I can bring a safe and sanitised environment directly to the houses and driveways of Renfrewshire. What’s the best thing about working in the industry? For me, it’s always been about more than just providing nail and lash treatments. Appointments are a time to chat, laugh, sing and sometimes cry. A time when women can disconnect, leaving the van with great nails, lashes and a big smile. Favourite beauty essential? Nouveau’s lash and brow conditioning serum. This helps nourish lashes and brows, giving them a fuller, healthier appearance. My top beauty tip? Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! A simple two minute process that helps maintain and improve your skin day after day, year after year. My favourite beauty treatment? LVL (length volume length) Lash lift. It’s the perfect lash enhancement for any size or shape and it requires no maintenance, with results lasting 6-8 weeks. Simply put, it’s your natural lashes, but better. What’s the most popular treatment/service in The Pamper Van? Definitely our foot therapy pedicure. Firstly the foot is cleansed and hard skin removed, then slipped into collagen-infused booties that deeply moisturises the skin. While they are working their magic, gel polish is applied to the toes before the treatment is finished with a relaxing foot massage. Lastly, what’s your top tip for relaxing at home? The best way for me to really unwind at home is a nice hot bath with bubbles, candles and a good book or music. A fluffy towel and jammies heating up on the radiator are a must! For more info, visit Facebook @lauraspampervan. 30 MILL

SWITCHING FROM GLASSES TO CONTACT LENSES Considering changing from glasses to contact lenses? Specsavers Paisley is on hand to discuss all the options with you. “As some glasses can steam up when we wear masks, it’s a good opportunity to try contact lenses to keep our vision clear,” store director Gail Thompson revealed. “It doesn’t matter what kind of prescription you have, almost anyone can wear contact lenses. If you and your optician are happy that you’re comfortable putting them in, taking them out and cleaning them, then there’s really nothing stopping you.” “Specsavers offers lots of different types and brands of contact lenses and picking one will depend on your lifestyle and prescription. To help you decide, all you have to do is arrange an appointment with a member of the team at the Paisley store and they’ll be happy to help you find the right type of lenses. “A concern some people have is the time it takes to get used to contact lenses,” Gail continued, “but our friendly staff will provide you with a timetable for gradually increasing the length of time you can wear your lenses, starting with just a few hours each day. The team is also prepared to talk you through how to correctly fit the lenses during the consultation. “Good hygiene and lens care are essential for keeping your contact lenses and eyes in good condition. Always follow the care regime prescribed by your optician and make sure to attend regular aftercare visits.” Book a contact lens consultation at Specsavers in Paisley by calling 0141 848 9192 or booking online at specsavers.co.uk/stores/paisley.

Pizza or Pasta? Have both!

The new one-stop-shop for everything

At La Banca, we believe in choice. We use the finest, freshest Italian and locally sourced ingredients to create our popular half pizza and half pasta dishes, try it for yourself.

two course lunch deal £9.95 | 12noon-3pm Half pizza/half pasta lunch available based on two people sharing a pizza and pasta dish.

• • • •

Personalised balloons and gifts Official Frenchic stockist Gift wrap, bags, banners, candles, tableware Event decor, candy carts, LED letters and numbers, photo booths • LED dancefloors, teepee tents

Call 0141 848 1334 to place an order

63 Neilston Road, Paisley PA2 6NA www.labancapaisley.co.uk

To book, please call 0141 887 1100

5 Johnston Street, Paisley PA1 1XQ 0141 848 1334 | mrspartymail@gmail.com www.mrsparty.co.uk

FEATURES

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Uplifting each other through candid chats and camaraderie, Kickin’ On are taking mental health awareness into their own hands.

32 MILL

vehicles that we use to get people comfortable and ready to talk. We don’t want it to be busy as that means people are struggling, but it’s good that they aren’t staying silent. We know our limitations too. So, we signpost to other organisations when needed. None of us are experts, we’re just normal guys and lassies that want to support each other.” Structured as a community rather than conventional therapy, Kickin’ On’s objective is to help people to convey those thoughts and fears that society has conditioned us to shield from view. “To this day, men talking about their feelings still isn’t the norm and that’s what we’re fighting against,” Dave declared. “By now, it should be commonplace for someone in school

or a football changing room to say ‘I’m struggling’ without worrying about getting slagged as at the end of the day, everyone needs a wee hudgie up sometimes. We’re not trying to preach, we’re just saying that the learned behaviour of the past doesn’t work anymore. “People have come to us and told us ‘if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here’ and that’s a collective effort. So, when you see people that used to be struggling and now they’re helping others, that’s when it just feels like a big beautiful melting pot.” To find out more about Kickin’ On or to donate to their amazing organisation, please visit Facebook @Kickinon20.

Photos by David Hamilton, @weemadbeasties on Instagram and Facebook

hen grief strikes, the natural response is to despair over what we’ve lost and what could’ve been. While in some cases, the only way to reconcile with the pain and sorrow is to channel it into enriching the world around you. Established in February of last year in honour of a friend that tragically took his own life, Dave McKenna and younger brother Mark’s Kickin’ On is a peer support group focused on addictions, mental health and suicide prevention. Since then, it’s become a testament to the power of just being on hand to listen. “It’s really evolved quite quickly, we went from football therapy and bootcamps to hillwalking and cold water exposure. We want to make it clear that we’re not a football team or a fitness club,” Dave affirmed. “These activities are just the

Live Your Best Life

PAIN FREE Here for you As the world recovers from the anxiety and isolation, RAMH’s James Power details the support available right here in Renfrewshire. It’s been a difficult time for everyone and that has made our work even more important than it already was. We’re still here to support all over 16s in Renfrewshire with their mental health. Since March last year, we have been busy adapting all our services so they can be delivered online and only now are we starting to see some in-person support resume. That being said, we’ve still been helping people in the same way we always have: by promoting recovery from mental ill health and empowering people to build independent, fulfilled lives. We offer free, confidential services which provide: • Immediate support in crisis situations for residents aged 16 and over in Renfrewshire • Individualised care and practical support to people in their own homes • One to one counselling sessions with a qualified counsellor • Employability support to help individuals gain or maintain employment and/or volunteering opportunities • A range of social, creative, therapeutic, educational and physical activity groups • Support to family, friends, carers and the wider community through information and education If you feel like you could benefit from using our services, please call 0141 847 8900 or email enquiries@ramh.org for more information. You can self-refer to RAMH for free and you don’t need a medical diagnosis to use our services. Our crisis line FIRST is also available to all over 16s in Renfrewshire. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing a crisis in your mental health, please contact us. Call 0800 221 8929 and you’ll be able to speak to one of our trained staff. For more information, visit ramh.org.

At SP Physiotherapy, we offer bespoke treatment plans for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our range of services include: • Massage • Acupuncture • Joint Mobilisation/Manipulation • Exercise Therapy £40 Initial Consultation, treatment also carried out in this session if time permits. No GP referral required, we accept self funding patients. Additionally we are approved providers to all of the major health insurance companies.

