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  • Photo of snow and ice at Craigielinn Fall at Gleniffer Braes by @gbc123 on Twitter
  • Boardwalk at RSPB Lochwinnoch
  • Paisley Christmas Lights

Explore winter walks in Renfrewshire

We’ve got the great outdoors right on our doorstep, and no matter the season, it’s worth getting outside for. This list of winter walks in Renfrewshire has loads to offer walkers and wildlife explorers.

So wrap up warm and blow those cobwebs away with our pick of the best winter walks near you.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

There’s lots of walks and trails to be explored in Scotland’s largest regional park. If it’s a good view you’re after, take a wander up Windy Hill from Muirshiel Visitor Centre and look out across Renfrewshire and the Firth of Clyde. It’s just over a mile to the top from the carpark, so you’ll only need an hour or so of clear weather to conquer it!

Or if you prefer to be by the water, we recommend following the lochshore trail along the shores of Castle Semple Loch. If it’s nice you might spot a few sail boats and windsurfers out on the water as well as some of the wildlife that call the loch home.

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

Walking trail at RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve in Renfrewshire

Between November and March, the RSPB Nature Reserve in Lochwinnoch is a temporary home for hundreds of wildfowl that fly south to escape the harsh Arctic winter. Stroll to the Aird Meadow Loch at this time of year and you’ll be rewarded with sightings of goldeneye (a type of duck, not the bond film…), goosander, whooper swans and the occasional hen harrier.

Gleniffer Braes

A sprawling country park to the south of Paisley. You’ll find ‘the braes’ boasts an incredible view that stretches all the way to Ben Lomond and beyond. Our favourite spots include the waterfall in the Glen Park (a popular spot for photographers). As well as the trail through Bluebell Woods to the Glenpatrick Burn. This path is fondly referred to as the ‘Brandy Burn’ due to the dark-golden colour it turns after a spell of heavy rain!

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take our full tour of the Gleniffer Braes from top to bottom.

Paisley Walking Trail

For those who prefer to wander with a coffee in hand, why not head out around the town. Paisley boasts an historic town centre that’s home to a stunning range of heritage and history. While you’re out, see if you can spot the alien gargoyle on Paisley Abbey. Or seek out the hidden murals around Brown’s Lane—Paisley’s creative quarter. Wherever you wander, you’ll never be far from some great places to eat too.

Is your go to winter walk not mentioned? Let us know where you would recommend by emailing hello@paisley.is

 

More walking inspiration

  • McGill's bus service changes
  • McGill's bus service map for Paisley Halloween Festival
  • Paisley Halloween Festival Branding

Find out where you can catch your McGill’s bus services during this year’s Paisley Halloween Festival

There will be a number of road closures in place in Paisley town centre to deliver this year’s Festival. This means some of McGill’s bus services and bus stops will be diverted. Diversions will be in place from Sunday 22 October to Wednesday 1 November.

To find out what diversions are in place and the bus routes affected, download McGill’s Halloween Map (PDF opens in new tab).

To find out what temporary bus stops will be in operation download McGill’s Temp Bus Stop list (PDF opens in new tab).

You can also plan your journey at mcgillsbuses.co.uk

Find out more about the Festival

  • Mens Shinty with branding

Everything you need to know—a quick guide to Shinty

With Shinty coming to Renfrew on the 14th of October, as part of Mòd Phàislig 2023, we’re here with a wee guide to Shinty! (or camanachd if you fancy the gaelic for shinty)

Shinty is a ball and stick game played outdoors on grass. Sometime referred to as ‘hockey with no rules’ it shares roots with the Irish game of Hurling.

A match is played between two teams over two forty-five-minute halves. Teams are made up of 12 players for men, or 10 players for women. The objective is to score as many goals as possible over the 90 minutes. The pitch is usually between 140 to 170 yards in length and 70 to 80 yards wide. That’s more than four buses longer than a football pitch!

The goalposts are 3.6m wide and 3m tall. Goals only count if the player uses their stick to hit the ball through the goalposts. One player goes in goal.

The sticks are called caman. They are 1.1m long with a hook on one end. The name comes from the Gaelic cam, meaning bent or crooked. Traditionally they are made of ash.

The ball for shinty is smaller than a tennis ball, covered in leather and is very hard. Players can stop the ball using their stick, chest or foot, but they can’t touch it with their hands. The goalkeeper can use their hands although they can’t catch the ball out of the air.

Players can tackle each other with their sticks, or with their body, although body tackles need to be shoulder to shoulder.

A game starts with two players in the centre of the pitch with their camans crossed above them. The referee throws the ball up and the players try to be the first to strike it. This is called the throwup.

The Mod Cup, known as the Aviemore Cup, has been played at the Royal National Mòd since 1969. A game of shinty is fast paced, rough and brilliant to watch.

 

Stiùireadh air Camanachd

’S e geama ball is caman a tha air a chluich a-muigh air feur a th’ ann an camanachd. Aig amannan air ainmeachadh mar ‘hocaidh gun riaghailtean’ bidh e a’ roinn freumhan le geama iomanachd na h-Èireann.   

 Thèid geama a chluich eadar dà sgioba thairis air dà leth dà fhichead ’s a còig mionaidean. Tha sgiobaidhean air an dèanamh suas de 12 cluicheadair airson fireannaich, no 10 cluicheadairean airson boireannaich.   ’S e an t-amas a bhith a’ faighinn na h-uimhir de tadhail ’s as urrainn thairis air na 90 mionaidean.Mar as trice tha an raon-cluiche eadar 140 agus 170 slat de dh’fhaid agus 70 gu 80 slat a leud. Tha sin còrr is ceithir busaichean nas fhaide na raon ball-coise!  

Tha na puist-tadhail 3.6m de leud agus 3m àrd. Cha bhi tadhalan a’ cunntadh ach ma chleachdas an cluicheadair am bata gus am ball a bhualadh tro na puist-tadhail. Bidh aon cluicheadair a’ dol dhan tadhal.   

