DiscoverOur unique story is shaped by our people and places.
We’re writing new chapters every day.
Our unique story is shaped by our people and places.
We’re writing new chapters every day.
Records for the first one hundred or so years of the high Stewards are fragmentary, but we know certain areas of Renfrewshire were assigned to specific people by Walter and his descendants.
Two prominent figures in American history have connections with Paisley - one of the founding fathers, and a recent president who once made a surprise visit to the town.
Paisley's earliest days are shrouded in myth and mystery. It all begins with the story of an Irish monk and missionary still commemorated in the town today.
The presence of the Romans in Paisley and Renfrewshire has always been a bone of contention.
Artefacts recovered from this vaulted subterranean structure dating from the medieval period are now on display in Paisley Abbey.
The Renfrewshire village of Kilbarchan has its Habbies, named for its famous piper, Habbie Simpson, who lived 1550 - 1620.
Paisley and Renfrewshire play an integral role in the lives of two of Scotland’s most venerated heroes – William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce.
People in Paisley have never been afraid to fight for their rights. The roots of the most famous day in the town's calendar lie in a historic dispute between local shawl weavers and manufacturers.
By leading the 1943 Rolls-Royce Hillington strike, Agnes McLean and her comrades paved the way for the feminist movement to demand equal pay for equal work.
Remember the infamous Bill Grundy interview with The Sex Pistols? If you do, you’ll know it’s one of the most iconic moments in Britain’s post-war cultural history.
Two of the leading figures in the Red Clydeside movement of the early 20th Century were shaped by their upbringing in Renfrewshire.
In 1820, against a background of economic depression, groups of radicals held meetings throughout the country demanding political reform.
Ever used the phrase ‘Gie’s a slug of your ginger?’ If you grew up in the west of Scotland, chances are that you have. But we’re guessing you maybe don’t know where the phrase comes from...
Cotton Street, Silk Street, Gauze Street … walk around Paisley town centre and a quick look at the street names makes clear that Paisley made textiles, and textiles made Paisley.
In 1782, the weavers of Paisley founded a floral society – still known to gardeners and garden historians today. Digitised records at our Heritage Centre give a fascinating glimpse.
A strong connection between the weaving of textile and fabric and the weaving of language and words existed for many weaver-poets.
The Paisley Pattern changed everything for Paisley. The fashionable teardrop motif made Paisley famous, and is still an icon today.
Two rival dynasties dominated Paisley’s textile industry in the 19th Century. As the Coats and Clarks vied for prominence, they left an indelible mark on the town which stands today…
6th June 1944 will forever be known as the day that changed the direction of the second world war. But did you know that the Renfrew shipyard of Lobnitz & Co. played not one but two major parts in the D-Day landings?
The story of the foods and drinks we've made in Renfrewshire has had a huge impact on our history and heritage.
Got your attention there, didn’t we? It’s not just walruses … dolphins, herons and cherubs all feature in Paisley’s fantastic Grand Fountain.
Robert Tannahill wrote some of the most evocative poetry and song in Scotland's history. The 'weaver poet' lost his life in tragic circumstances, but his name lives on today.
On August 23rd 1888, Queen Victoria was the first British monarch since James VI (1603-1625) to visit Renfrewshire.
Renfrewshire’s history is filled with interesting and brave characters who had a profound impact on the world.
Explore the history and heritage of Renfrewshire's towns and villages. Delve deep and find out more about their unique stories.