Visit our website for more information or call us on 0141 266 0230

We are located within Greenlaw Dental Care, 25 Glasgow Road, Paisley PA1 3QY enquiries@spphysiotherapy.co.uk www.spphysiotherapy.co.uk

MILL 33 SP Physio HPV JulAug21.indd 1

07/06/2021 14:30

Garden in the

As balmy temperatures seep in, our interiors editor Kike Pavlik discusses the tranquillity that can be found in your own private oasis.

e all love summer, enjoying the warm weather and long evenings outside. Don’t we all miss enjoying quality time in the fresh air? Maybe it is time to migrate from our comfortable couches and spend our summer evenings outdoors. For all intents and purposes, the garden is an extension of the living room. It embraces the narrative of the area we live in. It is very important to feel connected to the garden setting. With that in mind, don’t underestimate the healing power of a relaxing and peaceful moment in this space. Whether it is a large back garden or a small terrace, make it magical with clusters of lovely lanterns, fairy lights, cosy furniture and some green plants or fresh flowers surrounding your seating area. Within it, create a temporary space for dining and relaxing. This is the place where you can come out with a coffee and catch the morning sun or enjoy a dinner with your family. Make full use of patio space with a compact L-shaped or corner sofa and benches. In addition, bringing indoor furniture outdoors will add an air of sophistication to your garden while bistro tables and chairs are just perfect for small gardens. Wooden, traditional furniture is always a good choice, enabling its natural tones to harmonise with the surroundings. However, it doesn’t mean that there’s only one option, as you can add some individuality and character to the garden 34 MILL

HypeDome Garden Pod, £3,195 cuckooland.com

Rattan sofa, £499, cuckooland.com

setting by bringing some vibrant colours. Give your old furniture a new look with a coat of outdoor paint. A palette of peach, bright aqua, lavender or natural wood finish will give you a tranquil, French-style patio. Plant flowers and herbs in terracotta pots. Choose a mix of shapes, but stick to natural materials for an eclectic but co-ordinated and cosy look. You can easily create a focal point by placing ornaments or pots made from Corten weathering steel that beautifully

Terracotta pot, £6.99, TKMaxx

PROPERTY & INTERIORS

Set of two chairs, £199, Marks & Spencer

Rattan corner sofa, £3,599 cuckooland.com

Cushion, £7, George Home

Firebowl, £398, nest.co.uk

reflect natural light. By doing so, it stands out against any other materials and works well with a natural wood such as oak or sandstone paving. To bring some variety and creativity, don’t hold on to traditional floor standing pots only. Instead, hanging baskets or a living wall are great ways to extend small garden spaces by adding vertical interest. Design an atmospheric space by adding outdoor lighting. Extra light will create an oasis of comfort and calm. You can drape the fairy lights or string lights on a fence or wall or, alternatively, make a canopy by stringing them back and forth. For a more stylish look, you can opt for an ornamental solar lamp that will bring a warm glow to the decking. Use natural fabrics for a casual look. Adding some oversized floor cushions, table linen and napkins will make the scenery feel inviting and they’re ideal for bringing a bit of colour. As the hours tick by, throws, blankets and cushions will all keep you warm when the sun goes down. A garden is the ideal place to escape the stresses and strains of life. After all, we all deserve to get some serenity. With that in mind, let’s heed the wise words of Ben E King’s Spanish Harlem and “pick that rose and watch her as she grows in my garden”. As when you look after your garden, your garden looks after you.

String lights, £26.99, lights4fun.co.uk

Outdoor lantern, £36.99, lights4fun.co.uk

MILL 35

PROPERTY & INTERIORS

FINDING YOUR PLACE As the demand For family homes continues to surge, Corum talks us through the in’s and outs of the thriving market.

t’s no secret that the Scottish property market has boomed since emerging from the first lockdown back in June 2020. In its wake, swathes of motivated buyers entered the fray with greater square footage, garden space and home offices appearing at the forefront of their wishlists. The need for more functional homes has created a massive spike in demand for family properties, particularly in leafy, well connected areas such as Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm. In these locales, qualities such as relaxed family living, excellent schooling and great transport links have become revered attributes. The biggest challenge the market faced so far in 2021 is simply not having enough supply to meet the demand. But after a busy spring, that is starting to change with homeowners now seeking to capitalise on the increased value that their homes are achieving - and why wouldn't they? House prices in Scotland are up by around 10.7% versus this time last year.

In Renfrewshire the increase is even greater, with prices experiencing a 15% upswing from where they sat last year. There has arguably never been a better time to achieve a strong return on your property, with the vast majority of sales of family homes going to closing date with a frenzy of bids coming through. The current state of the market is giving sellers options to consider, and we would highly recommend engaging with your local Corum branch to have a no-obligation discussion about how your home sits right now. For more info, contact Corum, 2 Windsor Place, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3AF, 01505 691 400, corumproperty.co.uk.

36 MILL

Property shown: Dunyveg, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm

PAISLEY’S PROFESSIONAL GARDEN AND GROUND MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS For a no obligation quote call 01505 812898 or 07946 495151 Lawn Care • Renovation • Planting Schemes • Tree Planting Professional Hedge Maintenance • Weed Control

info@edengroundcare.com @edengroundcare

FULLY CERTIFIED TREE SURGEONS For a no obligation quote call 01505 812898 or 07946 495151 All Aspects of Tree Care & Removal • Crown Lifting or Reduction Felling & Removal • Professional Hedge Maintenance • Tree Planting Fully Qualified & Insured

info@edengroundcare.com @edentreesurgeons

A LL O U R Y E S TE R DAYS

A Brief History of Johnstone David Weir from the Heritage Centre takes us on a trip back to the formative years of one of Renfrewshire’s most resilient towns. All photos ©Heritage Centre, Renfrewshire Leisure

High Parish Church

Paton’s Mill c.1914

n 23 January 1782 George Houston, Laird of the Estate of Johnstone displayed a plan for what was to become the new town of Johnstone. The plan outlined a regular layout of streets: High Street, George’s Street, Collier’s Street, McDowell Street and Church Street, which remain some of the main thoroughfares to this day. Eager buyers snapped up these sites and by the end of the year, fifty houses were either built or in the planning stages. Ten years later, the population of Johnstone stood at 1500 people and was described as “a neat and 38 MILL

regular-built village in extremely pleasant surroundings.” By 1830, Johnstone had a population of over 5,000 people and came to be defined as “one of the finest villages of its size in Scotland”. However, industrialisation was to change all of this. The industrial revolution progressed rapidly in Renfrewshire and by 1838, there were 20 cotton mills in Johnstone. Housing for workers was hurriedly built in whatever space there was in this small town, often in back gardens of existing houses. These “back-lands” soon became slums at a time of long working hours, low wages

FEATURES

Ludovic Square & Quarry Street

Collier Street & Police Station, 1920

THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION PROGRESSED RAPIDLY IN RENFREWSHIRE AND BY 1838, THERE WERE 20 COTTON MILLS IN JOHNSTONE

and the polluting smoke from the factories. All of which resulted in very poor living conditions. Despite the efforts of the town council to rectify this situation with the opening of a public water supply in 1869, alongside modern tenements replacing old dilapidated buildings and street widening schemes, Johnstone remained overcrowded. In 1930, with population standing at around 12,000 people, the council bought Cartside House and its grounds to create housing. 1935 saw the beginning of the Howwood Road scheme, followed by others at Cochrane Castle, Johnstone Castle,

Spateston and Corseford through the 1950s and 1960s. This expansion saw the population reach a historical highpoint of over 23,000 people in the 1970s. JOHNSTONE CASTLE In 1733, George Houston took over the estate of Easter Cochrane and renamed it Johnstone. In the process, Easter Cochrane House was subsequently renamed Johnstone Castle. The Houston family improved and extended the castle in 1777 and 1812. By the mid-nineteenth century, Johnstone Castle MILL 39

FEATURES

was surrounded by woodland and became one of the finest houses in the district. In 1848, celebrated Polish composer Frédéric Chopin was a guest in the castle. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the estate’s lands were gradually sold off with the last laird to live there, George Ludovic Houston, moving to Cyprus after World War 1. At the beginning of World War 2, the castle and remaining grounds were taken over by the Army, initially for British and allied soldiers’ training before later playing host to German prisoners of war within huts on the castle grounds. The castle then lay empty for ten years, eventually falling into disrepair. Johnstone Town Council bought the castle and grounds to use for housing, demolishing the bulk of the structure but preserving the original fifteenth century tower as a landmark within Johnstone Castle housing estate.