’S e caman a th’ air na bataichean. Tha iad 1.1m de dh’fhaid le dubhan air aon cheann. Tha an t-ainm a’ tighinn bhon fhacal Ghàidhlig cam, a’ ciallachadh lùbte neo fiar. Gu traidiseanta tha iad air an dèanamh le uinnseann.   

Tha am ball airson camanachd nas lugha na ball teanas, còmhdaichte le leathar agus tha e gu math cruaidh. Faodaidh cluicheadairean stad a chuir air a’ bhall le bhith a’ cleachdadh am bata, a’ bhroilleach no a chas, ach chan urrainn dhaibh suathadh ris len làmhan. Faodaidh an neach-glèidhidh an làmhan a chleachdadh ged nach urrainn dhaibh am ball a ghlacadh a-mach às an adhar.   

Faodaidh cluicheadairean aghaidh a thoirt air a chèile le am maidean, no leis a’ bhodhaig aca, ged a dh’fheumas aghaidh air bodhaig a bhith gualainn ri gualainn.   

Tòisichidh geama le dithis chluicheadair ann am meadhan na pàirce le na caman aca tarsainn os an cionn. Tilgidh an rèitire am ball suas agus feuchaidh na cluicheadairean ri bhith mar a’ chiad fheadhainn a bhuaileas e. Canar tilgeadh suas ris an seo.   

Tha Cupa a’ Mhòid, ris an canar Cupa na h-Aghaidh Mòire, air a bhith a’ cluich aig a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail bho 1969. Tha geama camanachd aig astar luath, garbh agus sgoinneil ri fhaicinn!

  • Young girl with long wavy blonde hair is sitting playing a harp while smiling to the camera.

As part of our celebration of the Royal National Mòd being in Paisley this year we wanted to shine a light on some of Renfrewshire’s young trad performers.

We met Emily Fraser at the start of the year for the launch of Mòd Phàislig. The 18-year-old harpist from Paisley has strong family links with the traditional music scene and has even competed in the Mòd in previous years.

Emily has been involved with a number of local arts groups over the years and, most recently, performed as part of the annual Ceilidh Trail tour organised by Fèis Phàislig.

Talking about her family links with Fèis she said: “My aunt was part of the Fèis Arainn (Arran) committee and she would help out a lot. That’s how my sister and I started to go along and how we met Grant who then decided to start the Fèis here in Paisley.”

Emily has been playing the harp for around seven years now. Speaking of her love of the instrument and trad music she commented: “I think the harp is a lovely instrument. It’s got such a lovely tone to it and there are so many different techniques you can try with it as well.

“What appeals to me about trad music is the community that comes along with it. There are so many great people involved in the music scene that you can work with. With the rise in popularity of events like Celtic Connections and the Mòd there are more opportunities for musicians as more people become aware of what trad music can be and want to experience it.”

Emily has competed in the Mòd before as a soloist and also won one of the competitions as part of a harp group. She talked of her excitement of the event taking place in Paisley this year. “I’ve been looking forward to having the Mòd on my doorstep this year. It’s such a great opportunity to get together and boost your musical ability if you’re a performer but it’s also just a great festival to come along, get involved and enjoy as a spectator.”

 

Mar phàirt den chomharrachadh againn air a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a bhith ann am Pàislig am-bliadhna bha sinn airson solas a chuir air cuid de luchd-ciùil òga à Siorrachd Rinn Friù.

Choinnich sinn ri Emily Friseal aig toiseach na bliadhna airson cuir air bhog Mhòd Phàislig. Tha ceanglaichean teaghlaich làidir aig a’ chlàrsaiche à Pàislig, a tha 18 bliadhna a dh’aois, ri saoghal a’ chiùil thraidiseanta agus tha i fiù’s air a bhith a’ farpais aig a’ Mhòd sna bliadhnaichean roimhe sin.

Tha Emily air a bhith an sàs ann an grunn bhuidhnean ealain ionadail thar nam bliadhnaichean agus, o chionn ghoirid, chluich i mar phàirt den chuairt bhliadhnail air a’ Chèilidh air Chuairt a bhios Fèis Phàislig a’ cur air dòigh.

A’ bruidhinn mu na ceanglaichean teaghlaich aice ris an Fhèis thuirt i: “Bha piuthar mo mhàthar na pàirt de chomataidh Fèis Arainn agus chuidicheadh i tòrr. Sin mar a thòisich mi fhèin agus mo phiuthar a’ dol ann agus mar a choinnich sinn ri Grant a chuir roimhe an Fhèis a thòiseachadh an seo ann am Pàislig.”

Tha Emily air a bhith a’ cluich na clàrsaich airson timcheall air seachd bliadhna a-nis. A’ bruidhinn mun ghaol a th’ aice air an ionnsramaid agus ceòl traidiseanta, thuirt i: “Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh gur e inneal àlainn a th’ anns a’ chlàrsaich. Tha tòna cho breagha aice agus tha uimhir de dhòighean eadar-dhealaichte ann as urrainn dhut feuchainn leatha cuideachd.

“Is e an rud a tha tarraingeach dhomh mu cheòl traidiseanta a’ choimhearsnachd a tha na chois. Tha uimhir de dhaoine sgoinneil an sàs ann an saoghal a’ chiùil leis an urrainn dhut obrachadh. Leis mar a tha tachartasan leithid Celtic Connections agus am Mòd a’ dol am meud, tha barrachd chothroman ann do luchd-ciùil agus barrachd dhaoine a’ faighinn eòlas air cò ris a dh’fhaodas ceòl traidiseanta a bhith agus ag iarraidh eòlas fhaighinn air.”

Tha Emily air a bhith a’ farpais anns a’ Mhòd roimhe seo mar neach-ciùil agus cuideachd air tè de na farpaisean a bhuannachadh mar phàirt de bhuidheann chlàrsaichean. Bhruidhinn i air an toileachas a th’ aice mun tachartas a tha a’ gabhail àite ann am Pàislig am-bliadhna. “Tha mi air a bhith a’ coimhead air adhart ris a’ Mhòd a bhith air an stairsnich agam am-bliadhna. ’S e deagh chothrom a th’ ann tighinn còmhla agus do chomas ciùil àrdachadh mas e neach-ciùil a th’ annad ach ’s e fìor fhèis a th’ ann cuideachd airson tighinn ann, a dhol an sàs agus tlachd fhaighinn mar neach-amhairc.”

 

Dè tha dol / What’s on

  • Paisley Opera rehearsal
  • Paisley Opera rehearsal
  • Paisley Opera rehearsal
  • Macbeth

Eilidh Riddell from Paisley Opera on why you want to make sure you catch their unique take on Macbeth this weekend.

“Join Paisley Opera this weekend as they put on the first public performance at Paisley Town Hall with their production of Verdi’s Macbeth, set in 1970s Paisley.

“Paisley Opera are excited to bring this classic story to the heart of Paisley – as usual with a local twist to the plot. Their version follows Macbeth, encouraged by his fiery wife, Lady Macbeth, as he takes down all competition to become the leader of a local gang.

“The women’s chorus – usually a chorus of witches – is a group of women’s libbers who congregate at the local steamie. They’re sick and tired of the men in charge, and to quote, have “had enough of all their shite”.

David Stephenson, who is playing Macbeth himself, told us about his experience of the role in their new take on the classic story:

“Its very true to the Shakespeare – the story, but in a completely different way of putting it across.

Paisley Opera rehearsal

“Walking around with two cut-throat razors in my suit is a bit alien to me – it’s not my normal temperament to be that kind of person. It is tricky to get into this gangland mentality, there’s no question about it, but that’s acting!”

The opera is obviously not sung in the original Italian.  They have a brand new “West-of-Scotland” English translation by Lindsay Bramley, and will also have supertitles displayed above the stage so that you always know what’s going on.

They are thrilled to be lead by a cast of stellar professional soloists, including David as Macbeth, who has previously sung the role with Scottish Opera. They will also be accompanied by The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and dynamic local dance group right2dance.

The chorus is over 50 voices strong, made up of a mix of community singers and professionals.

One of Paisley Opera’s chorus members, Elaine, shared her thoughts on their production:

“Having been around in the seventies, having been a part of the stuff that was happening, I think it helps in making it accessible for it to be in a timeframe that some folks will remember that’s no too far back.”

Of course, Paisley Opera are proud to be the first public performance at the new Paisley Town Hall after its refurbishment. We don’t think you’ll want to miss this historic event.

Show times

Macbeth is showing at 7.15pm on Friday 6 – Saturday 7 October with doors opening at 6.45pm. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.

Tickets are £20 (£15 concessions, £5 unemployed) with newly-released ‘restricted view’ tickets available for £10 (£5 unemployed).

You can by tickets from OneRen Box Office on 0300 300 1210 or by booking online. If booking online, please look on a desktop browser rather than on a mobile to see the full range of seats available.

  • A Gaelic music performance in a dimly lit evening venue with coloured lights shining on the musical performers and the crows watching in darkness. A woman wearing a red dress is standing at the front of the stage.

Some of Paisley’s top venues are gearing up to host a fantastic range of music gigs and entertainment as part of the Mòd Phàislig Late and Live programme.

The Royal National Mòd returns to Paisley from 13 – 21 October 2023. It will see a diverse programme of concerts, events, exhibitions and workshops taking place in venues across the town.

The Bungalow, The Swan and The Keg, have planned an exciting ‘Late and Live’ programme of entertainment offering a fantastic opportunity to experience an excellent selection of Scottish bands, musicians, and performers bringing music from a host of music genres.

Programmer for Mòd Phàislig Late and Live, Alan McKeown, said: “Paisley is a vibrant town with a proud history that’s steeped in tradition. Having an event like the Mòd highlights this to the world.

“The Mòd is an internationally acclaimed festival that isn’t just about Gaelic music and performance. There’s an incredible variety of entertainment and a bit of something for everyone.

“If you think you know what Trad music is, you’re probably wrong. Come along and see what it’s like for yourself – it might surprise you.”

A new addition to the event this year is a dedicated Mòd Festival Club sponsored by Isle of Skye Candle Co, based at The Sneddon on Old Sneddon Street in Paisley, where people can enjoy a variety of pop-up live music sessions and entertainment for each day of the festival.

Find out more about all the events taking place as part of Mòd Phàislig.

Tha ionadan air feadh Phàislig a’ deisealachadh airson farsaingeachd de cheòl is fealla-dhà mar phàirt de phrògram Mòd Phàislig Anmoch is Beò.

Bidh Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail a’ tilleadh gu Pàislig bho 13 – 21 Dàmhair 2023 agus bheir e prògram farsaing de chuirmean, thachartasan, thaisbeanaidhean agus bhùthan-obrach gu ionadan air feadh a’ bhaile.

Chaidh prògram ‘Anmoch is Beò’ de thachartasan a phlanadh le The Bungalow, The Swan agus The Keg, le cothrom air leth airson taghadh de chòmhlain agus luchd-ciùil Albannach fhaicinn, le ceòl bho iomadh seòrsa ciùil.

Thuirt am prògramaiche airson Mòd Phàislig Anmoch is Beò, Alan McKeown: “’S e baile beòthail a th’ ann am Pàislig, moiteil às ar n-eachdraidh agus stèidhichte air dualchas. Tha tachartas mar am Mòd a’ sealltainn seo dhan t-saoghal.

“’S e fèis ainmeil air feadh an t-saoghail a th’ anns a’ Mhòd, agus chan eil e a-mhàin mu dheidhinn ceòl agus taisbeanas Gàidhlig. Tha beairteas de chuirmean eadar-dhealaichte ann, agus rud beag airson a h-uile duine.