Original Town Hall

JOHNSTONE HIGH PARISH CHURCH Johnstone High Parish Church dates from 1792 and was suggested on George Houston’s original plan for the new town of Johnstone. Before the church was built, Johnstone Castle

Houston Square & Bandstand

the nearest place of worship was a four mile walk to Paisley. This building, still a landmark in the town, had a spire added in 1823 which was said to be a copy of one designed by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral. The interior features ten stained glass windows and memorials to those who lost their lives in both World War 1 and World War 2.

Thornhill, 1920

BANDSTAND, HOUSTON SQUARE The bandstand was given to the town by George Ludovic Houston in 1891. According to local legend, George overheard a remark that Johnstone was a dull town and the bandstand was his response to this comment. Both local and visiting bands have entertained passers-by from this amenity. For more information and help with local or family history enquiries, please contact the Heritage Centre at, Unit 907, Abbey Mill Business Centre, 12 Seedhill Road, Paisley PA1 1JS. Phone: 0141 618 5275 and by email at: heritage@ renfrewshire.gov.uk. Due to the current Covid restrictions access to the Heritage Centre is by appointment only on contact details above.

40 MILL

THOMSON HEATING

FEATURES

Renfrewshire's local award-winning and 5 star rated gas and heating company

We are a local gas and central heating company who offer a bespoke service from start to finish. We pride ourselves in our passion for customer satisfaction and high quality professional workmanship. We are fully gas safe registered and Worcester Bosch accredited platinum installers. Our services • Gas boiler replacements with a 10 year guarantee • Central heating installations • Servicing • Breakdown and fault finding • System power flush • Landlord gas safety inspections

THE 5

ANNUAL

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTATION

T 0141 390 6946

W www.thomsonheatinggroup.co.uk E hello@thomsonheatinggroup.co.uk Follow us on Facebook: thomsonheating

MILL 41

HOM E S AWAY F ROM HOM E With a summer of holidaying within our own shores approaching, Private House Stays deliver their top picks for the coming months.

Loch Ness Glamping

onsidering that flocking to warmer climes in the way that millions of UK citizens usually do remains out of reach, tourism within our nation is set for a goldrush. Capable of bringing coastal resorts back to the boom periods of old and allowing for B&Bs to improve upon their usual turnover, it’s likely that much accommodation at Scotland’s beauty spots and bustling towns will be booked out for months. But for all that such a sustained period of busyness is exciting, those who operate through some of the larger third party sites could see themselves losing a substantial percentage of that revenue in fees. Conceived by former B&B owner Cassie Bouverie, Private House Stays was designed as the antidote to 42 MILL

this industry-wide inequity and takes on a fairer, more well being-focused approach. Composed of over 100 clients from around the country and augmented by a robust database of “things to do” in remote locations and thriving cityscapes alike, their tight-knit team were recently crowned Best Private Accommodation Providers at the Scotland Prestige awards. Committed to enabling “small, quality businesses to make their own bookings and keep 100% of their hardearned profits,” PHS are prepping for a banner year. As a mixture of excitement and confusion over how to spend the summer sets in, the expert team have spotlighted some beautiful accommodation that will be invaluable in helping you to formulate that perfect getaway.

TRAVEL

LOCH NESS GLAMPING Owned and operated by Sonia Whittington and Graham Anderson, Loch Ness Glamping sits at the heart of Drumnadrochit and is committed to providing an authentic slice of rural Scotland. “We’ve got highland cows on-site and we’re always more than happy to let the guests brush them or handle the sheep,” Sonia proclaimed. “To me, we give the whole highland experience, not just the glamping side of it. For people who want a bit more, we provide rooms such as our posh pad, but you’ll still have your own patio and barbecue pit to ensure that you still have a dose of the outdoors. There’s a lot on offer across our 11 acres, not to mention river frontage that’ll allow the whole family to enjoy time by the water. Plus, we’re just two miles from the castle and village.”

Armadilla interior

Sleeps up to 16 guests, from £37.50 per person

SEASYDE HOUSE

Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £80 per room

Set on the banks of the Tay Estuary, the beautiful Georgian Seasyde House is the perfect base for exploring rural Perthshire and Angus, as well as the exciting cities of Perth and Dundee. Seasyde’s peaceful grounds – where red squirrels thrive – extend towards a vast reed bed that’s managed by the RSPB, making this an ideal location for birdwatching. Teamed with the presence of Roe deer in the area, it’s a haven for wildlife. There are four luxurious bedrooms, all harbouring a twist of country house elegance and guests also have use of the elegant drawing room with an open fire and a fully fitted kitchen. At this tranquil hideaway, you can enjoy relaxing therapies in an authentic Mongolian Yurt. Having practised at Neal’s Yard Remedies in Edinburgh, your host Fiona Leslie is a qualified massage therapist, with treatment tailored to your needs. Recently, she introduced a massage using tiger shells. Whatever your vision for your break may be, Fiona will ensure that you leave Seasyde House feeling relaxed, replenished and revitalised.

MILL 43

TRAVEL

Sleeps up to 15 guests, from £100 per room

BLACKWATERFOOT LODGE Located on the east coast of Arran, Blackwaterfoot Lodge consists of an old victorian house that was built as a hotel in 1899 and two cottages, the latter of which has been renovated and transformed into a high-spec self-catering studio apartment. A mainstay of the more Hebridan and untamed side of the island affectionately known as “Scotland in miniature”, owners Ian and Anne Relf have invested upwards of £75,000 into renovating their beloved lodge, bar and restaurant. “We’re delighted with how it’s come together,” said Ian. “We’re always popular among walkers and those doing the coastal path, so it provides refuge for the tired, thirsty and hungry. The great thing about where we are is that it gives you the feeling of being more remote and windswept, but there’s handy links to all buses and the ferry terminal at Brodick. Essentially, all roads lead to Blackwaterfoot and it enables you to get about with ease and leave the car behind.” To learn more about this revolutionary force in Scottish hospitality and to book your getaway, visit privatehousestays.com. 44 MILL

Oh how we’ve missed you We are open for business and excited to see you again.

CULTURE

the sound of renfrewshire

BENSIDER

From growing up Lewis to making a new home in Renfrewshire, Graham MacIver has a wealth of life experience to divulge. Now, as the frontman of Bensider, he’s channelling it through intimate folk and Americana.

You came to songwriting in your 40s. What inspired you to take the leap? I’ve played music since I was about 12, but I was always just a party guitarist. When I was growing up on Lewis, it was stuck in the 60s in terms of music. So, I was really confused as I was supposed to be into punk, but I was all about Skynyrd, Deep Purple, Allman Brothers and all that. I played in a covers band until I was about 18, but I had a bad accident and almost lost the tip of my forefinger and I thought well, my 46 MILL

career is over. Cut to my early 40s when we moved to Lochwinnoch and suddenly, I was meeting up with other musicians for a jam and a dram. I’d earmarked some songs for a solo project but I wasn’t that confident in my abilities, so Roy [bass], Mike [trumpet]and my old friend, Seth [drums], came aboard and Bensider was born. Thankfully. They more than make up for my musical shortcomings (laughs). I bring the music and lyrics, then these guys elevate it to something special. It’s a wonderful thing and I never take it for granted. In my life, I’ve been blessed to come to a lot of things later on. When I was younger, I tried to write songs, but I think you have to have lived first. In my youth in Lewis, a lot of us were listening people like Springsteen, Steve Earle and John Cougar, who were all singing about trying to break out of a small town. So, while I always related to that, it’s the country ideal of ‘three chords and the truth’ that really inspires me.

Although you’ve settled in Renfrewshire, it often feels as though Bensider’s material is a way to commune with your island. Does that ring true? Absolutely. I left home in 1989 and while I’m glad I left, a big part of my heart is still there. I do miss my home and a lot of my songs reference the sea, the mountains, the wind, everything I associate with it. They paint a picture and it’s not to say ‘hey, look what you’re missing’, it’s for my own benefit. On My Island Home, I call it my ‘secret love affair’ and I think that covers it. We want people to come up and see it, but don’t tell anybody or put your pictures on the internet (laughs).