“Ma tha thu smaointinn gu bheil fios agad dè th’ ann an ceòl Trad, ’s mathaid gu bheil thu ceàrr. Tiugainn ann agus faic mar a tha e coltach dhut fhèin – ’s dòcha gun cur e iongnadh ort.”

Ùr dhan fhèis am-bliadhna tha Club Fèis a’ Mhòid, le taic bho Islr of Skye Candle Co, stèidhichte aig The Sneddon air Sràid Old Sneddon ann am Pàislig, far am faighear measgachadh de sheiseanan-ciùil agus aoidheachd air gach là den fhèis.

 

Dè tha dol / What's on

  • Feis Phaislig

Budding young musicians across Renfrewshire are getting the chance to participate in a range of traditional cultural workshops as part of Fèis Week.

Fèis Week, which takes place at Johnstone High School from 18 – 21 July, is run by Gaelic arts and culture organisation Fèis Phàislig and is an intensive week of arts workshops for young people aged 5-18.

Over the course of the week, young people will work with professionals in a range of fun and engaging taster workshops on traditional music, song, filmmaking, dance, circus skills and art. The week culminates in a finale concert where friends and family can come along and see what participants have been working on.

The sessions are accessible and fun while still being aimed at building their skillset, giving young people an engaging and inspiring experience of Gaelic language and culture. Participants will also take part in Gaelic language activities throughout the week and some of the workshops will be delivered in English and Gaelic to give those learning in Gaelic-medium an opportunity to further develop their skills and encourage other participants to learn a few words or phrases in the language.

Fèis Phàislig director, Grant McFarlane, said: “Our Fèis Week event offers an excellent opportunity for young people to learn more about traditional music and Gaelic culture and have fun. All our tutors are experienced, professional musicians, skilled in working with young people and are sure to get participants engaged and excited by everything Gaelic culture has to offer.

This year’s event is particularly exciting given Paisley will be hosting The Royal National Mòd in October. There’s a real community in Renfrewshire for Gaelic culture and our Fèis Week event and the Mòd are great opportunities to continue to develop that community.”

The Royal National Mòd, organised by An Comunn Gàidhealach, returns to Paisley from Friday 13 – Saturday 21 October. The nine-day festival, which will take place at venues across Paisley, is Scotland’s premier celebration of Gaelic culture and heritage and will feature a range of competitive disciplines, including Gaelic song, poetry, literature, drama, instrumental, Highland dancing and sport.

To find out more about Fèis Week, visit www.feisphaislig.com and click here to find out more about Mòd Phàislig 2023.

Seachdain na Fèise 2023 a’ tòiseachadh

 

Gheibh luchd-ciùil òg air feadh Siorrachd Rinn Friù cothrom pàirt a ghabhail ann an sreath de bhùthan-obrach cultarach traidiseanta mar phàirt de Sheachdain na Fèise.

Tha Seachdain na Fèise, a bhios ann an Àrd-sgoil Johnstone eadar 18 – 21 Iuchar, air a ruith leis a’ bhuidhinn ealain is cultair Ghàidhlig, Fèis Phàislig: seachdain thrang de bhùthan-obrach ealain do dhaoine òga eadar 5-18 bliadhna a dh’aois.

Thar na seachdain, bidh daoine òga ag obair le proifeiseantaich ann an raon de bhùthan-obrach a bheir dhaibh blasad spòrsail, tarraingeach de cheòl traidiseanta, òrain, dèanamh fhilmichean, dannsa, sgilean siorcais agus ealain. Thig an t-seachdain gu crìch le cuirm-chiùil far am faod caraidean is teaghlach a thighinn a choimhead air na tha an òigridh air a bhith a’ dèanamh.

Tha na seiseanan ruigsinneach agus spòrsail ach ag amas air sgilean a thogail, a’ toirt eòlas tarraingeach is brosnachail do dhaoine òga air cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig. Bidh òigridh cuideachd a’ gabhail pàirt ann an tachartasan Gàidhlig tron t-seachdain agus thèid cuid de na bùthan-obrach a lìbhrigeadh ann am Beurla agus Gàidhlig gus cothrom a thoirt dhaibhsan a tha ag ionnsachadh tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig an sgilean cànain a leasachadh agus com-pàirtichean eile a bhrosnachadh gus beagan fhaclan no abairtean Gàidhlig a thogail.

Thuirt stiùiriche Fèis Phàislig, Grannd MacPhàrlain: “Tha Seachdain na Fèise a’ toirt cothrom air leth do dhaoine òga barrachd ionnsachadh mu cheòl traidiseanta agus cultar na Gàidhlig ann an dòigh spòrsail. Tha na h-oidean againn uile nan luchd-ciùil eòlach, proifeasanta, agus sgileil ann a bhith ag obair còmhla ri daoine òga. Cha eil teagamh nach brosnaich iad ùidh is meas chom-pàirtichean ann an cultar na Gàidhlig.

“Tha Fèis na bliadhna air leth inntinneach leis gum bi Pàislig a’ cumail a’ Mhòid Nàiseanta Rìoghail san Dàmhair. Tha fìor choimhearsnachd ann an Siorrachd Rinn Friù mu thimcheall cultar na Gàidhlig agus tha Seachdain na Fèise agus am Mòd nan deagh chothroman gus a’ choimhearsnachd sin a leasachadh.”

Tha am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail, air a chur air dòigh leis a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach, a’ tilleadh a Phàislig bho Dhihaoine 13 – Disathairne 21 Dàmhair. Is e an tachartas naoi-latha, a thèid a chumail ann an ionadan air feadh Phàislig, prìomh fhèis na h-Albaairson cultar is dualchas na Gàidhlig agus bidh iomadh farpais na lùib, a’ gabhail a-steach òrain Ghàidhlig, bàrdachd, litreachas, dràma, innealan-ciùil, dannsa Gàidhealach agus spòrs.

Airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu Sheachdain na Fèise, tadhail airwww.feisphaislig.com no airson tuilleadh fiosrachaidh mu Mhòd Phàislig tadhail air www.modphaislig.com.

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  • Young boy and girl playing in the rain.

The weather in Scotland can be changeable, but don’t let that stop you.

Whatever your age, you can have some fun this summer with our list of seven rainy day things to do in Renfrewshire.

Go hunting for mythical beasts with the new PaisleyFirst Lego trail.

Running from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 13 August, there are 18 different beasts to find. Trail maps are available from the Piazza Shopping Centre and The Paisley Centre.

Have a splash about with OneRen’s Cool Summer Swimming.

Whether you fancy Fun Swim at Renfrew Victory Baths, or a Splash Session at Johnstone Community Sports Hub, OneRen have something for you. Plus, this summer, Family Swim Passes are available for all OneRen pools.

Get hands-on with history at the Weavers Cottage.

In the centre of Kilbarchan you’ll find an atmospheric cottage and hands-on museum where the traditional weaver’s craft comes to life. Step back in time and learn about what it was like to live in Renfrewshire over 200 years ago. The cottage is also Renfrewshire’s only National Trust for Scotland property, so it’s a must-visit for Trust members, who get free admission to all Trust places.

Curl up on the sofa and get lost in a great book.

OneRen have 12 libraries around Renfrewshire packed with every kind of book you can imagine. Whether you’re looking for a swashbuckling adventure, the latest biography, or some gritty true crime, you’ll find it in the library. All you need to do is sign up for a free library card. The library also offers home delivery, e-books and e-magazines—so you don’t even need to get your coat on.

Get into nature at the RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve.

Whilst not-strictly an indoor activity, the trails at RSBP Lochwinnoch are very sheltered. The hides and visitors centre provide a break from the rain, and the raised viewing tower is the perfect place to spot wildlife. RSPB Lochwinnoch is one of the best wetlands in Scotland, and even on a driech day the reserve is full of interesting things to see.

Jump, slide and tumble at one of Renfrewshire’s indoor play centres.

Both the Big Adventure in Linwood and Pandamonium in Erskine offer great soft play centres. With sliding things, bouncy things, wobbling things and climbing things, kids of all ages will love it. Plus with free parking and good coffee, they’re great for parents too.

Explore Paisley’s weaving heritage at the Sma’ Shot Cottages.

Turn back the clock as you walk through the door into a typical 18th century weaver’s cottage. Local guides will accompany you and provide a fascinating insight into how a typical weaving family lived and worked. Plus, the tearoom serves delicious homecooked food, ideal for some post-tour refreshments.

Of course, you can also just embrace the rain! Put your wellies on, grab your coat and go explore. Find some puddles, spot some wildlife, and have a fun time.

Have we missed something out? What’s your favourite rainy day activity in Renfrewshire? Get in touch on social and let us know.

 

More summer fun

  • Toddler sits in between green strawberry plants holding a big red strawberry
  • Hand holds red strawberries still attached to the plant.

Natalie, mum of two is always looking for fun things to do with the kids. This weekend she tried strawberry picking and was not disappointed.

The summer sun was shining, the wind blowing gently through the long grass and the sweet smell of strawberries in the air.

East Yonderton Farm is a lovely farm in the most interesting of places. Just off Barnsford Road which hugs the side of Glasgow Airport.

Young girl dressed in pink shorts and t-shirt stands on a path beside a big field of long green grass. She is holding a blue punnet and smiling.

I called ahead during the week and booked our space in the car park. We arrived just as the Emirates A380 was taking off which was a sight to be seen on its own.

As we entered the farm we were greeted by a parking attendant who guided us to a space. Then we made our way to the barn to collect our punnets, we went for two 1kg boxes.

We followed the path down past the perfectly cut long grass, past the pea pods and gooseberries and straight to the strawberries. The first thing that hit me was the smell of the strawberries, instantly my mouth watered.

The rows upon rows of bright red strawberries looked so inviting, and even although we had never done it before my three-year-old daughter Isla knew exactly what to do.

We spent about an hour in the field picking the strawberries and pea pods. The friendly farmer was on hand if you had any questions – and make sure you weren’t eating too many strawberries before they went in the box.

Young girl is walking in a strawberry field holding a blue punnet filled with strawberries.

There was no charge for coming down the farm you simply paid for what you picked. We spent £10 on our two punnets (2kg) and took them home to make strawberry ice cream – as requested by Isla.

It was a lovely afternoon and we would definitely go back. If you are looking for things to do especially with kids we would give this a thumbs up – the strawberries are pretty tasty too.

Tip

Pack a picnic. Although you can’t eat your picnic in the farm, the car park is on a grass field with some lovely big trees providing much needed shade. Once you have picked all your strawberries sit down under a big shady tree and enjoy a picnic (and the fruits of your labour) while watching the planes taking off.

I asked Isla what her favourite part of the day was...strawberry ice cream!

Isla, aged 3

Contact

East Yonderton Farm

Walkinshaw Rd

Renfrew PA4 9LP

 0141 889 3492

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A sensational, dynamic and inclusive programme of concerts, events, exhibitions and workshops has been unveiled for the Royal National Mòd which returns to Paisley between 13 – 21 October 2023.

Scotland’s premier Gaelic cultural event will celebrate the language and Scottish traditional music, song, drama, literature, art and sport.

Hundreds of musicians and artists will take to stages, halls and libraries in over 20 venues across Paisley and its surrounding areas during the nine-day event when it returns to the Renfrewshire town for the first time in ten years.

Mòd Phàislig will get underway with the Cuirm-Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2023 (Mòd 2023 Opening Concert) at Paisley Town Hall on Friday 13th October, featuring contemporary folk act, Breabach. The five-piece, who are currently Folk Band of the Year, will be one of the first acts to take to the stage of the newly refurbished Renfrewshire venue.