“WE MOVED TO LOCHWINNOCH AND SUDDENLY, I WAS MEETING UP WITH OTHER MUSICIANS FOR A JAM AND A DRAM”

After releasing 2018’s Live at Kyoti, 2019’s Blue Star Line and 2020’s Lockdown Sessions, you’re now gearing up for another release. Can you tell us a little about it? Having come to the recording process later, that first time going into the studio with Mark Freegard (producer, Del Amitri, Eddi Reader, The Breeders, others) is still so fresh. We walked in that day and recorded nine songs in one go, hence ‘Live at Kyoti’ was accidentally born. Then, he really brought my voice out on Blue Star Line. When it came to The Lockdown Sessions, I had to try and record to a click track and it felt like music by numbers, but Mark was good at getting more out of us. It allowed us to keep the wave that we had from performing in Stornoway just days before it all started. It was mostly songs that were lying about gathering dust and it made me think, right, let’s do something with these. As is often the case, I’ve been revisiting and updating songs to the point that we’re heading into the studio for a new four track EP. This time around, we’ve teamed up with Jim McDermott of the Kevin McDermott Orchestra, who’s also plied his trade with everyone from Kylie [Minogue] to Lulu and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. We whittled it down from ten and in typical Bensider fashion, there’s a Lewis song, a love song and a break-up song! (laughs).” Keep up with all things Bensider and upcoming releases at Facebook @bensidermusic. MILL 47

CULTURE

MUSIC

The soundtrack to a fantastic summer awaits in the shape of these essential releases.

ALBUM LEON BRIDGES GOLD-DIGGERS SOUND

ALBUM GASPARD AUGÉ - ESCAPADES Although Daft Punk may be no more, the legacy of the unmistakably inventive French touch sound is safe in the hands of Gaspard Augé. Having made his name as one half of the illustrious Justice, the decorated producer is returning to the fray with his debut solo album and if the luscious soundscapes of the singles are anything to go by, we’re in for a fascinating listen. Sure to encapsulate his entire range of influences that veer from 70’s disco to the most abrasive of metal, the prospect of his first musical outing since Justice’s 2018 remix record Woman Worldwide has fans wondering what if Gaspard’s true vision is about to come to the fore. Released 25th June.

ALBUM BILLIE EILISH - HAPPIER THAN EVER Fresh from announcing an instant sell-out of a tour stop at Glasgow’s The SSE Hydro, Billie Eilish is returning with her sophomore record, Happier Than Ever. Older and no doubt wiser than she was on the much-loved When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? The Californian pop wunderkind has stoked anticipation for the record by claiming that it sounds “exactly how I want it to”. With lead single Your Power displaying a more plaintive side to her sound, only time will tell what her and production virtuoso brother FINNEAS have cooked up this time. Released 30th July. 48 MILL

Often cited as one of the definitive soul voices of a generation, modern-day crooner Leon Bridges is following up on his prolific run of form with a brand new album. Named after the titular studio that each track was sculpted in, Gold-Diggers Sound is slated to feature contributions from modern jazz royalty in the form of Robert Glasper and frequent Kendrick Lamar collaborator Terrace Martin. If it was up to us, he’d have found room for another Khruangbin team in there too, but we’re still excited all the same. Released 23rd July.

NOT JUST ANOTHER

ITALIAN RESTAURANT At Caffè Royale, we use the finest and freshest Italian and local seasonal produce to create Sicilian and Italian style dishes at affordable prices. Vegan and gluten-free options available

71 Glasgow Road, Paisley PA1 3PE To make a reservation call 0141 858 5135 royalecaffe caffe_royale_paisley cafferoyalepaisley.co.uk

Caffe Royale HPH JulAug21.indd 1

01/06/2021 13:35

THE SHOW MUST GO ON A

lthough it has taken on many different forms over the years, the moniker of “The Bungalow” is ubiquitous with music in Paisley. First heralded as the safe haven for trailblazing punk bands of the 70s and 80s after the genre was heavy-handedly outcasted from Glasgow, the original Renfrew Road location played host to scores of illustrious names. Operated by local music luminaries Alan McEwan and Tommy McGrory, the new owners of its Shuttle Street incarnation are understandably proud to take stewardship of that storied legacy, but rest assured, their eyes are fixed firmly on the future. “The roots of The Bungalow are still there, but music’s changed 50 MILL

When live music was placed on pause, The Bungalow underwent a quiet but immensely valuable transformation. Now, Paisley’s preeminent venue is ready to reclaim its prominent place in our cultural landscape.

and so has the venue,” Tommy told us. There’s a wider range of talent than ever, so The Bungalow does everything from big band and jazz through to acoustic nights, indie rock, metal and electronica. When we set out, it was our goal to make it suitable for everyone and I think we’re achieving that. Since Alan and I took it on, It’s been all about improvement. “We’ve already seen people travelling from all over, we even had one woman that came all the way from San Francisco to see [Love and Money’s] James Grant. Then, just before we had to shut, [former David Bowie and John Lennon guitarist] Earl Slick, who’s performed everywhere from Wembley on down, played here with

Glen Matlock and said ‘now, this is a real venue’. That’s exactly the sort of endorsement we love to hear!” “We’ve invested a lot of money in the venue. Even though we can’t have artists in for a while yet, anything we got from Creative Scotland in terms of a Covid grant supplemented the work that we’re doing,” Alan stated. “We’ve put in a new heating system that’s benefited our green footprint, improved the sound insulation, revamped the bar area and that’s before you even get to the lighting system and all of that. We didn’t just lock up and sit in the garden for a year, there’s been a lot going on.” Devised as a community interest company, any profits that The Bungalow makes after costs are

CULTURE

promptly reinvested and in turn, this ensures that their grassroots gigs where local bands get that vital first taste of live performance are actually supplemented by the marquee events that bring an established star to town. Steadfast in the view that “we’re not just here to make money and shut the door, but appeal to the community,” the ongoing pandemic has led to them taking the lead on the accessibility of live music in a way that venues nationwide would do well to emulate. “Even during lockdown, we’ve tried to reinvigorate the music scene by doing some online stuff,” Alan declared. “Now that we’ve got an eight channel camera system and live mixer, we’ve upgraded our internet connections to ensure that we’ve got the streaming capabilities to put on shows even when we’re still shut or to ensure that people can still see the artists on the screens around the venue when we’ve got a packed room.” “That’s not all though,” Tommy asserted. “Say wee Johnny from Paisley’s band is playing on a Thursday night and his granny doesn’t want to go down as it’s not really her thing, but she still wants

Dirty Harry

Leg Up

“WHEN WE SET OUT, IT WAS OUR GOAL TO MAKE IT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE AND I THINK WE’RE ACHIEVING THAT”

to support him. Well, with this streaming system that we’ve got set up, she could tune in and watch it. In fact, the whole family could see ‘Johnny and The Toe Rags’ play rock music from home!” Although it still feels like a long road for both venue owners and those who find solace in the unparalleled joy of live music, Alan

and Tommy are confident that not only will gigs be back on in some form in the near future, but that The Bungalow is well-placed to thrive when the time arrives. All they need is for the community to get onboard. “Realistically, I think we’ll be looking at some small-scale events happening in mid-to-late summer. You might be seeing a band seated with table service, but luckily. We’ve got new padded seats!” “We’ve really put ourselves out there to get a lot of big bands lined up,” Alan continued. “Obviously, we’ve had to move a lot of the gigs that were booked twice. So, this means that we’re looking to 2022 and we’ve got plans for some massive names. While we’re still waiting for the green light in terms of gigs, we’d love to see people come down for a drink or if you want to support us, then buy a ticket for something that you fancy seeing!” Keep up with The Bungalow via Facebook @thebungalowpaisley and visit page 15 for a full gig listing. MILL 51

CULTURE

LITERATURE

Curated by Keira Brown, co-producer of the Paisley Book Festival

BOOK REVIEW

SHUGGIE BAIN by Douglas Stuart

Shuggie Bain, the Booker Prize-winning novel from Douglas Stuart, is a wellcrafted joy of a read that embeds characters in your mind that prove almost impossible to shake. All the while, managing to convey the energy of areas of Glasgow and render them as central to the novel as Agnes and the titular Shuggie themselves. A surprising debut, Stuart’s maiden voyage into novels is a complex tale that considers an era of central belt life long since gone by, with addiction, sexuality, scorn and torment all residing at the heart and making Shuggie Bain into a classic page-turner. Set in the 1980s in Glasgow, the novel spans over a decade in which we get to intimately know young Shuggie and his mother. We are first introduced to Shuggie when he is five or six as we’re drawn into his tenuous held together family and the complex dynamics that they maintain. However, the majority of the novel revolves around the relationship between Shuggie and his mother, and at points I often ask why this was not titled Agnes Bain, with certainly the first half focused on her life. Agnes struggles with alcohol addiction and throughout the spanning years that we get acquainted, we learn that she is a fighter with a belief in adorning herself in the more opulent garments in life. Here, Stuart’s storied career in fashion manifests through the description of her clothing, the prose decadent and rich with detail. Evocative with themes of hardship, struggle, poverty, squalor and yet, wonder and hope and love, there is much to explore in Shuggie Bain. It’s a tale of heart and warmth and love, and for that, it’s a beauty of a read, and one you will battle to put down once you’ve begun.

52 MILL

Delicatessen by Jacqueline Jay Wilde

Because you were smoking We stopped at the door And peered into a cavern Clustered with salami stalactites. The curve of the glass counter Gleamed in the half light, Mirrored shelves and shelves Of Italianate tins and jars And bottles and boxes Stuffed with exotic morsels. The scent of herbs and spicy fats Zipped through our nostrils As we, half crouched, Spied on the staff Who gesticulated and chattered In Mediterranean vowels and consonants. The queue at the counter Wasn’t long But we moved on, We knew that, if we entered, Our cash would vanish In one huge, gorgeous splurge.

The Paisley Book Festival is a partnership between Renfrewshire Leisure and Renfrewshire Council as part of Future Paisley. Future Paisley is an ambitious approach to cultural regeneration that harnesses the power of culture to support positive social change.

MAKE 2021 YOUR YEAR

FULL-TIME, PART-TIME & SHORT COURSES AVAILABLE NOW TO START THIS AUTUMN

SEARCH ONLINE & APPLY

CULTURE

ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES As tentative plans for a return to in-person events are drawn up, Renfrewshire Leisure’s Rikki Payne reflects on the lessons learned from arts programming in lockdown.

“T

here was a moment where the head of the assets team poked his head round the door on a Thursday and told us ‘you all need to go home’. We honestly thought we’d be back in a couple of weeks,” Rikki Payne said while looking back on the most bewildering year that Renfrewshire Leisure has ever experienced. “About a month in, we realised that we’d need to establish different ways to engage our audiences and this birthed the digital programme and Ren TV platform. “Once our Stuck In The House sessions got off the ground, we had a success story. It was a really personal way to experience live music and as artists began to adapt to recording themselves, we saw some real creativity shine through. “The viewing figures were staggering, we got something like 20,000 views for that series, which we couldn’t have had in the Arts Centre. The online panto performed even better, with 26,000 households tuning in. As time went on, we began to diversify the Ren TV programme, incorporating animation and film. “ It’s certainly been a journey and there’s many reasons why that online genie won’t be placed entirely back in its bottle, particularly when it comes to the Paisley Book Festival. Due to the event revolving around talks, we found that the online format really worked. All events were free, but we asked for a donation and people were so generous that 54 MILL

we made just as much as we would’ve from ticket sales. It safeguarded PBF’s future and with people from the US and England tuning in, it’s added to the festival’s name value.” From the new working methods that lockdown necessitated to the artist development grants that they delivered to creative freelancers who, in Renfrewshire Leisure’s estimations, are “the basis of our cultural ecology,” Rikki believes that although it’s been an uphill battle, positive legacies have arisen from within restrictive times. “It seems like we’re coming into a new cultural era in Renfrewshire and the seeds of the Paisley 2021 bid are beginning to blossom, yielding genuine and unique talent,” Rikki declared. “If things go as planned, our 2022 programme will really reflect that.”

Keep Safe Scotland – Helping people Keep Safe I Am Me is a community charity that aims to change attitudes and behaviours so that disabled and vulnerable people in Scotland feel safe in their communities.

JEWELLERY AND WATCH VALUATION HOME VISIT SERVICE

Download the FREE Keep Safe Scotland App Email us to get your FREE Keep Safe Card – Quoting MILL @iammescotland

www.iammescotland.co.uk

I Am Me Scotland

@ iamme@renfrewshire.gov.uk

LOVE PRIME QUALITY SEAFOOD? You can have the latest Scottish landings delivered straight to your door

Sammantha Maclachlan FGA is an independent Jewellery Valuers Association Registered Valuer® and qualified gemmologist based in Renfrewshire.

Buy online www.thefishporter.co.uk

To arrange your home visit valuation, please call 07727 683560

Based in Renfrewshire, serving Renfrewshire Sammantha Maclachlan FGA Ltd 07727 683560 smvaluationservices@gmail.com www.smvaluationservices.co.uk

Tel: 07984 123327

CULTURE

ENTERTAINMENT

©Disney+

The cinematic and small screen releases that you need to bear witness to in the coming months.

TV LOKI CINEMA THE FATHER Led by an Academy Award-winning portrayal from Anthony Hopkins, Florian Zeller’s directorial debut is a heartrending take on a man’s battle with dementia and the ravaging toll that it exerts on both him and his loved ones. Adapted from Zeller’s original stage production, the film has been universally acclaimed for its poignant take on such a very real situation and features outstanding performances from Olivia Colman, Imogen Poots and more. In cinemas now.

Two years on from the events of Avengers: Endgame, the Marvel universe’s god of mischief is back for a time-travelling laden excursion through human history. Set to explore alternate timelines and all manner of familiar events, Tom Hiddlestone steps back into the role that made him famous in this Disney+ original that, if rumours are to be believed, cost upwards of $10 million an episode to produce. Out now.

CINEMA SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY

At long last, Danish auteur Thomas Vinter’s lauded comedy-drama is receiving a theatrical release in the UK. Starring the dynamic Mads Mikelssen in what is arguably one of the finest performances of his career, the film follows a group of discontented school teachers as they begin to test out the theory that maintaining a blood alcohol content of 0.5 can cure depression. Primed for a Leonardo Dicaprio-assisted remake, you’d do well to head out to the cinema and take in this intensely unique film before Hollywood gets its hands on it. Released 2nd July. 56 MILL

CINEMA ANOTHER ROUND

If you were a 90s kid, you know that there were few more seismic events in our childhood than the epic basketball battle between the Michael Jordan-captained Tune Squad and the Monstars from Moron Mountain. Revamped for a new generation of kids with Lebron James taking top billing, this new take on the classic live action, animation hybrid will see the LA Lakers icon and the Looney Tunes pit their skills against the Goon Squad in order to save his son. Released 16th July.

gifting a little bit of love Shop local. Shop unique. Shop personal.

30B High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BZ | Tel: 0141 889 9920 www.whitecartcompany.co.uk

CULTURE

Costuming A True Mismatch Fresh from the set in Paisley, locally-based Dress and Textile Historian Lucy McConnell discusses her experience as historical costume advisor for upcoming TV series A True Mismatch.