The hall will also play host to an unforgettable night of traditional music and Gaelic culture showcasing young talent from Renfrewshire and beyond for Ar Cànan ‘s Ar Ceòl (Our Language Our Music) on Saturday 14th October. Fèis Phàislig youngsters and the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band will put on a show-stopping performance, whilst The Glasgow Gaelic Choir will be joined by some of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singers including Ainsley Hamill, Deirdre Graham and Joy Dunlop. Kilbarchan Pipe Band and Jenna Reid and Harris Playfair will also make an appearance on the show’s fantastic bill.

A specially created show launching the reworked Gaelic song collection of Frances Tolmie: Gun Sireadh Gun Iarraidh, will also take place at Paisley Town Hall on Tuesday, 17th October.

Tolmie’s iconic collection of songs have been passed down, reimagined and reshaped over many years, and are being brought together in one special collection by Kenna Campbell and Ainsley Hamill. The pair will be joined by others who have used Tolmie with their own repertoire and style, including Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Macpherson, Màiri Callan, James Graham, Rachel Walker, Mary Ann Kennedy, Wilma Kennedy and Seumas Campbell. They will be accompanied by a Scottish folk all-star house band.

There will also be an opportunity to connect with Gaelic outdoors – thanks to a Gaelic Nature Walk at Paisley’s Fountain Gardens led by Alasdair Whyte and developed in partnership with local community development organisation STAR Project. On Sunday 15th October, participants will be able to experience Paisley’s oldest public gardens, discover Gaelic folklore and learn Gaelic names for the trees, plants, animals, birds and features in the park.

Workshops are also on the programme, with Gaelic speaker and traditional musician Evie Waddell hosting Fàilte Gu British Sign Language (BSL) (Welcome to BSL) on Friday 20th October. Joined by a team of d/Deaf performers, Evie will help participants learn some Gaelic signed song and rhythmic traditional step dance in what is set to be a joyful cultural exchange that will be open to all. A vibrant show will follow at Paisley Town Hall that evening, using traditional songs and stories, sign and dance, to explore the relationships between Scottish culture, Gaelic and BSL.

There will be a varied and extensive programme for families across the week with activity taking place in venues right across Renfrewshire. Struth will return on the Monday and Tuesday, giving young people the opportunity to chat with some of Gaeldom’s best-known stars, while week-long Mòd Kids Clubs and day sessions led by Fèis Phàislig, and local partners such as Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and Erskine Arts, will fill the October school holidays with a raft of activity.

Gaelic Bookbug will run at libraries in Linwood, Foxbar, Ralston, Johnstone and Glenburn, while children’s ceilidhs will take place at the UWS Students’ Union on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th October.

Later in the week, The Tannahill Centre will stage the Fàilte Cèilidh – a warm welcoming multi-cultural ceilidh for communities from all cultures to share stories in their native languages, mixed with Gaelic. The event on Thursday 19th October will be hosted by School of African Cultures in partnership with local community groups Pachedu and Inspiring Families.

As Halloween nears and the Mòd draws to a close, Saturday 21st October will see a Spooky Samhain Family Cèilidh at UWS Students’ Union. This Halloween themed cèilidh for all the family, led by Fèis Phàislig, will celebrate Halloween and the Samhain festival in Paisley’s famous fashion.

The coveted sport events will also bring the Mòd’s programme of activity to the King George V Playing Fields on Saturday 14th October. The sport of the Gaels, shinty, will be played by men’s, women’s and youth teams in hotly contested finals, while the Football Mòd Cup will see two teams with Gaelic roots battle it out. While Sunday 15th October sees Paisley Abbey welcome the Mòd Church Service.

The celebrations are set to go into the wee hours and spill out into businesses across the town, with the Mòd Festival Club being held at The Sneddon. The Paisley pub will welcome a variety of pop-up live music sessions and entertainment each day of the festival and give event goers a chance to catch up after the day’s festivities.

The much-loved Bungalow will host the Mòd Late & Live which will let visitors experience live traditional and Gaelic music from some of the best names on the scene. The Swan and The Keg will also be home to lively pub sessions throughout the week of the event.

The wealth of events and activities on offer sits alongside the Mòd’s prestigious competition schedule, which will see the usual array of talent vying for the most coveted titles in Gaeldom. The Gold Medal, Traditional Gold Medal Final and Silver Pendant competitions, choirs competitions and Drama Final will all take place throughout the week, alongside children’s and music competitions, which will all welcome competitors from across Scotland and the wider world to Paisley.

Battle of the Bands will also be back for 2023 as young Scottish traditional and Gaelic acts perform for an esteemed panel of judges and lively audience at the The Wynd Centre for the final on Tuesday 17th October and the Literature Prize Giving will be held on Wednesday 18th October.

Following last year’s addition of art into the Mòd programme for the first time, artworks championing Gaelic culture and Scottish life from across Scotland will also be celebrated at the Mòd Phàislig with a digital display. The entrants for the Highland Art Prize will then be showcased at Glasgow’s Briggait from Friday 20th October. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the ten longlist finalists.

A fitting finale to the Paisley Mòd will come in the form of the much-loved Massed Choirs. Hundreds of singers in choirs across Scotland will join in solidarity when they congregate in Paisley town centre on Saturday 21st October.

That night, folk-electronica powerhouse Niteworks will play Paisley Town Hall to round off a spectacular nine-day celebration of Gaelic. The concert presented by The Reeling, which was announced last month and marks the band’s only Scottish venue gig of the year, has seen fans snap up tickets.

Mòd Phàislig 2023

Tha prògram do-chreidsinneach, fiùghantach agus in-ghabhalach de chuirmean-ciùil, tachartasan, taisbeanaidhean agus bùithtean-obrach air fhoillseachadh leis a’ Mhòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail ’s e a’ tilleadh a Phàislig eadar 13 – 21 Dàmhair 2023.