Nina Gray and Daniel Reynolds

display in A True Mismatch. Noting requirements such as the social class of each character, structure of the scenes in which costumes would be worn and social norms and expectations of the period such as the essential wearing of a hat outdoors, we were able to create full ensembles for each actor. During fittings, everyone involved was thrilled with their costume, with each of them of the belief that the attire bolstered their characterisation, as well as their excitement for filming to commence. A full turn of the century outfit made up of silk skirt and bodice, and mourning cloak, will be worn by actor Nina Gray, who’ll take on the role of protagonist Alice Godfrey. To be able to wear a complete, era-appropriate outfit such as this is an enormous privilege, and Nina is extremely humbled by such an amazing opportunity. In terms of bringing the project to life, we are so lucky to have such a brilliant resource as the handling collection at the Sma’ Shot Cottages. While as a dress historian, it is amazing to see original and reproduction garments and props being worn and used by the cast. Despite the events of the show transpiring in London, it’s extremely exciting that Paisley will feature so centrally as a location in A True Mismatch, and all involved cannot wait to share the pilot episode with you in the near future. Keep an eye on social media for updates during filming, and for the release date of the pilot episode!

58 MILL

Photos by Naomi Patterson

ritten by the team of Daniel Reynolds and Kris Scott [Amazon Prime’s Detachment] and filmed on location in Paisley, A True Mismatch is a tale of love and intrigue that’s set in 1890s London. The Sma’ Shot Cottages will serve as a central base during filming, featuring as a location in many of the scenes, as well as providing the vast majority of costumes that adorn the cast. Delving into the cottages’ vast wardrobes, stylist Chloe Reynolds and I were extremely excited to find many original, contemporaneous late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century garments which will be on full

BARNHILL FARMERS MARKET

T BURGER BAR PAISLEY’S NEWES

BUILD YOUR OWN BURGER CHOOSE YOUR FRIES & A DRINK

Come join us for the Barnhill Farmers Market on the last weekend of each month. We have 20+ stalls offering everything from books, jewellery, food and flowers, there really is something for everyone! Plus there’s farm animals, kids rides, off road go-karts and ice cream made in house using the freshest Scottish milk. We are on the lookout for stall holders. If this is something that interests you, we are always happy to receive a Facebook message or pop in-store to talk to staff.

FOR JUST £5.95 YOU CAN HAVE A JUICY BEEF, SUCCULENT CHICKEN OR CRISPY VEGGIE PATTY (WITH 17 FREE TOPPINGS TOO) WITH FRIES AND A DRINK!

SIT IN OPEN!

S ES TE AT DA TD ET KE RK AR M MA | 9am-6pm Aug | 28-29 Aug

l-2 26-27 Jun | 31 Ju

Barnhill Farm Houston Road, Inchinnan PA4 9LU

8 NEW STREET, PAISLEY PA1 1XY

Photo by David Cameron

Committed to Community

With their new outdoor area primed to give our town centre a metropolitan feel, Café Fairfull’s Elaine Fairfull talks local heritage, al fresco dining and her outlook on Paisley’s future.

sense of identity is a powerful thing. It can inform how we carry ourselves, shape our world view or in some cases, even inspire our approach to the business world. Having opened its doors on the High Street in 2012, Café Fairfull quickly entered the heart of the community. Possessing a welcoming atmosphere and top quality food without having to break the bank, there has always been a feeling of belonging that strikes you as you walk in the doors. As though it’s always been there and always will be. For owner Elaine Fairfull, the business is born of her affection for the area that her roots are firmly placed in. “I always knew I was going to do something here. My family has been in Paisley for generations,” she said fondly. “During the war, my gran had a shop in Abercorn Street and a kiosk in Russell Street. One day, a lady came in and asked, ‘are you a Fairfull?’ I said yes. She said, 60 MILL

‘Well I used to live next to your granny’s shop and she’d always give us sweeties’. She. Another lady who’s now sadly passed away and was 104 at the time had said to me that she’d been a Saturday girl for my gran. For me, it's just fantastic that people take the time to relay fond memories like that.” After cementing themselves as a hub for tasty and affordable dining, Elaine and her cheerful team are now readying themselves for expansion with a brand new outdoor area. “The gazebos are ready and just waiting to go out,” Elaine enthused. “We want it to be a positive thing for the town, offering everything you’ve come to expect from us as well as cocktails and a new al-fresco platter. There’ll be space for 60 in this new space and 100-plus across the whole premises, so we’ll be able to keep everyone happy. We are the people that we serve,

FOOD AND DRINK

“WE’VE GOT TWO FULL-TIME BAKERS, A PART-TIME BAKER AND THREE FULL-TIME CHEFS TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING’S AS FRESH AS POSSIBLE” Photo by David Cameron

whether it’s someone who likes to eat outside one day and comes for a business lunch the next. With our new cart outside, it means people can even grab their food and go if they need to, or get themselves a Porrelli’s ice cream to take away. So, there’s room for us all to be a little bit of everything and that’s what we want to represent.” “I pride myself on what we do,” she continued. “We’ve got two full-time bakers, a part-time baker and three full-time chefs to make sure everything’s as fresh as possible. Above all, It’s important to have an honest price for honest fare, whether it’s our sea bass dishes, our chilli, Thai green curries, Sunday lunch or a dessert from our brand new waffle machine. Everything’s made from scratch.” As alluded to earlier, Elaine is eager for the changes she’s making to the High Street’s layout to contribute to the upward momentum that the town is enjoying. For her, the goal is to aid the area that her family has inhabited for decades in reaching its full potential.

“We just want people to come here and know that they’ll get what they want. Going forward, we’re going to keep doing what we’re doing but we want more business coming into Paisley. I’m talking about cafés, delis, bars and the like. When you look at the places we have just now, they all do something different and that’s fantastic. So, the more we have, the better off we’ll be. For me, the end goal is for the town to end up like Glasgow’s West End and I think it will if everything falls into place as planned,” Elaine declared. “Through the years, there’s been this mindset that people only came into Paisley if they were going to Marks and Spencer’s, but that’s long gone. We need to stop looking back or looking down and instead, look forward. Come into the town, see how much we’ve got to offer and if you come to visit Café Fairfull, you’ll get good food, efficient service and an honest price. That’s what it’s all about.” Café Fairfull, 12 High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BS. Book via Facebook @fairfullcollection or OpenTable. MILL 61

FOOD & DRINK

DINNER AT PICCOLO MONDO

ith restaurants and venues starting to reopen again, it’s more important than ever to continue to show support for our local independent businesses as they begin to bring staff back into work and serve their customers once again. With that in mind, Mill’s resident epicureans in the Renfrewshire Foodies headed out to Renfrew, to visit local institution, Piccolo Mondo, an award-winning, family-run Italian, to try out the evening menu. Located in Hairst Street, it was clear when we arrived that Piccolo Mondo has a loyal local following! We received a warm welcome from Jim, who seated us at a socially distanced table where we felt perfectly comfortable. 62 MILL

Piccolo Mondo is considered somewhat of an institution in the area. Manager Lio pinpoints their “from the heart” welcome as the key to customers returning week after week. There was no rushing around, we were invited to take our time, have a chat and mull over the menus before committing to our dishes. We had a couple of options available to us – either the à la carte menu or the great value pre-theatre menu, offering everything from one to three courses. Our evening started with some complimentary bruschetta which we enjoyed while deciding which menu we would order from. As always, we asked the staff for recommendations of dishes to try. A few long-standing favourites were highlighted to us, such as the

spicy Italian sausage, pasta princess and seafood linguine. The ethos of Piccolo Mondo is to serve Italian classics to its diners, yet still adapt to the times. After a chance to catch up on our news, we took the decision to go for two courses on the pre-theatre menu, starting with terrine of pâté, made with chicken & duck and served with toast. Kudos to the staff who recognised I’d worked my way through the bread rather quickly and brought some more out so I could finish my starter! Emma, our other Renfrewshire Foodie, tried the aforementioned spicy Italian sausage as her starter – a classic dish from Tuscany, served with spices, borlotti beans and garlic bread.

Photos by Renfrewshire Foodies

After being deprived of the simple pleasure of dining out for months, Renfrewshire Foodies had an excellent reintroduction at a local stalwart.

Order Local Eat Local Support Local

Moving on to mains, we tried one of the vegetarian options – the pea and asparagus risotto – as well as an Italian classic in the form of chicken milanese. Both mains were generous portions and we enjoyed being able to chat over our food and really enjoy the experience of eating something cooked by someone else for the first time in what feels like forever! Despite committing to two courses early doors, Jim, our host, suggested we couldn’t possibly leave without having a dessert. A bit of jovial arm-twisting later and we’d agreed to have one between us and a coffee each to end our meal. We were glad we did – the tiramisu was worth holding out for! Possibly the highlight of the visit, apart from said tiramisu dessert, was seeing other diners out again - from a family celebrating an 80th birthday to a couple out for their anniversary, it was heartening to see everyone was enjoying a bit of normality. Local eateries and venues are the lifeblood of the community and it was also fantastic to see the staff of Piccolo Mondo chuffed to be back to work, serving customers in the restaurant again. In short, Piccolo Mondo provides all you’d expect from a family run Italian restaurant, providing a relaxed atmosphere, a classic yet expertly rendered menu and hearty portions to suit all ages. Oh, and about that tiramisu, it’s a must!

“Unlike nationwide food delivery services, the ethos of Paisley Eats is to provide a quick, quality service that supports the small businesses across Renfrewshire. They take around half the commission of the likes of Just Eat and still offer the most competitive prices to customers. Paisley Eats allows money spent in Renfrewshire to stay in Renfrewshire!” - MILL MAGAZINE

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP

63 Hairst Street, Renfrew, PA4 8QU, 0141 885 1011, piccolomondo.co.uk MILL 63 Paisley Eats HPV JulAug21.indd 1

07/06/2021 15:05

FOOD & DRINK

hen people talk about the ongoing re-energising of Paisley as a hotbed of culture and cuisine, there’s a tendency to point to the town’s main thoroughfares as the places where the boat is being resoundingly pushed out. An assumption which, based on the sheer quantity of acclaimed and well-loved outlets across the high street, Causeyside and County Square, is entirely fair. However, to stringently stick to the town centre would be to deprive yourself of some truly special dining experiences and that is something which The Ladyburn proves with aplomb. Located on the Seedhill street which bears its name, this new café is anomalous in all the best ways. Rendered in a tasteful colour palette and metallic accentations, This eye-catching new eatery feels – and tastes – more like a trendy deli in Brooklyn than your archetypal Scottish café. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the latter and you can get your morning roll and square here, it’s evident that The Ladyburn envisions itself as something more multi-layered. Encompassing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, their food intermingles the familiar with gourmet flourishes that elevates each dish to the next level. As the resident vegetarian, I was delighted when a bountiful plate of breaded halloumi and an expertly poached egg arrived. Coupled with a hearty helping of freshly sautéed veg and all doused in a tangy teriyaki sauce,

LUNCH AT THE LADYBURN

A new centrepiece for Seedhill, our editor takes a trip to a bistro with both style and substance.

it’s an example of the daring fusion they specialise which isn’t just experimental for the sake of it, but delivers on every level. On the meat-eating side of things, my long time pal Leigh was treated to a fish-finger sandwich like you’ve never seen before. Adorned in panko breadcrumbs and served in conjunction with toasted pita, peas and tartar sauce, the team have taken on the daunting task of evolving a fixture of childhood and making it into something akin to what food connoisseurs would fawn over. If Leigh’s adulating praise was anything to go by, it’s safe to say that they achieved that goal. Full but by no means defeated, our afternoon was rounded off with two wedges of strawberry and Oreo chocolate cake. Beautifully presented and freshly made on the premises, they proved themselves capable of excelling in both savoury and sweet realms. Accessible, affordable and served in immensely stylish surroundings, The Ladyburn has all the makings of a new favourite in waiting. So, next time that you’re heading out, perhaps veer a little off the beaten track and take a trip down. We guarantee it won’t be your last. The Ladyburn, 1 Ladyburn Street, Paisley, PA1 1PH. Find them on Instagram and Facebook @ladyburnpaisley

64 MILL

Where to pick up Mill

Over 140 stockists across Renfrewshire

BISHOPTON JOHNSTONE Burger & Keg Angelini’s Pizzeria & Café 76 Greenock Road, PA7 5JB Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Old Greenock Road, PA7 5PA May’s Coffee Shop 19 Greenock Road, PA7 5JW

BRAEHEAD

Evans Cycles Soar, King’s Inch Road, PA4 8XQ Braehead Shopping Centre King’s Inch Road, G51 4BN Little Dessert Shop Soar, King’s Inch Road, PA4 8XQ

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Bernie’s Café Deli Main Street, PA11 3PN Harrods Dry Cleaners 8 Castle Terrace, PA11 3EF Ice Mania 13 Livery Walk, PA11 3NN The Coach House 31 Main Street, PA11 3NR The Lion’s Paw 1 Morrison Place, PA11 3NU Tulip Hair Design Unit 10, 23 Livery Walk, PA11 3NN

CROSSLEE

The River Inn Houston Road PA6 7AW

ELDERSLIE

Butchers Steak & Grill 133 Main Road, PA5 9ES Elderslie Coffee Shop 11 Stoddard Square, PA5 9AS

ERSKINE

Bracken Bridgewater Place, PA8 7AA Look Opticians Bridgewater Place, PA8 7AA Pandamonium Play Centre 53 Kilpatrick Drive, PA8 7AF

HILLINGTON

Ducati Glasgow 6 Mossland Drive, G52 4FA Origins Fitness 22 Earl Haig Road, G52 4JU The Experience Montrose Avenue, G52 4JR West Coast Harley-Davidson 8 Mossland Drive, G52 4FA

HOUSTON

The Carrick Centre Coffee Shop Main Street, PA6 7HD The Fox & Hounds South Street, PA6 7EN The Paper Shop North Street, PA6 7HF Versari Beauty 13a Kirk Road PA6 7HW

HOWWOOD

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club Bowfield Road, PA9 1DZ The Boarding House Main Street, PA9 1BQ

INCHINNAN

Barnhill Farm Houston Road, PA4 9LS The Farm at No.12 12 Brownsfield Holding, Barnsford Road, PA4 9LZ

Johnstone Coffee Co. 71 High Street, PA5 8QG Johnstone Sports Hub Beith Road, PA5 0JA Johnstone Town Hall 25 Church Street, PA5 8EG Lynnhurst Hotel Park Road, PA5 8LS Morrisons 30 Napier Street, PA5 8SF Optical Express 28A High Street, PA5 8AH Quality Cards & Gifts 2 Houstoun Square, PA5 8DT Signature Permanent Cosmetics 6-8 Walkinshaw Street, PA5 8AB Spateston Inn Hallhill Road, PA5 0SA

KILBARCHAN Bobbins 25 Steeple Street, PA10 2JF Habbies 25 New Street, PA10 2LN The Trust Inn 8 Low Barholm, PA10 2ET

KILMACOLM Cairn 1 Lochwinnoch Road, PA13 4HE Carriages Bar & Restaurant Station Road, PA13 4DW Cross Café Port Glasgow Road, PA13 4ET

LINWOOD

Linwood Farm 1 Hillhead Drive, PA3 3FB Premier Inn Phoenix Retail Park, PA1 2BH The Salon 15 Napier Street, PA3 3AJ

LOCHWINNOCH

Bluewater Dentist 69 High Street, PA12 4AB Castle Semple Café Lochlip Road, PA12 4EA Cucina Minucci 2 High Street, PA12 4DA Handcrafted Coffee 2 High Street, PA12 4DB Now & Then 8 Church Street, PA12 4AD RSPB Largs Road, PA12 4JF The Brown Bull 33 Main Street, PA12 4AH