Bidh prìomh thachartas cultarach Gàidhlig na h-Alba a’ comharrachadh a’ chànain còmhla ri ceòl traidiseanta, òrain, dràma, litreachas, ealain agus spòrs na h-Alba.

Bidh na ceudan de luchd-ciùil agus luchd-ealain a’ gabhail chun an àrd-ùrlair, tallachan agus leabharlannan ann an còrr air 20 ionad-cruinneachaidh ann am Pàislig agus san sgìre mun cuairt rè an tachartais naoi làithean seo, nuair a thilleas e don bhaile ann an Siorrachd Rinn Friù airson a’ chiad uair ann an deich bliadhna.

Thèid Mòd Phàislig a chur fo sheòl le Cuirm Fosglaidh a’ Mhòid 2023 ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air Dihaoine 13 Dàmhair, a’ nochdadh a’ bhuidhinn cho-aimsireil tuath-cheòl, Breabach. Bidh an còmhlan de chòignear, a tha gu làithreach ainmichte mar Còmhlan Tuath-cheòl na Bliadhna, mar aon de na ciad thachartasan a ghabhas gu àrd-ùrlar an ionad-chruinneachaidh seo a tha air a dhèanamh suas às ùr, ann an Siorrachd Rinn Friù.

Bidh an talla a’ toirt aoigheachd cuideachd do dh’oidhche nach tèid à cuimhne de cheòl traidiseanta agus de chultar na Gàidhlig, a’ taisbeanadh tàlant òg à Siorrachd Rinn Friù agus nas fhaide a-muigh airson Ar Cànan ’s Ar Ceòl air Disathairne 14 Dàmhair.  Bidh òigridh Fèis Phàislig agus Còmhlan Pìobaireachd Sgoiltean Siorrachd Rinn Friù a’ cur gnìomhadh iongantach air àrd-ùrlar, fhad ’s a bhios cuid de na seinneadairean Gàidhlig as grinne ann an Alba, a’ gabhail a-steach Ainsley Hamill, Deirdre Ghreumach agus Joy Dunlop, a’ gabhail pàirt còmhla ri Còisir Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu.  Còmhla riutha air àrd-ùrlar bidh Còmhlan Pìobaireachd Chill Bhearchain agus Jenna Reid is Harris Playfair a’ nochdadh air prògram na h-oidhche.

Thèid taisbeanadh air ùr-chruthachadh, a’ cur air bhog cruinneachadh às ùr de dh’òrain Ghàidhlig Frances Tolmie: Gun Sireadh Gun Iarraidh, a chur air àrd-ùrlar ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair.

Tha an cruinneachadh suaicheanta de dh’òrain Tolmie air an sìneadh sìos, air an ath-obrachadh ’s air an ath-chumadh thar mòran bhliadhnaichean, agus air an toirt còmhla ann an aon chruinneachadh speisealta le Kenna Chaimbeul agus Ainsley Hamill. Còmhla ris an dithis sin, bidh feadhainn eile a tha air Tolmie a chleachdadh nan cruinneachadh agus na stoidhle fhèin, a’ gabhail a-steach Ceitlin Lilidh, Mischa Nic a’ Phearsain, Màiri Callan, Seumas Greumach, Raonaid Walker, Màiri Anna NicUalraig, Wilma NicUalraig agus Seumas Caimbeul. Gheibh iad taic-ciùil bho chòmhlan taighe de rionnagan tuath-cheòl Albannach.

Bidh cothrom ann cuideachd ceangal a dhèanamh le Gàidhlig air an taobh a-muigh le taing do Chuairt Nàdair Ghàidhlig ann an Gàrraidhean Fuarain Phàislig, air a stiùireadh le Alasdair Whyte agus air a leasachadh ann an com-pàirteachas leis a’ bhuidheann leasachaidh coimhearsnachd ionadail, Pròiseact STAR. Air Didòmhnaich 15 Dàmhair, bidh cothrom aig com-pàirtichean eòlas a chur air na gàrraidhean poblach as sine ann am Pàislig, faighinn a-mach mu bheul-aithris Gàidhlig agus ainmean Gàidhlig do chraobhan, planntrais, beathaichean, eòin agus àiteachan cudromach sa phàirc, ionnsachadh.

Tha bùithtean-obrach air a’ phrògram cuideachd, leis an neach-labhairt Gàidhlig agus an neach-ciùil traidiseanta, Evie Waddell a’ toirt aoigheachd do Fàilte Gu Cànan Soidhnidh Bhreatainn (BSL) air Dihaoine 20 Dàmhair. Le sgioba de luchd-gnìomhaidh a tha bodhar,  bidh Evie a’ cuideachadh chom-pàirtichean le beagan Gàidhlig ionnsachadh, agus òrain is dannsa-ceum traidiseanta ruitheamach soidhnichte, ann an suidheachadh a tha gu bhith na iomlaid chultarach thoilichte agus fosgailte do na h-uile. Leanaidh taisbeanadh beòthail ann an Talla Baile Phàislig air an fheasgar sin, a’ cleachdadh òrain agus sgeulachdan traidiseanta, soidhneadh agus dannsa, gus na dàimhean eadar cultar na h-Alba, Gàidhlig agus BSL a rannsachadh.

Bidh prògram farsaing agus measgaichte ann do theaghlaichean fad na seachdaine le gnìomhachdan a’ gabhail àite ann an ionadan-cruinneachaidh air feadh sgìre Siorrachd Rinn Friù.  Tillidh Struth air Diluain agus Dimàirt, a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine òga còmhradh ri cuid de na rionnagan as aithnichte ann an saoghal nan Gàidheal, fhad ’s a bhios Clubaichean Clann a’ Mhòid a’ dol fad na seachdaine agus seiseanan gach latha air an stiùireadh le Fèis Phàislig, agus com-pàirtichean ionadail leithid Fèis Ealain Loch Uinneach a’ lìonadh seachdain nan saor-làithean sgoile san Dàmhair le sreath de ghnìomhachd.