PAISLEY

Abbey Mill Business Centre 12 Seedhill Road, PA1 1JS Armstrong Massage Therapy 98 Arkelston Road, PA1 3T Bailey’s Antiques 34 High Street, PA1 2DQ Barga Paisley 25 New Street PA1 1XU Bella & Fella Sir James Clark Building, PA1 1TJ Bianco Nero Coffee Shop 27 Gauze Street, PA1 1ES Black & Lizars 6 New Street, PA1 1XY Blend Coffee Lounge 25b Causeyside Street, PA1 1UL Bull Inn 7 New Street, PA1 1XU

15b Gilmour Street, PA1 1DD Café Fairfull 12A High Street, PA1 2BS Café 77 Barshaw Park 77 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PE Caffè Pronto 96 Causeyside Street PA1 1TX Caffè Royale 71 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PE Cardosi Espresso Bar 65 High Street, PA1 2AS Cloud 9 Deli 9 Gauze Street, PA1 1EP Comicrazy 45 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AN Connected Chiropractic 7 Neilston Road, PA2 6LL Courtyard by Marriott Marchburn Drive, Glasgow Airport Business Park, PA3 2SJ Claire Reid Hairdressing 7 Mill Street, PA1 1LY DP Group 119 Renfrew Road, PA3 4EA Elixir Lounge 12 New Street, PA1 1XY Finishing Touches 7 Johnston St, Paisley PA1 1XQ Francis Hair Salon & Weave Bar 3 Johnston Street, PA1 1XQ Gael Interiors 4 Orchard Street, PA1 1UZ Gantry 12 New Street, PA1 1XY Graphic Hair Design 67 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PD Grumpy Monkey 22 Moss Street, PA1 1BA HeadLox UK 71 Neilston Road, PA2 6NA Hilton’s Hair & Beauty 8a St Mirren Brae, PA1 1UA Iain Stewart Hairdressing 97 Causeyside Street, PA1 1TU Iconic Fitness 10-12 Lawn Street, PA1 1HA Incube Shop 9b Gilmour Street, PA1 1DG Ivad Gifts 29 Gauze Street, PA1 1ES Jam Jar 16 Shuttle Street, PA1 1YD James Martin Hairdressing 74 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YP Japan Street Food 9 Renfrew Road, PA3 4AF Jewelfare 44A High Street, PA1 2DQ Kaoss Hair and Beauty 29 Gauze Street, PA1 1ES Karis Massage Therapies 5 Hunter Street, PA1 1DL Kennedys 33 Causeyside Street, PA1 1UL Kenneth Edwards 45 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YN La Banca 63 Neilston Road, PA2 6NA Lorimers 70 Greenock Road, PA7 5JB Meat in the Middle 8 New Street, PA1 1XY Morrisons Falside Road, PA2 6JE Morrisons Thread Street, PA1 1GZ My Hair Guru 48 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW

Napier Hair & Beauty 136 Neilston Road, PA2 6QH Nibbles Takeaway 3 Johnston St, Paisley PA1 1XQ Orchard Clinic 16 Orchard Street, PA1 1UZ Paisley Arts Centre 15 New Street, PA1 1EZ Paisley Physiotherapy 13 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AG Piazza Shopping Centre Central Way, PA1 1EL Pro-Life Fitness Centre 98 New Sneddon Street, PA3 2BD R999 Barbers 23 High Street, PA1 2AF Rainbow Turtle 7 Gauze Street, PA1 1EP ReMode 43b High Street, PA1 2AH Rowantree Café 165 Glasgow Road, PA1 3LF Scotts Café 5 St James Street, PA3 2HL Shoe 52 5 Mill Street, PA1 1LY Skirlies Café 4 Broomlands Street, PA1 2LR Soho Salon 35 High Street, PA1 2AF SP Physiotherapy 25 Glasgow Road, PA1 3QY Tannahill Centre 76 Blackstoun Road, PA3 1NT Taste Buds 22b Lawn Street, PA1 1HF Tastys 29 George Street PA1 2LD The Gatehouse Coffee Roasters Benn Avenue, PA1 1JS The Gleniffer 9 Glenburn Road PA2 8TA The Ladyburn 1 Ladyburn Street, PA1 1PH The Lane 7 Shuttle Street, PA1 1YD The Ugly Duck 38 High Street, PA1 2DQ The Wee Howff 53 High Street, PA1 2AN White Cart Company 30B High Street, PA1 2BZ With Love Flowers 48 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YH Woodlands Coffee House 44 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW Zambretto 42 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AP

RENFREW

Andersons Jewellery Workshop 38 High Street, PA4 8QP CK Hair 44 Canal Street, PA4 8QD Piccolo Mondo Renfrew 63 Hairst Street PA4 8QU Quality Cards & Gifts 17 Canal Street, PA4 8QE Renfrew Leisure Centre Paisley Road, PA4 8JL Renfrew Town Hall Hairst Street, PA4 8PF Savage Slice 50 Fulbar Street, PA4 8PD The Ferry Inn 1 Clyde Street, PA4 8SL

MILL 65

LAST WORD

PEOPLE

After transforming a passion project into a one-stop-shop for all things Scottish, Kilbarchan’s Gillian Kyle takes us inside her thriving — and Tunnocks endorsed — enterprise.

How did the business come about? I studied textiles at art school and I really wanted to be a fashion designer but I realised that if I wanted to do that, I’d need to move to London. However, I was in my 30s and living in Glasgow with my partner, so I didn’t really fancy relocating to a bedsit down there (laughs), so I had to make something happen here. I was living in Govanhill at the time and went down to my local corner shop with the idea of doing a Scottish still life as a bit of fun. I think I’ve always been interested in the aspects of Scottish culture that we’re so disproportionately fond of that other people don’t have. Tunnocks, Irn-Bru, plain loaves, things like that. I’m fascinated by packaging design and branding in terms of how that interacts with culture and their ability to conjure up a whole load of emotions. It all began with some bags and tea towels at craft fairs and it all just grew from there” How did your relationship with Tunnocks come about? Once I realised this had the makings of a business, I had to phone them up. Straight away, Mr Tunnock invited me in. He’s a big patron of the arts and essentially told me to ‘just go for it’ and now, we’ve got a proper license agreement. It’s a really nice relationship. I’ve even had guided tours of the factory by Mr Tunnock himself! Is it rewarding to help Scottish ex-pats maintain a little slice of home? Within the UK, we definitely send a lot more south of the border. Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US account for a 66 MILL

Q&A FAVOURITE DESIGNER Timorous Beasties and Orla Kiely BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE Blend, Paisley BEST PLACE TO EAT The Butchers Shop in Elderslie (best steak in the world IMO!) FAVOURITE BAR IN RENFREWSHIRE The wee bar at The Coach House in Bridge of Weir

lot of our business. Things like our artwork and suitcases tend to go overseas as, in the case of the prints in particular, it lets people have something on their walls to remind them of home. Oftentimes, you have people who live in Scotland sending things to ex-pat relatives to make sure they don’t forget their roots. The nicest thing is when people get in contact to say that they’ve bought stuff as they were feeling homesick and it helps them stay connected. Those little stories keep you motivated when all the tougher aspects of business get you down. What’s your plan for the rest of 2021 and beyond? I’m running the whole thing now and selling to shops, so we’re scaling that up to make it a bigger part of what we do. New designs, new products, new markets, just taking it all to the next level. I’m really excited. Check out Gillian’s full range of bespoke products at gilliankyle.com

Local businesses need you—now more than ever. Let’s all show them our support and spend local. www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/spendlocal

Mill issue 12 | July/August 2021

Articles inside

People

Dinner at Piccolo Mondo

Committed to Community

Rolling with the Punches

The Show Must Go On

The Sound of Renfrewshire

David Sneddon

Strength in Numbers

Renfrewshire in Pictures

At the Heart of the Town

Deep Rooted

A Shared Passion

Words from the Editor