Ann an leabharlannan Linwood, Foxbar, Baile Raghnaill, Baile Iain agus Glenburn, bidh Bookbug Gàidhlig a’ ruith fhad ’s a bhios cèilidhean chloinne a’ gabhail àite ann an Aonadh Oileanaich UWS air Diluain 16 agus Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair.

Nas fhaide air adhart san t-seachdain, bidh Ionad Tannahill ga chleachdadh airson Cèilidh Fàilte – cèilidh ioma-chultarach fàilteach do choimhearsnachdan bho gach cultar gus sgeulachdan a roinn nan cànan dùthchasach, measgaichte le Gàidhlig. Gheibh an tachartas air Diardaoin 19 Dàmhair aoigheachd bho Sgoil nan Cultaran Afraganach ann an com-pàirteachas leis na buidhnean coimhearsnachd ionadail, Pachedu agus Inspiring Families.

Mar a bhios oidhche Shamhna a’ tarraing nas dlùithe agus am Mòd a’ tighinn gu crìch, air Disathairne 21 Dàmhair chithear Cèilidh Teaghlaich Spooky Samhain a’ gabhail àite aig Aonadh Oileanaich UWS. Bidh an cèilidh cuspaireil Samhna seo don teaghlach air fad, air a stiùireadh le Fèis Phàislig, a’ comharrachadh Oidhche Shamhna agus fèis Shamhna ann an stoidhle ainmeil Phàislig.

Bheir na tachartasan cliùiteach spòrs prògram ghnìomhachdan a’ Mhòid gu Raointean Cluiche Rìgh Seòras V air Disathairne 14 Dàmhair. Thèid iomain, spòrs nan Gàidheal, a chluich le sgiobaidhean nam fear, nam mnathan agus na h-òigridh ann am farpaisean crìochnachaidh a bhios gu math teann, agus chì Cupa Ball-coise a’ Mhòid dà sgioba le freumhan Gàidhlig a’ farpais an aghaidh a chèile. Air Didòmhnaich 15 Dàmhair, bidh Abaid Phàislig a’ cur fàilte air Seirbheis Eaglaiseil a’ Mhòid.

Tha na subhachasan deiseil airson a dhol air adhart gu uairean beaga na maidne air feadh a’ bhaile, agus sgaoileadh a-mach gu gnothachasan air feadh na sgìre, le Club Fèis a’ Mhòid ga chumail anns an Sneddon. Cuiridh an taigh-seinnse seo ann am Pàislig fàilte air measgachadh de sheiseanan ciùil beò sealach agus cur-seachad air gach latha den fhèis, a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-tadhail air fois a ghabhail an dèidh subhachasan an latha.

Bidh am Bungalow a’ toirt aoigheachd don Mòd Anmoch is Beò anns a’ Bhungalow, a bheir cothrom do luchd-tadhail eòlas a chur air ceòl traidiseanta is Gàidhlig bho chuid de na h-ainmean as fheàrr a tha mun cuairt. Bidh an Swan agus an Keg nan dachaigh do sheiseanan taigh-seinnse air feadh na seachadaine.

Tha am beairteas de thachartasan agus ghnìomhachdan a thathar a’ tabhann a’ ruith taobh ri taobh le clàr fharpaisean cliùiteach a’ Mhòid, a chì an sreath àbhaisteach de thàlant a’ farpais airson nan tiotalan as tograiche ann an saoghal nan Gàidheal. Gabhaidh am Bonn Òir, Farpais Crìochnachaidh an t-Seann Nòis, agus farpaisean an Aigeallain Airgid, farpaisean chòisirean agus Farpais Crìochnachaidh an Dràma àite tron t-seachdain, ri taobh farpaisean chloinne is ciùil, a chuireas uile fàilte air farpaisich bho air feadh Alba agus an t-saoghail nas fharsainge, gu Pàislig.

Bidh Cogadh nan Còmhlan air ais ann an 2023 agus còmhlain òga traidiseanta Albannach agus Gàidhlig a’ gnìomhadh mu choinneamh pannal spèiseil de bhritheamhan agus luchd-èisteachd beò aig Ionad Wynd, airson na farpais chrìochnachaidh air Dimàirt 17 Dàmhair agus na Duaisean Litreachais gam buileachadh air Diciadain 18 Dàmhair.

A’ leantainn air farpais ealain na bliadhna an-uiridh ga chur ri prògram a’ Mhòid, bidh obair-ealain ag adhartachadh cultar Gàidhlig agus beatha Alba bho air feadh Alba, ga chomharrachadh aig Mòd Phàislig le taisbeanadh didseatach. Thèid com-pàirtichean Duais Ealain na Gàidhealtachd a thaisbeanadh an uair sin sa Bhriggait ann an Glaschu bho Dihaoine 20mh Dàmhair. Faodaidh luchd-tadhail tlachd a ghabhail cuideachd à cuairt stiùirichte de obair nan deichnear luchd-crìochnachaidh air an liosta fhada.

Thig crìoch fhreagarrach air Mòd Phàislig ann an cruth Caithream nan Còisirean. Thig na ceudan de sheinneadairean bho air feadh Alba còmhla nuair a chruinnicheas iad ann am meadhan Baile Phàislig air Disathairne 21 Dàmhair.

An oidhche sin, bidh còmhlan folk-electronica Niteworks a’ cluich ann an Talla Baile Phàislig gus naoi làithean iongantach de shubhachasan a thoirt gu crìch. Tha a’ chuirm-chiùil a chaidh ainmeachadh air a’ mhìos mu dheireadh air a riochdachadh leis The Reeling, ’s iad a’ comharrachadh an aon chuirm a-mhàin aig a’ chòmhlan ann an Alba am-bliadhna, agus air a bhith a’ faicinn thiogaidean gan ceannach nan sruthan.

This year’s Royal National Mòd programme truly has something for everyone and shows the incredible breadth and richness of Gaelic language and culture spanning all backgrounds and ages.

James Graham
Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach

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